Studying and training to be a paramedic is a challenging time. Once you’ve been accepted into the school of your choice, expect to study long hours with rigorous schedules that test the mettle of even the strongest students. When you’re putting in 24-hour shifts during your internship, make the extra effort to be polite and respectful of the people around you. Training typically means working with crew members and fellow students, instructors, patients, their families, and hospital staff. How you handle each experience will ultimately determine the kind of professional you’ll become. Here’s some added information on how to prepare to be a paramedic. You’re sure to find it helpful.

Select Your Training Program to Match Your Goals

When researching the right training program, you’ll consider different factors, such as the type of course, clinical rotations, cost, the reputation of the program, and the accreditation you’ll get. You’ll also factor in practical issues like the distance you’ll travel for the classes and commuting time. Paramedic training courses can be a college credit-bearing course or a non-credit continuing education program. 

A college education is mandatory for students hoping to work in the fire department or become a nurse or doctor. If you’re not interested in college credits, opting for a continuing education program could be the better choice. Once you acquire certification, you can always apply for college credits. However, getting into a program that complies with the standards outlined by the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the EMS Professions (CoAEMSP) could be beneficial for your career down the line. Also, take the time to research programs that qualify you to work on the federal or local levels depending on your goals, such as an EMS management or leadership job.

Courses Include EMT Core Topics and BLS Knowledge

Paramedic or Emergency Medical Technicians training is about helping patients before they reach the hospital. You have to think on your feet and make an instant diagnosis on the field according to the symptoms. EMT core topics include trauma, emergency childbirth, psychological emergencies, and medical emergencies. You could also be called in for environmental injuries and identifying and treating respiratory and circulatory emergencies. 

Leveraging your BLS knowledge can be an advantage, so review your notes on AHA CPR techniques, cardiac anatomy and emergencies, getting patient history, and conducting a physical exam. Courses are typically covered in forty-six instruction hours and fifty- seven lab hours. Once you complete the required hours, you’re eligible to sit for the certification exam for emergency medical technicians. 

Use All the Time-Saving Tools Available

The most critical key to preparing to be a successful EMT is time management. Create study groups, so you can continue to review materials even when working in the field. Carpool with classmates so you can have more time to study. Cram all the knowledge and practical advice you can get from instructors. Ask questions and keep a record of the advice you get when working with patients. You could also download phone apps that provide a mock paramedic practice test. The questions on this test are designed to mimic the actual exam. Each practice test you take helps evaluate your grasp of the materials and identify the areas where you need to work harder. Also, take the time to read up on the latest medications and emergency treatment protocols to stay updated on the field.

Training to be a paramedic is a tough journey, but the profession is intensely rewarding. The ability to save lives and help people will make all the hard work every bit worth it.