EMT's are widely known to be "CPR experts". So before beginning EMT school, the very first part of the process was learning health care provider level CPR. This included how to use an oxygyn tank and bag-valve mask. Also learning how to properly apply and use an A.E.D.
The next part of the process was learning all of the
standard protocol for any given situation. Obtaining vital signs, doing CPR,
analyzing abdominal pain, checking a sore throat, applying oxygen, and
strapping someone to a backboard all have individual sets of protocol that must
be followed.
The third and most important part of the process was
learning how to be comfortable in intense situations. Mock scenarios were given
to see how well we could perform under pressure. We were put in groups and
everyone had a specific task to perform as if we were on a real aid call.
Once we got over the intensity, the next part of the process
was treating actual patients. We did this by getting “field experience” such as
ambulance ride-alongs, and ER rotations. The benefit of this was learning
appropriate bedside manner for many different situations. You also got a better
understanding of how people reacted to pain and sickness.
The next part of the process was actually becoming licensed.
We had to take two tests: The written test, and the state practical. The
written test was mainly protocol questions and common sense knowledge. Also, a
series of human anatomy questions were posed. The state practical involved mock scenarios
with real people acting as patients. The “patients” were dressed appropriately for
the given situations such as fake blood, torn clothes, mocked gunshot wounds and
oxygen masks. After the practical, you were required to write a medical report
based on the evidence and observations obtained during the test.
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