Missouri EMT Training
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are part of the Emergency Medical Services system. EMTs are commonly confused with paramedics because of the similarity in their job responsibilities. Paramedics are allowed to perform more procedures than EMTs and have a higher level of training. There are state and national regulations for EMTs and paramedics.
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Purpose
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The main purpose of EMTs is to provide medical care to members of the community involved in medical emergencies. Simply put, they save lives. They are usually the the first medical personnel to respond to medical emergencies. In Missouri, as part of the EMS system, EMT's main purpose is to protect the health and wellness of the community by exceeding the state's regulations and standards of medical care.
Job Responsibilites
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The job responsibilities for an EMT in Missouri vary by employer, but follow the same basic requirements. EMTs are responsible for assisting paramedics in life saving endeavors, but must not perform duties out of their scope of practice. They are also responsible for performing basic life support endeavors no matter what the medical situation. Other duties include caring for and stocking the ambulance and filling out all patient paperwork.
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Training Programs
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Many EMT training programs available throughout the state of Missouri. Online training programs are also available. All EMT training programs require all candidates to have at least a high school diploma before entering the program. Most basic training programs are about 16 weeks and include basic life support techniques, use of ambulance and emergency room equipment, and patient assessment. All programs prepare students to take the EMT Exam.
Exams
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The Missouri State EMT Practical Exam has two sections, assessment, which can be medical or trauma; and skills. The assessment station is hands-on and covers patient survey, treatment of life-threatening injuries, and patient management. All actions are conveyed verbally. The skills section tests specific skills including Combitube/PTLA, bleeding wound management, oxygen administration/mask, traction splint, oxygen, administration/cannula, sling and swath, cardiac arrest mgt/AED, airway adjuncts and suction, board splint, and seated and supine spinal immobilization. Candidates should treat each situation as if they were on an actual call.
Initial And Renewal Licenses
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The initial EMT-Basic license and renewal license require EMTs to complete 100 hours of continuing education every five years. The hours must include 48 of core requirements and 52 of EMS related program electives. The core requirements breakdown as follows: two hours preparatory education; four hours airway education; six hours patient assessment; eight hours medical/behavioral education; eight hours trauma education; four hours OB, infants and child education; and 16 hours electives from any of the previous categories.
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References
- Photo Credit emt image by JASON WINTER from Fotolia.com
