Wyoming EMT Training

EMTs are trained to provide critical pre-hospital care while transporting patients in an ambulnace.

In Wyoming, emergency medical service (EMS) workers save more than 2,000 lives each year. The majority of the emergency medical technicians (EMTs) in Wyoming work full- or part-time, with about a third of the state's EMTs working as volunteers. EMTs can receive certification at three levels: EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate and EMT-Paramedic. All levels of certification require training in pre-hospital care and medical transport.

Requirements

All Wyoming EMTs must possess either a BLS Healthcare Provider CPR card or an American Red Cross Professional Rescuer card. Most certification programs will require their students to pass a criminal history check and drug screen. Additionally, EMTs must be at least 18 years of age and have their GED or high school diploma. In order to become certified at the EMT-Intermediate or EMT-Paramedic level, trainees must already have their certification as an EMT-Basic.

Programs

Generally, EMT training programs are held at community colleges and technical schools. Wyoming offers several programs for EMT certification, including programs at the EMS Office at the Wyoming Department of Health. Several local medical centers and EMS providers also offer programs on a regular basis. EMTs who have completed a training program in another state may still become licensed in Wyoming as long as they provide a current certification card from their out-of-state training. All programs must be approved by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT), which accredits only those schools that adhere to the National Standard Curriculum.

Classroom Instruction

The majority of an EMT training program occurs in the classroom. Courses include information about dealing with a variety of emergency situations, including bleeding, wounds, transporting injured victims, childbirth and restricted airways. In order to receive advanced-level EMT certification, students must also learn about complex skills such as performing endotracheal intubations, administering medications and reading electrocardiograms (EKGs).

Clinicals

All EMT training program students participate in clinical assignments---field placements wherein students work in hospital and ambulance settings in order to learn from experienced EMTs and practice their skills. The amount of time for clinical assignments tends to be more limited for EMT-Basic and -Intermediate students, while EMT-Paramedics must complete more extensive clinical rotations that offer experience in a variety of areas, including pediatrics and critical care units.

Licensure

In Wyoming, EMT trainees who have completed a certification program must apply to take a state-approved test for official Wyoming EMT certification. Students must send in documentation from their training in order to receive approval to take the exam. Wyoming-certified EMTs must also take the NREMT exam to become officially licensed. This exam includes a cognitive, question-based section as well as a psychomotor portion where test-takers need to demonstrate their skills firsthand. Wyoming EMTs must renew their license every two years by taking an exam at the EMS Office in Cheyenne.

References

• Wyoming Department of Health: Certification for EMS Providers in Wyoming
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics
• National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians: EMT-Basic
• U.S. Department of Transportation: EMT-Paramedic National Standard Curriculum
• Wyoming Department of Health: EMS Data