Chicago EMT Training
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) respond to emergencies such as vehicle accidents, heart attacks, fires and gunshots to provide emergency care before and during ambulance transportation. EMTs are dispatched from a central location to a scene by a 911 operator. Chicago's Northwestern University reports that the Chicago Fire Department (CFD) responds to more than 250,000 calls annually in which EMTs are dispatched. Five training facilities in Chicago prepare EMTs for the quick, precise decisions they often make.
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Significance
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Chicago EMT training programs prepare students not only for core emergency medical concepts, but also for scenarios unique to heavily populated areas. Chicago is home to about 3 million people, and it also serves as a prime location for events that attract thousands of people. EMT students learn how to provide services during high-volume public events, such as Taste of Chicago. They also train for bioterrorist attacks, terrorist attacks and natural disasters, all of which may have mass casualties.
Programs
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Northwestern University, Malcolm X College, Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, University of Chicago and South Suburban College offer EMT training programs. The institutions collaborate to develop and implement appropriate training and continuing educational programs for Chicago EMTs. According to Northwestern University, students from Chicago programs have a near perfect success rate on the state licensing exam. EMTs in Chicago programs typically receive a certificate in emergency medical services.
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Types
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The state of Illinois recognizes two levels of EMTs: EMT-Bs and paramedics. Paramedics are considered more advanced than the EMT-B. They typically ride along on advanced life support ambulances and perform more advanced techniques.
Admissions
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Students seeking admission to an EMT program must hold a high school diploma or GED. Students seeking admission to a paramedic program must hold a valid EMT state license and have completed at least 500 hours, or six months, of ambulance experience.
Instruction
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Curriculum for EMTs involves didactic classroom instruction, hands-on training exercises and weekly email updates on basic topics. Courses may include biological basis of health and illness; introduction to emergency management; individual, family, community wellness and health; health care of vulnerable populations; and public health emergency planning. Local physicians and nurses are involved in developing core training concepts and ongoing educational opportunities for practicing EMTs. Ongoing instruction has increasingly focused on disaster and bioterrorism preparation.
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References
- Photo Credit emt image by JASON WINTER from Fotolia.com
