Paramedic Field Training

Paramedic field training can include on-the-job training in an ambulance.

A paramedic is the most advanced certification an emergency medical technician can receive. Most paramedic training programs require the student to undergo field training. During this training the student gains on-the-job knowledge.

Features

The student paramedic works under the supervision of a certified paramedic.

During paramedic field training a student will work under the guidance of certified paramedics in an ambulance setting. The student paramedic will go on ride-alongs with the crew and the ambulance to various accidents or 911 calls. The paramedic student will then report back to his school's instructor on a routine basis to ensure the training is being completed.

Significance

Students gain experience, which should help in the NREMT test.

During the paramedic field training the student is confronted with various scenarios, which can include childbirth, trauma, burns and cardiac arrest. These scenarios prepare the paramedic for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians test, on which a passing score is required in most states to become a certified paramedic. During the psychomotor portion of the test paramedics are tested on 12 real-world scenarios that could happen on the job. The field training is intended to prepare students for these scenarios.

Time Frame

Training usually takes one to two years.

The time spent in field training varies by state. For example, in Alaska and California, many field training programs require 480 hours of instruction. According to the United States Department of Labor Statistics, paramedic training usually takes one to two years to complete.

References

• National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians: Certification
• Health Career in Alaska: Field Training
• San Francisco Paramedic Association: California Field Training

Resources

• United States Bureau of Labor Statistics: Paramedic