How to Become a Paramedic in Chicago

Paramedics are vital members of the healthcare team. They work in a pre-hospital setting, responding to emergencies to treat and stabilize patients who have various medical problems. They may encounter a wide variety of injuries and illnesses in the field. Paramedics have more training and more skills than a basic emergency medical technician. Paramedics perform skills known as advanced life support. The requirements to become a paramedic vary by state.

Instructions

1. Obtain an EMT- basic certification. Paramedics in Chicago must first have earned this entry level certification. A basic EMT training class can usually be completed in a few months. Classes are offered at several community colleges in the Chicago area. Learn basic skills such as patient assessments, CPR, splinting a broken bone and bandaging an injury.

2. Attend paramedic school. Several colleges in the Chicago area offer classes to become a paramedic, including City College of Chicago, Malcolm X College, and South Suburban College. Program length varies from one to two years.

3. Learn advanced skills such as intubating, which is putting a breathing tube in a patient’s trachea. Learn to give intravenous medications, deliver a baby and use a defibrillator to shock the heart. Paramedic programs in Chicago require a student to complete an internship. Paramedic students will ride along with a licensed paramedic on an ambulance and practice the skills which were learned in the classroom. Students will respond to various emergencies such as drowning, car accidents and assaults.

4. Pass a state exam. Once you have graduated from a paramedic program you will be eligible to take the paramedic licensing exam administered by the Illinois Department of Public Health, Emergency Medical Systems and Highway Safety Department. An application for licensing will need to be completed and appropriate fees paid prior to taking the exam.

5. Apply with private ambulance companies. Most paramedics in Chicago work with private ambulances or the Chicago Fire Department. Private ambulance companies in the Chicago area which hire paramedics include Lifeline Ambulance and Superior Ambulance. To get hired as a paramedic with the Chicago Fire Department, an applicant must take a test and get on the hiring list. There is a great deal of competition to get on with the fire department. Once selected, employees are classified as a fire paramedic candidate for one year and than advance to paramedic.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep in mind paramedics in Chicago work all hours and in all types of weather.

• Paramedics often arrive on the scene of a violent crime at the same time or before police officers. Paramedics must be diligent about assessing personal safety when dealing with patients.

• Be aware being a paramedic in Chicago can be stressful. Medics are dealing with life and death situations. Find ways to cope with stress such as exercise, spending times with friends and pursuing hobbies.