Kaisu Posted April 22, 2008 Posted April 22, 2008 I went directly to paramedic school from EMT basic and am now in the final 3 weeks of my program. Personally, I found it extremely challenging. I have had people put their fingers in my face telling me that I should have had a year on the ambulance as a basic before being allowed into paramedic school. It's a moot point for me at this juncture. I am going to make it. The next step for me is to work in a two medic system for at least 2 years. There are people from my class going into one medic systems and I think they are nuts. I would not want that kind of exposure at this juncture. I don't think extra time working as a basic would have been a benefit for me, but I know extra time as a paramedic will be invaluable. That being said, all this (and everyone else's postings as well) are just conjecture and opinion. Granted, some opinions are more valid than others, possibly, but without the numbers and the studies that is all they are. I saw a notice on the NREMT webpage that they are looking for a researcher or researchers. I think that is a step in the right direction. Without scientific, controlled studies about what works and what doesn't, we will be beset by legacy practices and outdated or misinformed opinions - but that is another topic. Stay safe
jwraider Posted April 22, 2008 Author Posted April 22, 2008 Dustdevil thanks for bringing this back on topic and thanks to those of you who gave me tips I appreciate it! Any advice though on how I shold handle myself? Seems like you're saying to rely on what I learned in school but is there any common rookie mistakes I can avoid? One tip I've been given is that I shouldn't always match the deamenor and energy level of the experienced people around me. For example they will be able to look calm and cool even when the situation is critical (due to their experience). I was told to always be on my toes and work fast without going overboard.
Asysin2leads Posted April 23, 2008 Posted April 23, 2008 JW, I think actually you are in a very good position to take the paramedic class. Sitting and reviewing calls with a paramedic is a very good way to really start to understand the field and what you are in for. I think you'll do extremely well. My paramedic class didn't require any prior EMT experience. In fact, you could take the EMT course as part of the course curriculum for the AAS degree. Before we started doing clinicals, anyone who had no prior BLS experience was required to do four ride alongs with the BLS 911 units. Four. That's it. And you know what the ironic thing is? Of the 3 people who had no prior BLS experience, out of a class that started with forty and graduated 8, all of them graduated as paramedics. I think that says something. Who is better qualified to teach you how to put in an OPA? Larry the Tow Truck Driver/Volunteer EMT, or a respiratory therapist?
jessicaCNAEMT Posted April 23, 2008 Posted April 23, 2008 Ok this is my same problem, well not exactly. I am a B wanting to take the medic class but don't feel I have enough experiences to just jump. There is a specialist class about an hour away. You can get hired as an EMT I but not a B around here. So therefore you would get more experience's before going to the medic class. Does that seem like a stupid idea? Everyone thinks I am crazy.
Dustdevil Posted April 24, 2008 Posted April 24, 2008 My paramedic class didn't require any prior EMT experience. In fact, you could take the EMT course as part of the course curriculum for the AAS degree. Before we started doing clinicals, anyone who had no prior BLS experience was required to do four ride alongs with the BLS 911 units. Four. That's it. And you know what the ironic thing is? Of the 3 people who had no prior BLS experience, out of a class that started with forty and graduated 8, all of them graduated as paramedics. I think that says something. Who is better qualified to teach you how to put in an OPA? Larry the Tow Truck Driver/Volunteer EMT, or a respiratory therapist? Beautiful example! =D> That should be in the FAQ question about, "how much basic experience should I get before paramedic school?" Listen up, folks. I'll say it again: All (as in every single one) of the very best paramedics I have worked with in thirty-five years went straight to paramedic school without ever working a day as an EMT-B. The numbers speak for themselves.
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