The CCEMT-P vs the EMT-P

[runswithneedles]

I wouldn't be surprised if this topic has been covered in another post. But after cursing at my phone trying to find a search bar I finally admitted defeat and decided to start a new one. What are the differences between the two, what kind of doors does this open if I should get this credential, is their much of a pay difference, what kind of pre-requisites do I require before I can attend such a class, how long is the class, and what are the advantages to acquiring my Critical Care

[chbare]

There have been threads on this in the past and there is a current thread on it. Your best bet is to look it up via UMBC's website. Most of the information can easily be found there. As a student you don't qualify for this course and your best bet is to focus on your studies. Good luck.

[Just Plain Ruff]

I think that all medics need to be medics for a minimum of a year before they go off on some idealistic crusade and become Critical care medics.

Or at least that's what we tell our budding emt students in a not so different way right?

I'd be curious as to the opinions of the group - brand new paramedic - should they be going out and getting their CCEMTP or wait to get some experience under their belts?

[chbare]

UMBC mandates a year. I don't think critical care ambitions are idealistic; however, 80 hours is not going to teach you anything except rote memorisation. I see this course as more of an academic validation. In that, I mean a provider who is already well educated and experienced can use this process to both fine tune and validate their experience in a structured setting. Of course, I do not believe any credential automatically makes a person a good provider.

Edited January 23, 2012 by chbare

[paramedicmike]

You know, I hate to even bring this up but judging by how it's been presented recently it probably won't hurt to clarify this point. CCEMTP stands for Critical Care Emergency Medical Transport Program. It does not stand for Critical Care Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic. The class is directed towards experienced paramedics and nurses moving into, or already working in, a critical care transport environment.

It's probably a really basic point to want to clarify. But I wasn't convinced based on recent comments in a couple different threads that people were really aware of what it means and everything that comes with it.

And if I'm totally misreading what's been presented, well, it wouldn't be the first time I've done that.

[chbare]

If you are a paramedic, you can get the patch that says critical care paramedic (CCEMTP-P). Other providers get the regular programme (CCEMTP) patch.

http://ehs.umbc.edu/CE/CCEMT-P/CCEMTPStore/

[paramedicmike]

How about that? That's the first I've seen those. I've talked to people affiliated with the UMBC program before and they were always adamant about making the distinction. Granted, it's been a few years.

[runswithneedles]

Thank you very much for the link.

I'd be curious as to the opinions of the group - brand new paramedic - should they be going out and getting their CCEMTP or wait to get some experience under their belts?

I believe most programs that further increases your specialty regardless of occupation should have a minimum level of experience in the field before being eligible. Its just like when I was fresh out of EMT (though I still believe im relatively fresh). You learn FAR more in the field than you do in class or your clinicals. And I quickly learned the endless hours in lecture and the ER was merely the bare bones. I can look back now and say im a far more confident EMT than some of the other paramedic students who have yet to take their own patient without someone to watch over them.

Same should apply with their paramedic. Cardiology, pharmacology, and assessment based management comes to me so much easier since ive worked in the field.

[systemet]

I'd be curious as to the opinions of the group - brand new paramedic - should they be going out and getting their CCEMTP or wait to get some experience under their belts?

I guess this depends on whether their role involves critical care transport. If they're already doing these runs, flying, or using techniques that are covered better in the CCEMTP program than in their original training, then it's probably of great value for them to be taking the course.

While I'm 100% for ongoing education and training, I would assume that the major benefit of this course is going to depend on how much "critical care" background the provider has going in, and what scope of practice and population of patients they're going to be seeing afterwards.

[firemedic37]

This is interesting . . .

The University of Iowa EMSLRC Critical Care Course recommends 2 years experience in "EMS". This can be interrupted many ways, I think it should say at the "NREMT-P Level" (Iowa now has three Paramedic Levels: EMT-Paramedic, Paramedic Specialist and the new PARAMEDIC).

Our medical director requires 3 years at the Paramedic level prior to recommending you for the course. You have to have letters of recommendation from your Service Director and Medical Director in order to attend the course.

Like mentioned above the course adds to your knowledge already, it won't make you a Paramedic.

EDITED TO ADD THE FOLLOWING:

In Iowa the Critical Care Paramedic is an endorsement with an expanded Scope of Practice. You have to be a Paramedic Specialist or PARAMEDIC (New Standards) to attend the course.

Edited June 4, 2012 by firemedic37