Training as a paramedic is not something that you want to take lightly. Though becoming a paramedic is definitely a worthy goal that should be applauded, you should know that paramedics lead very challenging lives. So, a career in this field may not be for everyone.
The good news is that if you have already made your decision to become a paramedic, you will be happy to know that a paramedic career can be challenging yet rewarding in all the best ways possible.
As such, if you have decided to pursue paramedic training seriously, here are a couple of things that you should know about your chosen career:
Become An EMT
Before you can become qualified as a paramedic, you must first become an Emergency Medical Technician or EMT. Learning how to become an EMT is important because it will impart vital skills that will allow you to intervene and take part in life-threatening emergencies. To get started, look for a high-quality training program offered by an accredited school such as Dorsey.edu that will ensure that you get started in the right direction.
Your Duties and Responsibilities
EMTs are healthcare professionals that are charged with the responsibility of responding to emergency calls and working on ambulances. Emergency calls tend to vary in nature and can include minor complaints such as treating sprained ankles to responding to serious emergency situations such as gunshot wounds.
As an EMT, you will be required to travel to many locations, including people’s homes, businesses or out in the open street. Once you get to the scene of an emergency, you will have to effectively administer life-saving care after completing a full medical exam. Based on your level of training, you may be required to handle complex responsibilities such as intubate patients in the field or administering medication while the patient is en route to the healthcare facility.
Get Hands-on Experience
EMTs that get hands-on experience for at least one year are typically better prepared for starting paramedic training. There are certain scenarios, concepts, and circumstances that are hard to understand unless one encounters them on the job. The best way to learn, therefore, is by working as an EMT first before deciding to proceed onto paramedic training.
The Demands of the Job
To be a great paramedic, you will have to train yourself to act cool under pressure. Paramedics are often exposed to a wide range of high-stress circumstances and situations that can be tough for other people to experience. Often times, every minute and second counts and the job demands that you think carefully even when under pressure as mistakes can result in serious and debilitating consequences for any patients involved.
What to Expect from the Field?
When you are out in the field, you will work in close proximity to other medical professionals, firefighters, as well as the police. Firefighters, for instance, are great to have around as they provide extra assistance when needed and they help when dealing with difficult extractions where collisions and accidents are concerned.
Upon arrival at the medical facility, EMTs also liaise and work closely with nurses and other medical professionals to administer care. EMTs are the ones that supply doctors and nurses with background information that then allows them to continue the caregiving process.