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EMT-B Class, who has advice for me?
I was just wondering if there was anyone out there that would be able to share some advice with me about my EMT-B class. I have just started in Nov. It will go until June. I am doing okay, I think, so far, but am really nervous about all this. I have only been on our towns Fire and Recue Dept since March of this year. As soon as my 6 month probation was up I decided to become an EMT. Sometimes I think I jumped in to soon. But I tell myself that I am doing this because I want to and I want to help people. That is the truth, but it still scares me to think that all this time, energy and work might be for nothing if I fail. That is the last thing I ever want to do. So I was just wondering if there was anyone that might be willing to share some advice with me on how I might be able to get through this. Thanks! Susan
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Goshen 1130 on
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Being an EMT is fun. Don't worry if you cant retain everything after the class. It will come back to you. Some things you will not remember even after class be you will not see this med. cases. I am one of three EMT's on my department. I respond to most of our calls. I pretty much see the same ol' thing. Once you finish the class, keep the book and read things on occasion; Pediatric and cardiacs are always good to read when ever you get the chance. Feel free to email and ask questions. I am both state and Nationally certified.
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Permalink Reply by Pararescue on
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Hay Susan, To be a good and effective EMT you need two things. 1 common sence. 2 to know your limits and want to push well beond them. A good/ great call.... child delivery. (bad side) If its in the bus... Ambulance... you have to clean the mess. A bad call... pediatric code. (good side) you know in your heart you did your damnedest to save that kiddo.
If you want feel free to email me and shoot some things by me. I've been doing this for the last 16 years. I might even be able to give a few tips... or you might give me a few.
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Permalink Reply by Dennis on
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Hi Susan im Dennis just take a deep breath and go with the flow do be aggressive and shy if you want to do well ask questions even if ur pretty sure you know ask in fire service there are no stuipid questions the number one rule is you get home safe as far as EMT if your done with your firefighter1 classes then go for EMT told my daughter same thing and shes doin fine i have 25 years in the service good luck and god bless
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Permalink Reply by Christopher on
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Hello, Susan. I am currently going through a fire science program, and just finished taking the EMT class. One thing I did, and found helpful, is start a study group. I have previous medical experience, so the class was easier for me, and I was able to help the others in my study group. Don't let any part of the class scare you (such as the grade requirement did for many of my classmates), and don't be afraid to speak up and ask questions. For the rest of this month we are covering the practicals part of the national exam, and will test on the 26th of January. If you haven't already, get the workbook and the review manual that go with the textbook. Also, there are websites, such as EMTAchieve.com that, with a subscription, are there to aid you in taking the national registry. Any question, please don't hesitate to email or ask.
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Permalink Reply by Oldman on
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ANYTHING you learn is never for "nothing". One of the biggest problems I see occuring with people who are already with an organization is things are not done the way you learn from the book. Depending on the department, there are differences in protocol. This really hurts when testing, as a person will invariably think about what their departments protocol says about a particular treatment or situation. When in the classroom and especially when testing (written or skills), forget about the way you do things with your department. Study hard, pay attention, ask questions, and learn from your mistakes. Finally, remember; The only time you fail, is when you give up. Hang in there.
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Permalink Reply by Arkymedic on
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The main key is to study hard and not to treat it lightly. Pay attention and soak in everything you learn in clinicals both ER and ridealongs while being aggressive . Another thing to always remember is to stay humble. Many have problems with students for that reason.
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Permalink Reply by Don Sparks on
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hey susan,learn what ya need to pass the test, you will learn how to be an emt when you get out there.pay attention to anatomy if ya know how it works then ya know what is going on when it isn't working right.most of all care if ya do the rest takes care of itself.oh ya there is that whole study thing that helps,lol don't stress out over it if you truely care then you will do fine.if i can help ya with anything feel free to ask
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Permalink Reply by Joe Stoltz on
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Have you done any ride time yet? If you haven't, you will probably find that all of the things that you've learned in class will come back, and fit together. That should help to build your confidence.
Here in New York, during the practical exam a candidate is allowed to re-take a station or two if he/she fails the first time. The written exam should not be too difficult if one has studied and reads each question carefully.
You'll do fine!
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Permalink Reply by art bowles on
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study the book. go through the exams in the back of the book.relax it will work out. stress will kill you. and lastly have fun with it you will do fine...art
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Permalink Reply by ILDisasterEMT on
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First of all Susan, its very hard to fail EMT-B unless you miss all your classes and sleep through tests. My advice is to take really good notes, read each chapter TWICE and jot down anything you dont understand so you can ask your teacher in class. Ask lots of questions. Your teacher might get peeved but thats their job. Remember, you paid your tuition. They work for you. You have the right to the best education possible. Also, to the best of your ability make sure that what you teachers are telling you squares with the facts. I had an instructor that hadnt run a call in 10 years and couldnt pronounce the simplest of medical terminology. I would estimate that I taught myself about 75% of what I learned in that class because it was "EMS by powerpoint." Very little hands on. When we did do hands on stuff it was with old/broken equipment and the statement "well, if it worked, it would work like this and this would happen." I spent alot of time outside of class teaching myself. And when it came to ride time and ER hours I asked LOTS of questions and asked to assist with every possible intervention. Another thing you can do is contact your state EMS office (usually at the Department of Public Health) and find out what the EMS instructional requirements are and then make sure your teachers are following them. Too many instructors show slides and read out of the text book and then go home. Dont let em get away with it. The fact that you are asking what you can do to do well in your class is a sign that you will do well. Best of luck to you and feel free to message me if there's anything I can do.
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Permalink Reply by Ron Maddox on
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Susan
Jason is correct . the best thing I can tell you after 18 years in the servises is this. Get your card then come to a truck and the other EMT'S will show you how to be a good EMT. the book work is for the government but the truck is ours.......
Ron
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