I understand the value of building your skill set. Who is familiar with the training EMTs get? I am considering applying to get into an EMT program, with no intention of becoming an EMT as my career. I won’t be leaving my current job as a LEO. Are the skills gained extremely valuable, or is EMT training so basic it’s not worth the time and money?
If I were starting again in my 30s or 40s, I think I'd be looking more at nurse practioner. EMT is great, but nurse practioner is more rounded for regular as well as emergency care. I have no idea of the time needed, but whatever you do, go beyond whatever you follow.
I hear you. I’m not leaving my job to go into the medical field. I want to gain the knowledge though. I’m a law enforcement officer and I know that continously building my knowledge on the subject will only help me, it’s pretty much a guarantee that I will come across a vehicle accident or deal with sick/injured person in custody. And of course I want to be more prepared and well-rounded for when SHTF. Nurse practitioner would not be possible for me. But I have an opportunity to get into an EMT program. It’s expensive though and a condensed course, so for the next few months all my attention would be on school. Is it so basic though, that I already know this stuff? Ive been trained in basic medical through the Army and the Border Patrol. Most likely, I already know everything that an EMT program would cover. But I’m not sure.
@krystalsharp one question I came up with, are LEOs EMTs? If not why not? There's probably a bit of difference between basic CPR/FA, LEO, EMT, Paramedic etc. Anyway every chance we get to expand our knowledge is probably holding a better return on investment.
@Patriotic Trucker LEOs are not EMTs, but considered first responders. Not all law enforcement agencies train the same. Luckily, the Border Patrol trains Agents in CPR. We also get IFAK training. I volinteeed to go through a tactical combat casualty care (TCCC) course. And we get periodic training in medical. Not all LEOs have this opportunity. I was in the Army prior and was certified as a combat life saver, which a lot of that is direct combat care and evacuation. I have a good base on the medical side. That’s why I am contemplating going through a civilian EMT course. I probably have more knowlege in the medical side than I realize and don’t want to waste my time and money, when I can be putting my money towards other preps. But there’s a good chance I’ll learn something or reinforce my skills.
Nice! FEMA and Red Cross offer fairly extensive medical training courses, online and for free. Not as good as a deidcated EMT course, but it's better than nothin'!
@krystalsharp im glad your doing this for yourself. It was suggested to me, when i brought up taking an EMT course to a currently enlisted experienced Medic, that i would better serve myself by taking a TCCC course. Not knocking what you're doing, we are proud of you for taking this step, just passing on some advice and offering another course, later on perhaps.
@JS Badger Thanks for the advice! I actually have gone through TCCC. And I was prior Army and was certified as a combat lifesaver. I was originally a Chemical officer, so I have training in decontamination operations as well. I have received very good training from both the Army and the Border Patrol. My concern is that this civilian EMT program might not be worth it. And you would say TCCC is better than EMT? I have a feeling I am going to agree with you after I complete the EMT course. I am guessing the EMT program is too basic and common knowledge. But it will reinforce my current skills and could be a stepping stone for paramedic.
A friend and like-minded fellow runs the fitness center in our community. i have been trying to get him to get a trauma first aid class together, but he's been unable to find a suitable instructor... all of our local EMT types are volunteers, no paid employees .. and none are all that knowledgeable
As someone who is a current EMT and is going through the medic class. The EMT class is very basic 1st aid and a few other minor things one of the 1st things they teach. you is that you can't fix much in the field getting to definitive care is the best thing for your patient. this being said basic class may not be the right choice. I would take some wilderness 1st aid and some Red Cross classes over the EMT class unless You are committed to getting further education. If you're not using the skills you've learned you will lose And be useless If you do choose to go through the EMT class I would join a volunteer fire department to keep your skills.
Thanks for the insight. I had a feeling that’s what it is going to be like. I’ve taken BLS through Red Cross. I am guessing evertrying in this EMT course will be a review for me. I will definitely look into volunteering as well as the wilderness course. There’s a good possibility that I’ll use EMT skills (as I already have, countless times) while on duty. I am a Border Patrol Agent. And although I am not pursuing a career as only an EMT, I do have a career goal to become a BORSTAR Agent. which is part of the search and rescue team. Although, if selected they send you to EMT school for free.
A while back, Bear said where he got bandages and such at really good prices... some vet medical supply place I think... does anyone have that information handy?
Get all the training you can. If it is basic then it is a good refresher. I did mine but had others who are combat medics and doc's. If you can befriend any of those ...share training. Also, there are good wilderness medic classes that teach you to do things in austere conditions. Offgrid medic is a buddy of mine and he does classes. Mostly in the south east.
One thing I would like to add here...make sure you also have pediatric training. Babes can't always tell you what's wrong, while an adult can. It is different as babies and small children are not the same as taking care of an adult. I say this because they will need a lighter hand and lighter meds. Get savvy please.
Krystalsharp I applaud you for getting the training. I too am interested in this. I had the basic first aid courses many years ago as an Army veteran and then as an LEO. A refresher would be good and more advanced training would be even better. Please let us know how it goes and what you think is the best course to round out your medical skills.
If I were starting again in my 30s or 40s, I think I'd be looking more at nurse practioner. EMT is great, but nurse practioner is more rounded for regular as well as emergency care. I have no idea of the time needed, but whatever you do, go beyond whatever you follow.
I hear you. I’m not leaving my job to go into the medical field. I want to gain the knowledge though. I’m a law enforcement officer and I know that continously building my knowledge on the subject will only help me, it’s pretty much a guarantee that I will come across a vehicle accident or deal with sick/injured person in custody. And of course I want to be more prepared and well-rounded for when SHTF. Nurse practitioner would not be possible for me. But I have an opportunity to get into an EMT program. It’s expensive though and a condensed course, so for the next few months all my attention would be on school. Is it so basic though, that I already know this stuff? Ive been trained in basic medical through the Army and the Border Patrol. Most likely, I already know everything that an EMT program would cover. But I’m not sure.
@krystalsharp one question I came up with, are LEOs EMTs? If not why not? There's probably a bit of difference between basic CPR/FA, LEO, EMT, Paramedic etc. Anyway every chance we get to expand our knowledge is probably holding a better return on investment.
@Patriotic Trucker LEOs are not EMTs, but considered first responders. Not all law enforcement agencies train the same. Luckily, the Border Patrol trains Agents in CPR. We also get IFAK training. I volinteeed to go through a tactical combat casualty care (TCCC) course. And we get periodic training in medical. Not all LEOs have this opportunity. I was in the Army prior and was certified as a combat life saver, which a lot of that is direct combat care and evacuation. I have a good base on the medical side. That’s why I am contemplating going through a civilian EMT course. I probably have more knowlege in the medical side than I realize and don’t want to waste my time and money, when I can be putting my money towards other preps. But there’s a good chance I’ll learn something or reinforce my skills.
I am officially enrolled in an EMT program!
Nice! FEMA and Red Cross offer fairly extensive medical training courses, online and for free. Not as good as a deidcated EMT course, but it's better than nothin'!
@krystalsharp im glad your doing this for yourself. It was suggested to me, when i brought up taking an EMT course to a currently enlisted experienced Medic, that i would better serve myself by taking a TCCC course. Not knocking what you're doing, we are proud of you for taking this step, just passing on some advice and offering another course, later on perhaps.
@JS Badger Thanks for the advice! I actually have gone through TCCC. And I was prior Army and was certified as a combat lifesaver. I was originally a Chemical officer, so I have training in decontamination operations as well. I have received very good training from both the Army and the Border Patrol. My concern is that this civilian EMT program might not be worth it. And you would say TCCC is better than EMT? I have a feeling I am going to agree with you after I complete the EMT course. I am guessing the EMT program is too basic and common knowledge. But it will reinforce my current skills and could be a stepping stone for paramedic.
A friend and like-minded fellow runs the fitness center in our community. i have been trying to get him to get a trauma first aid class together, but he's been unable to find a suitable instructor... all of our local EMT types are volunteers, no paid employees .. and none are all that knowledgeable
As someone who is a current EMT and is going through the medic class. The EMT class is very basic 1st aid and a few other minor things one of the 1st things they teach. you is that you can't fix much in the field getting to definitive care is the best thing for your patient. this being said basic class may not be the right choice. I would take some wilderness 1st aid and some Red Cross classes over the EMT class unless You are committed to getting further education. If you're not using the skills you've learned you will lose And be useless If you do choose to go through the EMT class I would join a volunteer fire department to keep your skills.
Thanks for the insight. I had a feeling that’s what it is going to be like. I’ve taken BLS through Red Cross. I am guessing evertrying in this EMT course will be a review for me. I will definitely look into volunteering as well as the wilderness course. There’s a good possibility that I’ll use EMT skills (as I already have, countless times) while on duty. I am a Border Patrol Agent. And although I am not pursuing a career as only an EMT, I do have a career goal to become a BORSTAR Agent. which is part of the search and rescue team. Although, if selected they send you to EMT school for free.
A while back, Bear said where he got bandages and such at really good prices... some vet medical supply place I think... does anyone have that information handy?
Get all the training you can. If it is basic then it is a good refresher. I did mine but had others who are combat medics and doc's. If you can befriend any of those ...share training. Also, there are good wilderness medic classes that teach you to do things in austere conditions. Offgrid medic is a buddy of mine and he does classes. Mostly in the south east.
One thing I would like to add here...make sure you also have pediatric training. Babes can't always tell you what's wrong, while an adult can. It is different as babies and small children are not the same as taking care of an adult. I say this because they will need a lighter hand and lighter meds. Get savvy please.
Krystalsharp I applaud you for getting the training. I too am interested in this. I had the basic first aid courses many years ago as an Army veteran and then as an LEO. A refresher would be good and more advanced training would be even better. Please let us know how it goes and what you think is the best course to round out your medical skills.