Are you an individual with a passion for athletics, capable of thinking on your feet and remaining composed in times of distress? Do you have the desire to assist people during their most trying moments? Then becoming a volunteer Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) could be your ideal career path. This detailed guide should provide all the necessary information required to kickstart this meaningful journey.
Generally speaking, volunteer EMTs provide the same services as paid ones. The only difference is that they don’t receive any compensation for their efforts. On rare occasions, there may be a couple of other distinctions between them as well.
Paid EMTs are typically employed in large metropolitan areas, while rural communities rely more frequently on volunteer EMTs. However, there may still be some urban opportunities for those seeking to join the ranks of volunteer responders. As a result of this disparity, volunteer EMT shifts tend to have fewer calls compared to paid personnel.
An experienced EMT reported that the typical shift entailed 15 calls in a 12-hour period while employed at an urban facility, versus merely 4 or 5 when working in rural areas. An additional advantage of being an EMS volunteer is having more independence with regards to their job schedules. For example, some services don’t expect volunteers (EMTs and paramedics alike) to remain stationed for extended shifts at firehouses, ambulances or ambulance stations; they are called upon only when required.
Every state in the United States necessitates EMTs, even volunteer ones, to complete a rigorous training program and become certified. Even more crucial is that without proper instruction, no level of care will be offered by an EMT. Although licensing regulations differ from one state to another, courses for basic, intermediate and paramedic levels are available at most accredited institutes.
Aspiring EMTs will be certified in CPR and first aid, able to identify medical conditions as well as execute life-saving treatments such as delivering oxygen and using a defibrillator. They’ll also learn how to answer emergency calls appropriately, properly utilize ambulance equipment, and collaborate effectively with other EMS professionals ranging from dispatchers, firefighters to police officers or hospital staff.
Becoming an Emergency Medical Technician is no easy task. It demands a great deal of physical, mental and emotional strength as these professionals must be ready to encounter highly demanding situations. There are certain fundamental qualifications for becoming an EMT: obtaining either a high school diploma or GED, being at least 18 years old with good vision (glasses/contacts allowed), proper color sight, the capability to lift and carry heavy objects with ease; superior physical condition; plus sound psychological stability.
To join the ranks of volunteer EMTs around the nation, you must first obtain a certification by taking an official Emergency Medical Technician program and acquire your license.
Considering a volunteer EMT training program? You can find courses ranging from an intense few week session to semester-long college classes that take three months or even more. The classroom portion of the course includes up to 100 hours where you’ll receive hands-on instruction and emergency simulations alike, with some EMS organizations providing free programs upon signing a commitement contract.. For proper licensing requirements, be sure your chosen program is state-approved and provided by one of many trusted sources such as emergency care facilities, community colleges, or trade/technical schools.
To become an EMT, one must first possess a CPR certification. Fortunately, there are many local and online organizations that offer training for this important qualification. For further details on obtaining your CPR certifications from the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association, please visit their respective sites today!
After going through EMT training, volunteer hopefuls must pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians’ (NREMT) computer-adaptive cognitive exam in order to become certified. This two hour assessment consists of between 60 and 110 questions on topics such as airways, respiration and ventilation; cardiology and resuscitation; trauma; medical issues; obstetrics/gynecology; and EMS operations—all with a target score that meets or exceeds the NREMT’s “standard level of competency.”
To qualify as a volunteer EMT, you must pass the psychomotor examination administered by either your State EMS Office or training institution (after approval from the State EMS office). This exam tests students’ capability to competently complete several emergency skills, such as:
Becoming a volunteer EMT requires more than just filling out an application and going through an interview – drug screening, background checks, references…the list goes on. Depending upon the EMS organization’s policies, volunteers may be disqualified for a range of reasons including physical disabilities or any history of substance abuse, mental health problems or criminal convictions. It is important to ensure that all requirements are met in order to get selected as a successful candidate!