An Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) training course is the bare minimum for those in the emergency services industry. Firefighters, police officers, and search and rescue personnel must receive emergency medical responder training. However, many have advanced or specific location-specific training that may be required for certification. This training is highly sought-after by many individuals, as they are often the first people on the scene of an emergency. They also may work far from medical resources.
Provides advanced first aid and essential life support to individuals
Advanced first aid and essential life support can save an individual’s life in emergencies. It is the foundation for saving lives following cardiac arrest. These courses are designed for healthcare professionals and trained first responders and teach single-rescuer or team techniques to give help to victims of cardiac arrest. They also help revitalize a patient by performing CPR and other emergency procedures. These courses are designed for pre-hospital and facility settings.
Basic life support or CPR is an essential medical skill. Paramedics and EMTs commonly perform it. However, this certification is not limited to these professionals. People in life-threatening professions will likely need this training as a standard part of their job. This certification ensures you know how to provide primary medical care to an individual and help them survive a medical emergency. Once you have completed your BLS training, you will learn how to administer CPR and resuscitation techniques to an individual.
Completes a primary survey module
An EMR completes a primary survey module to evaluate the patient for any life-threatening conditions. This survey sequence focuses on identifying life-threatening situations in order of priority. The process is based on the acronym DRABC, which stands for Danger, Risk, Abnormality, Condition, and Criticality. After the survey sequence is complete, the EMR must decide whether to transport the patient or stay on the scene for the patient’s treatment.
Basic observations are a component of the primary survey module. The basic observations include respiratory rate, pulse rate, and capillary bed refill time. The level of assessment can be further increased or decreased depending on the practitioner’s range of equipment, the practitioner’s scope of practice, and the patient’s proximity to the receiving unit. The JRCALC guidelines outline what must be done in each stage of the primary survey, including determining whether transporting the patient to the hospital or calling for specialist support is appropriate.
Completes a cognitive exam
To become an EMS professional, you must pass a cognitive exam administered by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). This standardized test covers the fundamental concepts and knowledge needed to provide immediate patient care. Once you have passed the exam, you must take a psychomotor exam, which measures your ability to perform tasks. You must also complete a national registry exam to receive your license, which tests your skills and knowledge.
You must have a National Registry national certification to earn your PA EMR certification, which requires passing the NREMT EMR cognitive exam. You can take the exam through Pearson Vue or a Regional EMS Council, which administers the test throughout the Commonwealth. In Pennsylvania, a positive criminal history will prevent you from taking the exam. The exam costs about $70, and the process is very straightforward. You can also find out more at the emergency medical responder course Texas.
Works full-time or part-time
Working as an emergency medical responder requires essential life support and medical knowledge. The job also involves emergency vehicle operation and maintenance. You may also need to work with the public and participate in training programs. Your duties include:
- Administering basic and advanced life support.
- Completing incident reports.
- Inventorying emergency equipment and supplies.
You must have good vision and muscular physical fitness to perform these tasks.
In addition to training, you may want to volunteer. If you are a student, many universities operate their own volunteer EMS. This gives you a chance to balance your classes with the EMS work. You can also become a member of a large collegiate EMS group, which runs multiple ambulances and is staffed around the clock. This type of volunteering, however, requires a significant time commitment. Many volunteers work as part-time paramedics, but it requires more time to become full-time members of an organization.
