Becoming A Paramedic

Being a paramedic is an important job. It needs quick thinking and a lot of knowledge about what to do in emergency situations. Paramedics are important to today’s society and people could not live their lives without them. Becoming a paramedic takes a lot of training because they are the most important people when responding to an emergency.

There are three different types of EMT’s. The first type is the basic EMT. To be a basic EMT one must go to college or a training session. The basic EMT course does not require a lot but teaches students what to do in more common emergencies that they might come in contact with. This course can take anywhere from 5 to 8 months. “Aspiring EMTs must have a high school diploma, or its equivalent, and hold a current CPR certification” (EMT).

The next type would be the EMT Intermediate. The intermediate course is more in depth and will expose the students to different situations compared to the basic EMTs. The highest certification of EMT would be the Paramedic. Being a paramedic will require going to college such as a local junior college or other program offered in the area. Taking the paramedic course will require going to college for about 2 years to complete the course. This requires a weekend training class and will instruct how to properly do CPR and basics on saving someone’s life. “EMTs offer immediate aid to victims of accidents” (Bonk 1).

In order to take the paramedic course the college may require certain prerequisites to take the class. Common community colleges require taking medical terminology classes as well as some on the job training such as job shadowing in a hospital or an ambulance. But to be a paramedic the student must complete the courses in this order; Basic EMT, Inte...

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... paramedics may be exposed to diseases as well as violence from drug overdose victims or mentally unstable patients. “Paramedics put themselves at risk every time they respond to a call for help. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, EMTs and paramedics are at a higher risk for contracting illnesses or being injured than those in other occupations” (Paramedics).

Being a paramedic can be very rewarding but also takes courage and the ability to work under stressful situations. Only certain types of people can withstand these conditions. The work is not only a challenge but also stressful involving life or death situations and suffering patients. Many people find the work exciting and challenging and enjoy the opportunity to help others. So becoming a paramedic takes a lot of training because they are the most important people when responding to an emergency.