The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services Office of Emergency Medical Services oversees the certifications of 26,000 emergency medical technicians in the state. EMTs are the first line in the emergency medical system and are trained to handle basic life saving scenarios. They are trained to handle and manage trauma, breathing and cardiac situations and to transport patients safely to local hospitals.
The Facts
Becoming an EMT takes dedication and determination. Before starting an EMT-B training course, one must first pass a qualified class in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) designed for healthcare providers. Once qualifying in CPR, a candidate must attend a certified EMT-Basic program, which includes 110 hours of classroom training and practice, and 10 hours in a hospital emergency room or riding in an ambulance, as of 2009. The class prepares students to take the EMT-Basic test, and become EMTs as outlined by the United States Department of Transportation's Emergency Medical Technician-Basic training program.
Time Frame
Many EMT-B training programs are spread over a three-month period. Classes typically meet two nights a week for three hours each, and one weekend day. There are accelerated programs through organizations such as the The Monmouth Ocean Hospital Service Corporation (MONOC), a non-profit company that is made up of 15 hospitals throughout New Jersey, where participants go every day for four weeks. Classes are taught around the state by organizations such as MONOC, Liberty Health and The Bergen County Technical Schools.
Misconceptions
One misconception about EMT-B training is that the educational process ends once a participant passes the state EMT test. Actually, passing the test is just the start. Indeed, most EMT program administrators say passing the test sets the minimum level for one to operate as an EMT; the rest is learned along the way. Likewise, as part of the recertification process, EMTs must accumulate 48 credits in additional training to keep their certifications beyond the initial period of three years. Half of those credits are earned through a mandated refresher class, while the other 24 credits are elective, can be earned in an array of medical training programs ranging from pediatric emergencies, recreational drug emergencies and water rescue.
Considerations
EMS workers see some of the best and worst in people. They're called when people are in need. Sometimes the problems are simple, like minor cuts. Other times, they're responding to violent car crashes or dying victims. A good EMT will be able to bounce from both scenarios and continue doing the job. Besides the classroom training, there is also a good deal of physical activity required in the field because of the lifting required to move patients.
Potential
Training requirements for New Jersey EMTs are likely to increase in the future, specifically within the areas of multiple casualty incident and hazardous materials situations connected with potential terrorism issues. Training aside, the paid EMT workforce is expected to grow faster than the average job in the future as paid EMTs replace the volunteer services, according to the United States Department of Labor.
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