[kiyasmom]

Is anyone here an EMT or First Responder in addition to being an LPN? If so, which did you do first and how do you feel the education of the EMT compares to the LPN education? My good friend wants to go into field medical care, either as an EMT or Paramedic if she can get into the program. We had a great conversation about it and it sounds interesting but honestly, she barely made it through LPN school and I worry she may not survive EMT training... (I'm not being two-faced, I did mention my concerns to her which she echoed).

[Thornbird]

Maybe I can help. I was an EMT before nursing and my hubby is a paramedic. First, there is a world of difference between EMT and Paramedic. EMT is a basic certfication that takes about one college semester, though not all courses are at colleges. Paramedics are licensed professionals, Their programs are typically 2 years, either college or hospital based. The EMT provides basic assessment (catch that word "assesment", something LPN's are not usually allowed to do) , immediate measures such as dressing,splinting and oxygen administration. The paramedic provides ALS measures such as: assessment, medications, IV's, intubations, reads and interprets the EKG and makes appropriate treatment decisions. The paramedic works within regional protocols and must always have MD medical control available by phone or radio. Pretty much anyone can pass the EMT certification. The paramedic program was MUCH harder and more intensive than my nursing program which was a thorough 18 month program. I think that basic knowledge of EMS is useful to the nurse. It is a completely different outlook on patient care in a completely different environment. Hope this helps.