Future LPN question about EMT-P

[Parakeet]

O.k. My question is about the Solo paramedic program. I am starting an LPN program next week, hoping to finish next spring. I am also looking into Wilderness medicine because I want to go overseas.

I have read several threads that recommend Solo's programs. However, these threads are old, so I need some new feedback. In a couple of those threads, people mentioned that they took Solo's 800 hour wilderness paramedic course. Any info on this? Is that what their Geo-medic program is? Apart from the Geo-medic, I did not see any program more advanced than the wilderness EMT. Also, if the Geo-medic program is the paramedic program, can a person who has taken it qualify for the national exam.

I have already done the research I can on their site. I just would really like feedback from those who are familiar with those courses...what they were like.....how well prepared they were to face real life situations.

Thank you!

[Alex Egan, LPN, EMT-B]

I'm a little foggy on what you want to do overseas? Being an Lpn and a Paramedic is not a common career path, wondering what your envisioning needing both these skill sets for?

[Parakeet]

I want to do overseas medical missions. I thought that wilderness medicine would be a addition with training in improvising. I just wondered what other people's experience has been. Either way, I will most likely try to get at least a Wilderness First Responder certification.

[Alex Egan, LPN, EMT-B]

Most medical missions work is along the lines of public health, specialized surgical intervention, and primary care.

Paramedicine rellys on well established definitive care centers. Which are less present in third world country's. Wilderness medicine focuses on treating and stabilizing until an extraction can be arranged, or providing basic cares so a hike or excursion can continue.

Also education is not the be all end all. A new grad paramedic/nurse is not impressive, or particularly useful without some kind of actual hands on practical field time. Similarly a person trained in two medical professions that don't particuarly mesh...such as nursing and EMS will find themselves trying to occupy two positions without the depth and experience to discern one from the other.

Any medic program that takes you off the street and promises to train you to train you quickly is suspect. In many states you must show 1 year or a set number of hours of expearence of EMT-B level care. Be suspicious.

I strongly advise you to contact organizations that do missions work and see the skills they are really looking for. I feel as though you may be trying to get the education YOU THINK you need, rather than what you may ACTUALLY need.

Based on on my expearence what most organizations are looking for is RNs with a surgical, obstetric, or education background.

[Parakeet]

Thanks so much! This is really helpful. I am still in school, so I will keep on looking. :)