MO LPN - EMT/Paramedic Volunteering?

[SNmurse]

I am a practicing LPN in the good ole state of Missouri, and I'm currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Health Sciences (End goal is to get accepted to Medical School). I know that exposure in Health Care as an LPN is great experience, but currently I am working in a Nursing Home (Our Hospital doesn't employ LPNs, sadly), and I'm wanting to broaden my experience while helping out my community. I have volunteered at my local Clinic, but I want to experience Emergency Medicine/Services, as well.

My question is...

Does anyone have experience in volunteering as an EMT or volunteering in an Ambulance and aiding with triage/emergencies? As in, are there any steps I would have to take? Would I have to take EMT classes?

A background of my education - I am an LPN, I was a CNA for 2 years, I have an Associates Degree in Healthcare Management, and an Associate's in Pre-Medical studies.

Thank you :)

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

In order to become an EMT, you would have to take a course of study and be certified as an EMT. This is in most states, so I would research it. A number of ambulance companies/rescue departments want someone to have their EMT, because although it seems similar, it is really different.

I would look online to see what the qualifications are, however, in my state LPN's can not "challenge" the EMT exam--but other disciplines can. I would do some research that is state specific.

Some other suggestions would be your local Red Cross, the VA, and skilled care (as skilled care will give you a tremendous opportunity to get used to working with just about every tube and wire imaginable). Urgent care. Your local jails, prisions etc. within that system. Local summer camps or schools.

Best of luck to you!! Let us know what you decide.

[libran1984, ASN, RN]

In addition to JadeLPN's response, if u were to get your RN, you could test out of the EMT-B training and jump right in to (depending on state regulations) 2nd semester EMT-P training: this only having to complete 6 months of medic school prior to taking the NREMT-P exam

[Alex Egan, LPN, EMT-B]

Also as a point of order. If functioning as an EMT you will only be permitted to preform the skills granted to that position. I have been an LPN and EMT for years, and I would recommend it. However there's are first rating moments where I am capable and competent to fix something, like a displaced feeding tube, or an IV restart) and cannot because my scope as an EMT is limited. I had a home health client call onetime. The patent refused EMS, so that I could be "off the clock" on the ambulance. Then I could go on as the home health nurse and call the doctor, get orders and prevent the need to go to the hospital. You will have to be very careful to keep your brains and skill set separate.

[JWEMT]

I was a emtb for 4 years in which the last I became a lpn. The skills are similar. There's not really to sets of knowledge. In the nursing home everything has a order from the doctor as Lpn is not a independent function anyway. So you will make no mistake on the field. Basically as a emt basic you will do vital signs and basic first aid. Meaning if you see anything that's not basic first aid such as gt and iv you have to ask the nurse to do. disconnect iv and peg. In reply to comment or above I have never seen a ambulance that you can just clock off. You usually sign a obligation with the ambulance company to serve first. Just think of yourself as not a nurse. I treat every patient as a new independent client and you should be Ok. Use knowledge you learn but approach it as a ems provider