physical strength for EMT

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I am now a CNA, but I would like to take an EMT class to increase my chances of getting a job in the ER. I would also enjoy the educational experience itself. My only concern is that I feel I may not have the required physical strength for emegency medicine. I have no trouble using lifts on patients, and rolling even the most obese patients on my own. I do recreational weightlifting, but all I use is 10 lb weights to tone that nasty arm flab many women have. Get my drift? How much physical strength is needed to stay afloat in an EMT class? What about physical strength needed for an ER tech? I doubt they hook up a hoyer lift to transport patients in cardiac arrest, etc.

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I had many women in my EMT class and they all managed well. they weren't as strong as the guys, but ya all work like a team, so it all works out.

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Hi there. I am a paramedic (age 32, not a spring chick!) going through nursing school and have been a medic for one year, and an EMT for 3. It is not strength you need to lift a cot (or a patient, for that matter) it is knowing proper lifting techniques. It is not hard to do when you learn your center of gravity and how to lift with your legs. I am 5ft 2in and am not big. If I can do it, anyone can do it. I say GO FOR IT! You will learn a lot and have a lot of fun doing it.

-Jill

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Hi there. I am a paramedic (age 32, not a spring chick!) going through nursing school and have been a medic for one year, and an EMT for 3. It is not strength you need to lift a cot (or a patient, for that matter) it is knowing proper lifting techniques. It is not hard to do when you learn your center of gravity and how to lift with your legs. I am 5ft 2in and am not big. If I can do it, anyone can do it. I say GO FOR IT! You will learn a lot and have a lot of fun doing it.

-Jill

Thanks medicgirl, that is so encouraging! I too am 5 ft 2 in, and a little on the thin side. I can see what you mean about lifting techniques. :nuke:

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Specializes in keeping all options open right now..

Are you going through the EMT class to get the job in the ER? I know many of the hospitals here in NJ want that experience when applying for an ER job. Or are you going to work/volunteer as an EMT to get 'in the field' experience?

You are going to be required to move patients regardless of the answer- moving patients in any setting requires what medicgirl already said- learn proper lifting techniques, and don't forget to ask for help. If someone is in cardiac arrest (or any other situation), you'll have a bunch of people there to help out, especially in the ER. Transport, other nurses, other techs, and the occasional passing EMT can always be tapped to help move/reposition a patient. There are also other types of equipment available for moving a patient- slide boards, slippery sheets (nylon fabric sheets that are 'slippery'), and sometimes the beds will help you reposition the patient (in the hospital I work in, some of the beds will allow one side of the bed to inflate, raising one side of the patient up to help with linen changes)

I've been an EMT for over almost 13 years, and you always have partners to help lift patients. When you need more help, the staff usually provides some help (albeit begrudgingly at times:chuckle) The longer you are working with patients, the more your muscles will build up. And, I've found the time spent on your knees is far harder to deal with than the amount of time lifting/moving patients! (Um, as in practicing CPR, assessments, etc...:p)

Good luck!

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Specializes in med/surg/tele/neuro/rehab/corrections.

I am an EMT and work in the ER as a tech right now. There are always many people willing to help lift and move patients.

I am so glad I took the EMT course in the summer because I learned so much that was skipped over in my LVN program. I too was worried that I would not be strong enough but in real life that has never been the case. We work as a team in the ER and everyone helps to move patients and when the EMT's bring patients in we help them too although their technique is so good they don't really need our help. :)

Go for it! I'm having a blast working in the place where I've always wanted to be... ER! :heartbeat

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I was a paramedic for several year. You will do ok going to EMT school. You should never be asked to lift a patient that is too heavy.

We had a 225 lb rule, anytime the patient looked to be above that weight we had to have extra people help lift and put into the ambulance.

You will learn alot that you would not have a chance to learn if you do not take the classes. I would suggest doing it just for the experience and knowledge.

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Just dont be that annoying person in School that states "thats not the way we did it as an EMT or this is the way we do it as an EMT!!!" We have 1 in our class!! She is better now,lol , but in the first semester, I swear she started off all her questions that way!!

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