EMT Training Alabama

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EMT Training in Alabama

Alabama EMT training is designed to teach the life-saving skill an Emergency Medical Technician will need during their careers. These skills will form the basis that will empower individuals to greatly improve the pre-hospital outcomes of patients they treat. Becoming an EMT in Alabama is not as simple as filling out a job application. Emergency medicine is a licensed profession and as such, has to adhere to guidelines both on the state and federal level. All EMT’s are required to received training as outlined in the National Emergency Medical Services Education Standards. Each state is allowed to dictate how and where EMS students will be taught as long as they follow the minimums prescribed by the above education standards.

In Alabama, all EMT students must receive training from a state-approved training course. This course will include classroom instruction as well as practical, hands-on, skill training. Emergency Medical Technician training in Alabama is divided into three main categories.

  1. EMT Basic- Basics are taught basic life support and prehospital trauma care. They are also taught how to recognize life threats and correct them with a limited scope.
  1. EMT Intermediate or AEMT-  Advanced EMT’s have a training level beyond the Basic. Their scope of practice is greater and they are able to assist Paramedic level responders in advanced level life support care. AEMT’s learn how to start IV’s and place a patient on a monitor.
  1. EMT Paramedic- Paramedics are advanced life support providers that are the highest license that an emergency responder can obtain in pre-hospital care. Paramedics are able to read ECG’s, provide medications, start IV’s and provide limited surgical intervention in the field. They are also capable of running a full cardiac arrest code in the field in the same manner that would be run in an Emergency Department. Further information on EMT Paramedic Training.

Beginning a career in EMS will require the prospective first responder to first complete an EMT basic course before they will be allowed to attend a course to become an Advanced EMT or a Paramedic. After the hopeful EMT passes their class they have to go through the licensing process. https://emttrainingstation.com/how-do-i-get-my-emt-certification-in-alabama/

Requirements

The requirements to gain a job as an EMT are as follows:

  1. Be at least 18 years of age.
  2. Students must possess a valid driver’s license.
  3. Must be a US Citizen or legal alien.
  4. Candidates must also have completed High School and Possess a Diploma or GED.
  5. English fluency is required for EMTs.
  6. Candidates must pass a criminal background check and must not have any convictions.
  7. Those seeking EMT training should be mentally and physically able to do the job.
  8. Students will have to provide proof of immunization including:
    1. Hep-B
    2. Measles
    3. Mumps
    4. Diphtheria
    5. Tetanus
    6. Rubella

Immunization Proof can be obtained through a primary care provider. If unable to locate childhood vaccines then the prospective student can obtain a TITER Blood Draw to provide proof of immunization.

Duration & Fees of EMT Training

    1. EMT Basic- The duration of EMT Basic class on average will be 16 weeks. There are academy style programs that can take as little as 8 weeks to complete. The type of training and program length will be dependant on the training site. Expect to pay anywhere from 850 to 2000 dollars for EMT Basic Class. Typically training centers have classes that can fit any schedule. Basic Students will have to complete a minimum of 48 clinical rotation hours in addition to class time.
    2. EMT Intermediate or AEMT- Duration of intermediate level training can take 8-16 weeks. It is important to note that a student does not have to complete AEMT in order to progress into medic and this level is often skipped in favor of EMT Paramedic Training. Expect around 1000-2500 dollars in course fee depending on the training site.
    3. EMT Paramedic- Paramedic level instruction will take a student 16 months to 2 years. The class is intensive, with a lot of information provided in a manner that will challenge the student. In addition to class time, a student will be expected to complete at least 500 clinical rotation hours.

The information provided should give prospective EMTs a general idea of what to expect. Many classes are offered during nights as well as 1 or 2 days a week. Many candidates entering the field are working adults and many programs cater to these individuals.

Further information can on how to decide where to attend classes can be found here: https://emttrainingstation.com/how-to-decide-where-to-attend-emt-school-for-ems-training/

A Brief Overview of EMT School Course Curriculum

The basic coursework/curriculum of EMT programs includes:

  • Basic knowledge about the human body
    • Students will learn about the Anatomy and Physiology of:
      • The Respiratory System
      • The Cardiovascular System
      • The Nervous System
      • The Endocrine System
      • The Gastrointestinal System
      • The Immune System
  • Medical and legal issues
  • Vital signs
    • Students will learn how to assess:
      • Blood Pressure
      • Respirations
      • Pain
      • Level of consciousness
      • Blood Oxygen Percentage
  • Properly lifting and moving of the patients
    • An essential skill to master. The potential for back injury is a reality for EMS personnel.
  • Airway management
    • Students will learn airway maneuvers such as:
      • Head Tilt Chin Lift
      • Jaw Thrust
    • Use of medical devices to secure and preserve a patient’s airway such as:
      • OPA, NPA placement
      • Kingtube and Combitube Placement
      • Paramedics will learn how to place an Endotracheal Tube, or perform an emergency cricothyrotomy
    • Techniques to clear the airway such as:
      • Heimlich Maneuver
      • Finger Sweep
      • Medics will learn how to use the Magill Forceps
  • Patient assessment
    • Students will learn how to assess patients for both medical and trauma-based emergencies. This will entail learning how to perform both quick total body exams as well as focused exams.
  • Handling of respiratory, cardiovascular, diabetic or poison emergencies
    • Candidates will learn how to identify different emergencies as well as how to treat them in an emergency setting.
  • Obstetrics/Gynaecology
    • Be prepared to learn how to deliver a baby in the field.
  • Shock and bleeding management
    • Future responders will learn about the stages of shock as well as the types of shock. Students will become proficient in bleeding control as well as bandaging and the use of a tourniquet.
  • Head, neck or spinal injuries
    • This will deal with the assessment and care of spinal trauma. Students will learn how to extricate a crash victim as well as apply a C-Collar and Backboard.
  • Infants and children
    • Pediatric patients will present differently than adult patient and require alternative care when dealing with the approach and management of various illness.
  • Ambulance operations or transportation management

The NREMT Exam

In most states, the process for certification in the EMS field involves the National Registry. The Registry is a testing body that provides a standard of testing and many states use this body as a way to certify that an individual is qualified to possess an EMT or Paramedic level medical license in that state. If you are considering a career in the field of Emergency Services then you will most likely need to familiarize yourself with the NREMT Exam.

What does NREMT stand for? The acronym stands for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians and embodies all level of the profession from Medical First Responder all the way to the level of Paramedic. The NREMT is an organization that validates the training of EMS personnel and a benefit of belonging to this Registry is that in many cases it allows for easy transfer of licenses between states that use the Registry as their preferred validation method.

Additional information on the NREMT Exam can be found at the following links:

https://emttrainingstation.com/what-is-the-nremt-exam/

https://www.nremt.org/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Registry_of_Emergency_Medical_Technicians

Alabama Emergency Medicine Contact Information:

Alabama Department of Public Health Office of EMS and Trauma
The RSA Tower
201, Monroe Street, Suite- 750
Montgomery, Alabama- 36104
Contact Number: 614-888-4484/ 334-206-5383
Fax: (334) 206-5260

State of Alabama Approved EMT Training Centers:





Prospective EMTs and Paramedics will have to attend classes at a state-approved location. Often times the decision as to where to attend class is as important as passing the course and gaining licensure. Those needing help in deciding which program is right for them can read:

https://emttrainingstation.com/how-to-decide-where-to-attend-emt-school-for-ems-training/

The article discusses the difference between attending class at a trade school or at a college or university level program.

Below you will find a list of state-approved locations:

  • Bevill State Community College
    Address: P.O. Box- 800, Sumiton, Alabama- 35148
    Contact Number: 205-648-3271
    Official Website:http://www.bscc.edu/
  • Calhoun Community College
    Address: 6250, Highway 31 North, Tanner, Alabama- 35671
    Contact Number: (256) 306-2500
    Official Website:http://www.calhoun.edu/
  • Alabama Fire College and Personnel Standards Commission
    Address: 2501, Phoenix Drive, Tuscaloosa, Alabama- 35405
    Contact Number: 800-241-2467 (toll free)
    Fax Number: 205-391-3747
    Official Website:http://www.alabamafirecollege.net/
  • Central Alabama Community College
    Address: 34091, US Highway- 280, Childersburg, Alabama- 35044
    Contact Number: 256-378-5576
    Fax Number: 256-378-2027
    Official Website:http://www.cacc.edu/
  • Faulkner State Community College
    Address: 1900, Highway 31 South, Bay Minette, Alabama- 36507
    Contact Number: (251) 580-2100
    Official Website:http://www.faulknerstate.edu/
  • Chattahoochee Valley Community College
    Address: 2602, College Drive, Phenix City, Alabama- 36869
    Contact Number: 334-291-4900
    Official Website:http://www.cv.edu/
  • Gadsden State Community College
    Address: 1001, George Wallace Drive, Gadsden, Alabama- 35903
    Contact Number: (256) 549-8200
    Official Website:http://www.gadsdenstate.edu/
  • Herzing University
    Address: 280, West Valley Avenue, Birmingham, Alabama- 35209
    Contact Number: (205) 916-2800
    Official Website:http://www.herzing.edu/
  • Jefferson Davis Community College
    Address: PO Box 958, Brewton, Alabama- 36427
    Contact Number: 251-809-1594
    Fax Number: 251-809-1596
    Official Website: http://www.jdcc.edu/mainindex.php
  • Jefferson State Community College
    Address: 2601, Carson Road, Birmingham, Alabama- 35215
    Contact Number: (205) 853-1200
    Official Website:http://www.jscc.cc.al.us/
  • Lawson State Community College
    Address: 3060, Wilson Road, South-west, Birmingham, Alabama- 35221
    Contact Number: 205-925-2515
    Fax: 205-925-3716
    Official Website:http://www.ls.cc.al.us/
  • Lurleen B. Wallace Community College
    Address: P.O. Drawer- 1418, Andalusia, Alabama- 36420
    Contact Number: 334-222-6591
    Official Website:http://www.lbwcc.edu/
  • Northwest-Shoals Community College
    Address: P.O. Box- 2545, Muscle Shoals, Alabama- 35662
    Contact Number: 256-331-5200
    Fax: 256-331-5222
    Official Website:http://www.nwscc.cc.al.us/
  • Southern Union State Community College
    Address: 1701, LaFayette Parkway, Opelika, Alabama- 36801
    Contact Number: (334) 745-6437
    Official Website: http://www.suscc.edu/
  • University of South Alabama
    Address: Pat Capps Covey College of Allied Health Professions, Department of Emergency Medical Services, 600, Clinic Drive, CCCB- Suite 400, Mobile, Alabama- 36688
    Contact Number: 251-461-1832
    Fax: 251-461-1823
    Official Website:http://www.southalabama.edu/alliedhealth/ems/
  • H. Councill Trenholm State Technical College
    Address: 1225, Air Base Boulevard, Montgomery, Alabama- 36108
    Contact Number: 866-753-4544
    Official Website:http://www.trenholmstate.edu/
  • Wallace Community College
    Address: 1141 Wallace Drive, Dothan, Alabama- 36303
    Contact Number: (334) 983-3521
    Fax: (334) 983-6066
    Official Website:http://www.wallace.edu/
  • The University of West Alabama
    Address: Livingston, Alabama- 35470
    Contact Number: (800) 621-8044 (toll-free)
    Official Website:http://www.uwa.edu/
  • Wallace State Community College
    Address: 801, Main Street North-west, P.O. Box- 2000, Hanceville, Alabama- 35077-2000
    Contact Number: 256-352-8000
    Official Website:http://www.wallacestate.edu/