EMT Training California

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EMT Training in California

California EMT training is structured to teach necessary lifesaving skills that an Emergency Medical Technician will need to master during their careers. These skills will form the basis that will empower emergency care providers to greatly improve the pre-hospital survival chances of the patients they treat. Becoming an EMT in California is not as simple as filling out a job application. Emergency medicine is a licensed profession and as such, has to subscribe to guidelines both on the state and federal level. All EMT’s are required to have received training as detailed 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 California, 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 California 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 future first responder to complete an EMT basic course before they will be allowed to attend a course to become an ALS (Advanced Life Support) Provider. After the student passes their class they will have to go through the licensing process. California EMT Certification Process.



Check out this exact program at: www.esgvrop.org

Requirements

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

  1. Be at least 18 years of age.
  2. Candidates must possess a valid driver’s license.
  3. Must be a US Citizen or legal alien.
  4. Prospects must also have completed High School and Possess a Diploma or GED.
  5. English fluency is a must for EMTs.
  6. It is imperative to pass a criminal background check and must not have any convictions.
  7. Those seeking EMT training have to be physically and mentally 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 4 Months. There are academy style programs that can take as little as 2 months to complete. The type of training and program length will be dependant on the training site. Expect to pay anywhere from 800 to 1800 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 1500-3000 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 difficult, 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 hours of clinical rotations.

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 California, 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

California Emergency Medicine Contact Information:

The Emergency Medical Services Authority

10901 Gold Center Drive, Suite 400
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670

  • EMSA Main Phone Number: (916) 322-4336
  • FAX: (916) 322-1441
  • Paramedic Licensure: (916) 323-9875
  • Licensure Fax: (916) 324-2875

State of California 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:

  • American River College
    Address: 4700, College Oak Drive, Sacramento, California- 95841
    Contact Number: (916) 484-8011
    Official Website: http://www.arc.losrios.edu/
  • City College of San Francisco
    Address: 50, Phelan Avenue, San Francisco, California- 94112
    Contact Number: (415) 239-3000
    Official Website:http://www.ccsf.edu
  • East Los Angeles College
    Address: 1301, Avenida Cesar Chavez, Monterey Park, California- 91754-6099
    Contact Number: (323) 265-8650
    Official Website: http://www.elac.edu/
  • El Camino College
    Address: 16007, Crenshaw Boulevard, Torrance, California- 90506
    Contact Number: 310-532-3670
    Official Website:http://www.elcamino.edu/
  • Fresno City College
    Address: 1101, East University Avenue, Fresno, California- 93741
    Contact Number: (559) 442-4600
    Fax: (559) 489-2281
    Official Website: http://www.fresnocitycollege.edu/
  • Mt. San Antonio College
    Address: 1100, North Grand Avenue, Walnut, California- 91789
    Contact Number: 909-274-7500
    Official Website:http://www.mtsac.edu/
  • Palomar College
    Address: 1140, West Mission Road, San Marcos, California- 92069-1487
    Contact Number: 1-760-744-1150
    Official Website:http://www.palomar.edu/
  • Saddleback College
    Address: 28000, Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, California- 92692
    Contact Number: (949) 582-4500
    Official Website: http://www.saddleback.edu/
  • Santa Rosa Junior College
    Address: 1501, Mendocino Avenue, Santa Rosa, California- 95401
    Contact Number: (707) 527-4011
    Official Website: http://www.santarosa.edu/
  • Southwestern College
    Address: 900, Otay Lakes Road, Chula Vista, California- 91910
    Contact Number: (619) 421-6700
    Official Website: http://www.swccd.edu/
  • University of Antelope Valley
    Address: 44055, North Sierra Highway, Lancaster, California- 93534
    Contact Number: (661) 726-1-911
    Fax: (661) 726-5158
    Official Website:http://www.uav.edu/
  • Butte College
    Address: 3536, Butte Campus Drive, Oroville, California- 95965
    Contact Number: (530) 895-2511
    Official Website:http://www.butte.edu/
  • Crafton Hills College
    Address: 11711, Sand Canyon Road, Yucaipa, California- 92399
    Contact Number: 909-794-2161
    Official Website: http://www.craftonhills.edu/
  • Cuesta College
    Address: P.O. Box- 8106, San Luis Obispo, California- 93403-8106
    Contact Number: (805) 546-3100
    Official Website: http://www.cuesta.edu/
  • Imperial Valley College
    Address: 380, East Aten Road, Imperial, California- 92251
    Contact Number: 760-352-8320
    Official Website:http://www.imperial.edu/
  • Los Angeles County Health Services
    Address: 10100, Pioneer Boulevard, Suite- 200, Santa Fe Springs, California- 90670
    Contact Number: (562) 347-1500
    Fax: (562) 941-5835
    Official Address:http://ems.dhs.lacounty.gov/
  • Mendocino College
    Address: 1000, Hensley Creek Road, Ukiah, California- 95482
    Contact Number: (707) 468-3000
    Official Address:http://www.mendocino.edu/
  • National College of Technical Instruction
    Address: 333, Sunrise Avenue, Suite- 500, Roseville, California- 95661
    Contact Number: 916-960-6284
    Official Address:http://ncti.edu/
  • UCLA Center for Prehospital Care
    Address: 10990, Wilshire Boulevard, Suite-1450, Los Angeles, California- 90024
    Contact Number: (310) 267-5959
    Fax: (310) 312-9322
    Official Website: https://www.cpc.mednet.ucla.edu/
  • Ventura College
    Address: 4667, Telegraph Road, Ventura, California- 93003
    Contact Number: (805) 289-6000
    Official Website:http://www.venturacollege.edu/
  • Victor Valley College
    Address: 10, Commercial Boulevard, Suite- 204, Novato, California- 94949
    Contact Number: (415) 506-0234
    Official Website:http://www.vvc.edu/
  • Foothill College
    Address: 4000 Middlefield Road Suite I, Palo Alto, CA  94303
    Contact Number: (650) 949-6955
    Official Website: https://foothill.edu/bio