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Emergency Medical Technician (EMT's)

110 hours minimum training

EMT's are truly the backbone of the pre-hospital EMS system. To assure quality care, whenever someone is transported by ambulance in Virginia, an EMT must be at the patient's side. EMT's receive training to assess a patient's condition, immobilize broken bones, or deliver a baby. They also treat for shock, serious illnesses or cardiac problems. The EMT class includes 100 hours of classroom and hands-on training and a 10-hour clinical rotation in the hospital emergency department

Shock-Trauma Technician

Minimum 87 hours in addition to EMT

This is the firs level of ALS training beyond the basic level. A Shock-Trauma Tech can start intravenous fluid lines, administer limited medications, and can employ specialized airway techniques. This course is primarily directed at the rural areas of the state where full ALS capability may not be available due to staffing limitations, low call volume or funding limitations.

Paramedics

Minimum 444 hours in addition to EMT

Paramedics offer the highest level of pre-hospital care available in Virginia. They receive expanded training in medical, trauma, and pediatric emergencies. The training includes extensive in-hospital clinical rotations. Paramedics can administer a greater variety of drugs and do specialized cardiac monitoring and trauma care. In Virginia, medevac helicopter units employ specialized flight nurses or paramedics.

What are the duties of an EMT?

Providing Basic Life Support (BLS) skills including airway management, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), bleeding control, treatment of shock, oxygen therapy, treatment of environmental emergencies, burn care, splinting, and bandaging techniques, vehicles extrication, and emergency childbirth.
Providing Advance Life Support (ALS) by administering intravenous therapy, using advanced airway techniques, giving medications, interpreting electrocardiograms, administering electrical therapy for cardiac conditions and doing additional invasive procedures. ALS certification levels in Virginia are EMT-Shock Trauma Technician, EMT-Cardiac Technician, and EMT-Paramedic.
Assessing the nature and extent of illness or injury before the arrival to the hospital.
Using interpersonal and patient care shills with all age groups - from pediatric to geriatric patient's.
Reporting observations orally and in writing of the patient's condition and the medical treatment rendered.
Using a wide range of immobilization and transportation techniques and devices to lift, move, and secure patients,
Communicating with medical personnel at emergency departments via mobile radio and telephone systems.
Working with law enforcement, fire services, and emergency dispatch centers.
Reassuring patients, families, and bystanders during medical emergencies.
Using correct infection control procedures including the use of masks, gowns, gloves, and clean-up,/disposal techniques.
Cleaning, maintaining, and inspecting medical and rescue equipment.
Maintaining knowledge and skills through continuing education and re-certification.
Assessing the status of hazardous material incidents and using decontamination techniques to simplify patient care.
Operating and driving emergency vehicles.