EMT-B

Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (EMT-B) is an entry-level position in the field of emergency medical services (EMS). EMT-Bs are trained to provide basic emergency medical care and transportation for critical and emergent patients who access the EMS system. This level of certification is often the first step for individuals pursuing a career in pre-hospital emergency medicine.

Training and Certification

To become an EMT-B, individuals must complete a state-approved training program, which typically includes around 120-150 hours of classroom instruction and hands-on practice. The curriculum covers a variety of topics, including:

• Basic life support (BLS)
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
• Airway management
• Patient assessment
• Trauma care
• Medical emergencies
• Emergency childbirth

After completing the training program, candidates must pass a certification exam, which is often administered by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) in the United States. The exam consists of both a cognitive (written) test and a psychomotor (practical) test.

Scope of Practice

EMT-Bs are trained to perform a variety of basic medical procedures, including:

• Administering oxygen
• Performing CPR and using an automated external defibrillator (AED)
• Controlling bleeding
• Splinting fractures
• Assisting with certain medications, such as epinephrine auto-injectors and nitroglycerin tablets
• Providing basic airway management

EMT-Bs work under the supervision of higher-level medical professionals, such as paramedics and emergency physicians. They are often the first responders to arrive at the scene of an emergency and play a crucial role in stabilizing patients and preparing them for transport to a hospital.

Employment Settings

EMT-Bs can work in a variety of settings, including:

• Ambulance services
• Fire departments
• Police departments
• Hospitals
• Private medical transport companies

Continuing Education and Advancement

EMT-Bs are required to complete continuing education to maintain their certification. This typically involves completing a certain number of hours of additional training every two to three years. Many EMT-Bs choose to advance their careers by pursuing higher levels of certification, such as EMT-Intermediate or paramedic.

Related Pages

• Emergency medical services
• Paramedic
• Basic life support
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians
• Automated external defibrillator