There are three types of EMT’s:

EMT-Basic (EMT-B)

Emphasize on assessing patient condition, while managing cardiac, respiratory, and trauma.  This certification is to provide emergency medical care training to non-medical personnel such as police, safety team members, and many firefighters.  EMT-Basic’s can perform various skills such as emergency childbirth management, airway management including; suctioning, intubations, ventilation, and oxygen administration.  In addition, skills such as fracture splinting, long spine board splinting, bleeding control, c-spine immobilization, CPR, AED resuscitation efforts, and administration of approved medications can also be performed

EMT-Intermediate (EMT-I)

This certification is a level between EMT-Basic, and EMT-Paramedic involving a higher degree of training in addition to an EMT-Basic certification status.  In addition to performing and understanding all EMT-Basic skills and knowledge, an EMT-I can perform more complex tasks such as administering intravenous (IV) medications, fluid replacement, and intramuscular(IM) medication administration.

EMT-Paramedic (EMT-P)

A Paramedic is the most highly trained, skilled, and knowledgeable of all EMT’s.  While understanding and performing all EMT-B, and EMT-I skills and knowledge, an EMT-Paramedic can perform the most complex of prehospital care.  Tasks such as performing and reading an electrocardiogram (EKG), or administering approved medications via intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), orally (PO), sublingual (SL), or nasally are performed on an almost daily basis.   EMT-Paramedics are also trained in differential diagnoses of an injury or illness.  Throughout interviews and assessments a Paramedic can understand what is causing an injury or illness and treat accordingly.

How do I become an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)?

Outside of the National Registry, there are states which require their own curriculum.  The following requirements are set by the state of Ohio and Sinclair Community College.  Sinclair Community College is located in Dayton Ohio, in close proximity to Miami Township division of Fire/ EMS.  If you live outside the state of Ohio you need to inquire with your state of residency.

EMT-Basic requirements =  Requires eight hours and successful completion of an Ohio State certifying examination.  These are courses EMS 117 and EMS 118.

EMT-Intermediate =  Upon completion of the first three quarters of the paramedic course plus a 2-day course, an individual is qualified to sit in for the state certifying exam.  This course is not currently offered as a stand alone certification.

EMT-Paramedic = requires 39 hours after successful state certification at the EMT-B level.  Once completed with the paramedic course work, students are prepared to sit for the state certifying exam.  These courses are EMS 135, 136, 137, 138, and 139.