Jump from AEMT-I to AEMT-P?

[acoysighintime]

Hey;

I'm currently a NYS EMT-D, and have been since last spring. Things are going really well for me. I'm putting in tons of time at my volly agency, and reading everything I can get my hands on. I'm enrolled in an AEMT-I class, that's set to begin in January.

My logic behind taking this, is i can get some more skills down (intubation, IV, etc) without getting into all of the skills required for an AEMT-CC or Paramedic. My life is really busy right now, so I think that this is the best idea for me.

My question is, once the AEMT-I class lets out, this spring, should I jump directly into a Paramedic program, or go to a AEMT-CC first? Money is not an issue, as my agency and the state pick up the tab. My Thursday night partner is almost done with his Paramedic course, and he was a basic as well. His opinion is that i'll have more practical skills built up, and that i'll be ready.

Opinions?

[IAMedic]

'CC' means Cardiac Care or the equivalent of the NREMT-I/99, am I correct in the assumption?? I would go into the Paramedic if you think you are ready for it. There isn't that much difference between the CC curriculum and the Paramedic. I believe the NREMT-I/99 and similar curriculums are a waste of time. In the end, the Paramedic program is about 18 credit hours longer, is all. Plus, you'll be a full blown Paramedic. But, that's only my thought. I think there is a time and place for the 'CC' or NREMT-I/99, but if you can afford the $$ and time to go to the Paramedic school, then you should do it.

Good Luck!!

[tristateguy]

EMT-Critical Care is a mother-may-I-medic, really. It's for people who don't have the time to do a full medic program, but currently, there are very few CC course offerings compared to EMT-P. You're an I, you can do IV's, tube, do chest decompressions, do IO. I's don't manually defibrillate anymore, but other than that, you have many of the key mechanical skills. I'd say skip EMT-CC. There are EMT-P programs that allow AEMT's advanced standing, and being a CC Tech might help, so check the medic program you're ultimately interested in. Many do not.

I'm going to weigh in on the NREMT-I/99 issue, too, though it won't be applicable in NY for many years. The I level is going to continue to be treated like the proverbial redheaded stepchild.
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/ems/EMT-I/disk1/Appendix%20C.htm
You'll note the hours recommended for I/99 are 175 to 225. Do you know of any medic programs that short? This level does indeed have a place, and it boils down to your money and time.

FDV