How Long???

[bfd5229]

hi, i just joined a rescue squad and i plan on taking EMT-B. How long do you think i should ride calls before i start EMT? I'am interested in all comments.

[nbfcfireman]

No time is needed...but...It is nice just to have a general basis of knowledge before youi start a class. plus..if you learn the way your department does it you can figure out how to do it for your department and how to do it the way that state protocols say to

[btroutm]

You really don't have to ride calls before you start the EMT-B course. I do recommend that you ride calls while taking the EMT-B course. It helps to be able to start putting some of the skills you learn into a practical setting right away.

[Kiernan]

You don't need to ride along before starting the class. I am in my fourth month of EMT school and I just started to ride along. I must run atleast 6 calls to graduate the class.

[kghemtp]

It would seem that most people worry that they won't be able to handle the emergencies we see out there. Public opinion is that EMS is blood & guts. As part of the rescue squad already, you probably have a decent idea of how you like the environment we work in. That's a definite plus and a great reason to forge ahead with EMT-B class! Even if you walked away from EMS at any point, the knowledge and skill being offered in these classes are priceless. I have but one thing to add.... MORE BASICS! Good luck

KGH
FF/EMT-P

[IAMedic]

The volunteers on my dept get a pager and are driver trainees until the sign up for the class. They can help in the back too, when needed. I agree that you can go on call every opporunity you have. Good Luck and keep us informed!! Welcome to the Boards!!

[fyrmedic60]

I would go ahead and sign up for the EMT class. I am currently taking an EMT class. I will graduate in May. To drive our ambulance at our volunteer fire dept, you have to at least be a first responder to drive or get on the ambulance. In our EMT class, we had to do clinical hours and so many hours of ride-along time, so you will get time on the ambulance. I can now make runs on our ambulance, but only to help. I cannot be the EMT in charge. My husband is an EMT-Advanced so I always ride along with him and he lets me help him out with the patients. Our department won't let us ride the ambulance unless we are enrolled in the EMT class or like I said earlier, unless we are a first responder. We have had drivers training and I have driven the ambulance but am not signed off on the bus. We have drivers training once a month until we are comfortable driving it. Until then, I help in the back, which is where I would rather be... I am not taking the EMT class to drive.. LOL.... Good Luck.