What do I need for the EMT-B class ?

[mellowdnb]

Hello everybody. I'm 23 years old and I signed up for an EMT-Basic class in the fall. However, I'm hearing "You have no background in this" from my parents, and I'm wondering what I should do.
I never took High School or most of College seriously. I had to go to night school because I was failing most of my high school classes. I earned my diploma and I enrolled in a Jr. College and then went to art school. I took a few courses in graphic design, because that's what my parents told me I should do. I was unhappy with it and once again found no need to do well in school. I had an internship at a design company, and I hated it, because it was not what I wanted to do.
I always had an interest in what paramedics do,but I always felt that I couldn't do it because I never had much of a background in math and science. I finally decided that I should stop listening to what other people want me to do, and start doing what I want to do.
I took a biology course this summer, and did well in it. I have 3 more basic math classes to go with until I can get to college algebra. I need those three basic courses to sign up for the Paramedic program after I pass the EMT-B class and test.
I'm sorry for the short bio of me, but I'm really lost. I finally found something that I am interested in, and to do whatever it takes to get an A in the class and become a level 5 paramedic. Should I take the basic math classes before EMT-B, or go on with EMT-B and then take the math classes. I have a year and a half before I can take the EMT-B test and sign up for the paramedic class, which should be enough time to get those math classes out of the way.
Thank you for those that put the time to read this :)

[Stealth83]

It is good to see you doing something that will make you happy, or something that you want to persue...It is always so much easier to learn if you WANT to! :)

You should do fine in your EMT-B Class. Just follow the instructions given to you by your instructor..(reading, practice with BP's, etc) and you will get along just fine.

You can take the math courses before or after your EMT-B. "Medical Math" comes into play when you start to deal with medication doseages and such.

[Scotttt]

dont listen to any naysayers. if you have the will and determination, you can succeed. my HS history is a meak one. i dropped out my senior year, and about 10 months later got my GED. i dont regret a thing (if anything i wish i never even went back to start my senior year). im an EMT and im studying to be a medic. now, not to toot my own horn. but im the top of my medic class, im proud of this, ive worked hard. my HS career has yet to hold me back. people out there may look down on highschool dropouts or those w/ GEDs, but nothing is better than to succeed and throw it back in their face. HS may put a few speed bumps in there when i sign up for college which i hope to start fall '05 but im willing to work through it.

i met a medic in philadelphia that dropped out of highschool, joined the military and was able to receive a diploma through that. he's now moving to arizona to start med school to be a DO.

[MARY016]

That's the good thing about becoming an EMT: no experience required. I'm a mother of two with three step children and no medical experience at all, and although the class was tough because of the amount of time and reading involved, I did fine. In fact I scored only five points lower than my husband who's been a CFR for about 13 yrs. Believe me if I can do it you can too. There's no math in the course. Which is a good thing 'cause I really suck in math. Good luck and let us know how you do.

[DrParasite]

Originally posted by mellowdnb
I finally decided that I should stop listening to what other people want me to do, and start doing what I want to do.
and that was probably the best thing you could have done. get your EMT, it doesn't require an outside math or science course. Paramedic sometimes does (depending on where A&P is being offered), but I would suggest waiting on that one. work as an EMT for a while, preferably in a big city. this is where you will gain your field experience. try that for a year or two, and once you are comfortable with ALL the basic stuff, start with the ALS.

good luck, and welcome to the club. by the way, do we still have the rule that the new guys buys drinks? :p

[IAMedic]

I agree with everyone else, don't listen to those that say you can't do it. I grew up on a farm, graduated high school with a 1.76 GPA, and didn't take life too seriously. I had aspirations of being a doctor, but nobody was behind me. My parents said that no one in our family has gone to college so it would be harder for me to start. All of my friends said that I should just stick to the farm work because I wasn't smart enough for Medical School.

Unfortunately, I listened to them. I decided to go to school to be a police officer, graduated with my Associates, then my Bachelors (graduating with a 3.57 GPA). Now I am in Grad School studying for Health Care Administration. I have been a Paramedic for 3 years and an EMT for 6 years. Where would I be now if I hadn't listened to those people. But, I am happy where my life has taken me.

So, in essence, do what is in your heart and follow your dreams. If you want to try being a Paramedic, then go for it. If you decide later that it's not for you, then change professions. It happens all of the time to everyone. You don't need any special training or skills for your EMT-B class. The instructor(s) will teach you everything you need to know about becoming an EMT. The only thing I suggest is to get you a nice Littmann stethoscope. Do a search of these forums to find out what kind of stethoscope everyone uses. DON'T POST A NEW THREAD ABOUT STETHOSCOPES. We have plenty of old topics to give you an informed opinion.

Good Luck and keep us informed!!

[EMTSteve]

EMTs come from all kinds of backgrounds and walks of life. I got my BA in english and work in the chemical industry. Like others have said here, do it if you want to. You'll learn everything you need to know in class and on calls.

Let is know if you have any questions during your training.

[Weruj1]

First ,as Dan said it is best that YOU decide what career frield you want, I was lucky and knew this is what I wanted to do my whole life. Hang tough and I hope you like it as it was mentioned by the poster above me dont be afraid to check in with any questions you may have.and lastly Brad......................

Do a search of these forums to find out what kind of stethoscope everyone uses. DON'T POST A NEW THREAD ABOUT STETHOSCOPES. We have plenty of old topics to give you an informed opinion.
ROFLMAO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[USAFmedic2B]

Hey man, if this is something you truly want to do then its easily obtainable. I'm 16 and just spent a majority of my summer at the Morris County police and fire academy sitting through some boring, some interesting lectures :) . But this was something I was really interested in and when it came down to the testing I just knew what they were asking me about, because unlike highschool, the information stuck with me.

One word of advice, if you can join up with your local First Aid Squad it will help ALOT I joined a couple weeks before the course, and was able to ride on a few calls in the ambulance, and really learned soooo much just from those few hours spent in the rig.

Good luck with your course man.

-Matt

[kghemtp]

You're gonna find SO many people in this career field of fire & ems who have had the 9-5 m-f desk job making 2,3,5 times what we make doing this, JUST because it's the more fulfilling profession. We only get so far doing what others want us to do. You might make some money & be sorta happy for a while, but you're naturally going to do better at something you truly want. A career in EMS might also turn out not to be for you, but that's your choice & no one can deny that. Everyone here is behind you with the goals you choose to reach for with this great profession.

Medical math will be a great asset to you in higher classes, but there should be very little calculations to consider in EMT-Basic. Any college classes working toward a degree will be worthwhile, though. A&P will be something you do for paramedic, and also look into college chemistry.

Buff made a great point about having a solid foundation as a Basic before jumping into paramedic. Give it some time & then push ahead when it feels right to you. When you prove to the world around you that this EMS thing is something you truly love, people will support your choices. Give the family a little time. Best of luck!

[mellowdnb]

Thanks to everybody for the support :)
I bought the books I needed for the class and I have been looking at them. I have a little over a week until I start the class, and I can't wait!!! :D