EMS CPR Training

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, a lifesaving action commonly called CPR, combines mouth-to-mouth breathing with chest compressions. When administered immediately after a cardiac arrest, CPR saves lives. CPR training, included in the training program for Emergency Medical Service providers, is a vital skill everyone should learn. Emergencies happen without warning. Be prepared.

Basic Training

• Students must study to pass first aid education classes.

  Emergency Medical Service (EMS) and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) are interchangeable terms that refer to the training and certification required to provide the skills and knowledge for an individual to be effectively trained and prepared to administer first aid in a medical emergency.

  EMT training is divided into three different levels; basic, intermediate and paramedic.

  Basic training includes emergency skills training in CPR, trauma and respiratory distress. A candidate must have taken and passed a "CPR for Healthcare Providers" class, based on either the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross curriculum. A state-approved, 110-hour EMT-Basic course, based on the U.S. Department of Transportation EMT-B curriculum, also is required before a candidate is eligible to take the final exam.

  Upon completion of the course, candidates are required to pass a written and and hands-on practical exam. Testing is conducted by either state agencies or the National Registry of Emergency Technicians (NRMT).

  Upon passing the test, students are eligible for certification as a Certified First Responder (CFR) and a Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (EMT-B).

  Contact your local chapter of the American Red Cross for information on classes scheduled in your local area.

  Basic CPR and EMS training can also be obtained from the American Heart Association, community colleges, technical schools and as on-the-job training. A high school degree or GED is a prerequisite for taking EMS training. (Not required for basic CPR training)

  CPR classes are offered in the workplace, through humanitarian relief organizations such as the American Red Cross, as well as online. Individuals that would like refresh their knowledge and skills can participate in emergency simulations using a Pre-Hospital Care/EMS Simulator available at: lessstress.com/simulator/sim.htm

Intermediate EMS Training

• EMT Intermediate requires up to 350 class hours of intensive training. Classes focus on medications, IV fluids and advanced devices (airway and circulation/defibrillator machines). Educational and experience levels requirements vary from state to state. Upon successful completion of the intermediate course, candidates are eligible for certification as a Advanced Emergency Medical Technician-Intermediate (AEMT-I).

Paramedic Training

• Emergency Medical Technicians save lives.

  EMT Paramedic training is more advanced and includes classes in physiology and anatomy. Paramedic training is available through community or junior colleges and often included as part of an Associate in Science degree. Paramedic training prepares a student for certification as a Advanced Emergency Medical Technician-Critical Care (AEMT-CC) and a Advanced Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic (AEMT-P).

History Of EMT Training

• The life-saving efforts and history of emergency medical services in the United States dates to the late 1800s. During World War II, physicians were unavailable to participate greatly in pre-hospital practice and life-saving first responders were mainly volunteers coordinated in programs managed by local hospitals and fire departments. Training was unorganized and skills were acquired through experience.

EMS Standards

• Nationwide EMS standards and procedures are determined by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and regulated by the various states Department of EMS and regional medical advisory committees.

FEMA

• The Federal Emergency Management Agency offers over 120 different courses in emergency medical response, search and rescue and emergency management. The courses are free and offered to emergency personnel through state and local police departments, fire departments and search and rescue organizations. Contact FEMA for classes in your area.