Why Do EMTs Need EMT Certification

In the event of emergencies, medical workers cannot respond immediately because of the lack of manpower. There is no wonder why the profession called Emergency Medical Technician has come to life. EMTs are the first individuals to respond in any emergency situation. However, before an EMT gets hired and does his or her job, he or she needs EMT certification. This certification also comes from their hard work.

Aside from not having any certification, an EMT cannot perform procedures without orders from physicians. Even if they know the right thing to do in an emergency situation, they still need to follow protocol. EMTs can only perform procedures according to their scopes and capabilities. There are 5 classifications of EMTs and each performs the same or different tasks. Each EMT classification has various trainings and they have different levels of capability.

The first type is called the EMT-B. They can only perform basic procedures. They can administer medication to patients that are conscious per physician's order. They have certain restrictions in their jobs and these restrictions are found in the law of the state. Other medical workers may be present to assist an EMT-B while doing specific procedures.

Another classification is the EMT-I. They have higher ranks than EM-B because they have undergone more training. They can also administer medications like any EMT-b. But they can give specific medications that an EM-B cannot. They are also trained to perform intubations procedure to patients needing it.

Another type of EMTs are known as the EMT-II. Aside from administering medications, they can give venipuncture and parenteral medications. This means they can give drugs via injection to their patients. Again, EM-II has wider scope of responsibility because they have additional trainings.

The fourth classification of EMTs is the EMT-II. They can already give medications such as Morphine, Atropine and Epinephrine (emergency drugs via injection). These types of medications cannot be given by the previous EMT types above. An EMT-II can already perform various advance procedures because they have undergone proper training.

The last type is no longer abbreviated as EMT. They are already called as paramedics. Paramedics are more sophisticated than EMT in relation to the scope of their work. Paramedics can give life saving procedures such as cardiac shocks because they are well-trained. From basic EM they have risen to their current status thru upgrading and attending more training.

An EMT's job is complicated and dangerous. This is why EMT certification is always required because they handle people's lives. The law of the state governs and determines the scope of practice of EMT. Law will not permit professionals to practice without any certification or license.  Details of the NREMT Certification Levels are provided by test-guide.com.