EMT Training Archives

Unitek EMT’s Exciting Expansion

October 4, 2018/0 Comments/in EMT Training /by Alyssa Jordan

If you’ve been searching for EMT schools in Arizona, we have some great news for you—Unitek EMT has now expanded to the city of Chandler! Located southeast of Phoenix, Arizona, Chandler is a city dotted with numerous parks, museums, hotels, and restaurants. With varied settings amid gorgeous desert sunsets, Chandler offers a range of attractions to residents and visitors alike.

Although Unitek EMT is based in Northern California, we seek to provide Arizona residents with an alternative route for their EMT educational needs. Aspiring emergency medical technicians will now have the opportunity to attend Unitek’s Chandler facility and enroll in our accelerated EMT program.

Today, we’d like to tell you a little more about our Arizona location as well as the city of Chandler. Go on a quick virtual tour with us!

About Unitek’s Chandler Facility

Picture a flat, open area filled with stately office buildings. The natural beauty of the desert shines through the pink-beige hues of the buildings and the windows that cast a teal glow in direct sunlight. A sea of cacti and native rocks compliment the large, sprawling space, and slender palm trees add dimension to the landscape.

Through a set of glass doors at 585 North Juniper Drive, you’ll find glimmering marble floors and other stylistic touches. Once you locate our suite within the building, you’ll be buzzed inside and greeted by a member of our friendly staff. In time, you’ll see various posters bearing Unitek’s name. You’ll also come across a lavish kitchen with a fridge and a vending machine. This open space not only acts as a lounge for students, but it’s also how we provide complimentary lunches and dinners.

Within our EMT classroom, you’ll find desks, a projector, and a partition in the middle of the room. Gurneys and stocked EMS bags lie on the other side of the partition. Additionally, in a room behind this classroom, students utilize three skills laboratories: the medical lab, the trauma lab, and the equipment lab.

The medical and trauma areas allow students to engage in simulation training while the third area houses larger medical equipment. Each class is split into three squads, allowing them to rotate and partake in these activities at different times. At Unitek EMT, we’re firm believers in workshop-style classes.

It should be noted that a fabulous hotel is located within a mile of our Chandler facility. Students can rent a room at the Staybridge Suites while they attend our 140-hour program. At Staybridge Suites, some rooms provide guests with a private kitchen, a living room, and a large bath tub. Hotel highlights include a complimentary breakfast buffet and an on-site fitness center!

About the City of Chandler

Chandler has a wonderful downtown area that’s only a 10-minute drive from Unitek. It features various restaurants and shopping destinations. In fact, there are numerous places in Chandler that can provide you with family fun, art and cultural experiences, and gorgeous outdoor views.

Through a helpful website called The Crazy Tourist, we’ve compiled a list of their suggestions for some of Chandler’s best attractions:

+ Koli Equestrian Center: The Crazy Tourist called this center the “perfect excursion for everyone from beginners to seasoned riders.” Horseback riding fans will find miles of picturesque scenery and several riding trails to satisfy their desire for the great outdoors.

+ Rawhide Western Town and Steakhouse: If you dig the Wild West, you and your family might want to visit this replica frontier town. It encompasses more than 160 acres of beautiful Sonoran Desert and includes a shooting gallery, a steakhouse, and other western activities.

+ Desert Breeze Park: This park provides some great opportunities for family fun! Kids might love a train ride around the park, a lake stocked with fish, or a sea of ducks. There’s also a splash pad and shaded picnic areas, not to mention several baseball fields, tennis courts, and bike trails.

+ Chandler Center for the Arts: The center is known for a variety of performances, such as plays, ballet features, comedy shows, and much more. According to The Crazy Tourist, this venue provides fantastic acoustics and great seating for its guests.

+ Chandler Fashion Center: One of the largest malls in the Phoenix metropolitan area, the Chandler Fashion Center hosts a variety of shops, restaurants, and beauty salons. With its tile floor and cool temperatures, the center can be a welcome break from the Arizona heat.

+ Sweeties Candy of Arizona: Take a nostalgic trip down candy lane at Sweeties Candy of Arizona. Not only will you find aisles filled to the brim with nostalgic candies, but you’ll also find up-to-date treats as well as the delicious classics.

About Unitek EMT

For the past 12 years, Unitek has provided aspiring EMTs with the training they need to succeed. Our boot camps* and state-of-the-art courses equip graduates with the current theory and technique for first-response treatment of patients. Taught by seasoned EMS professionals, the classes at Unitek EMT include realistic simulations, hands-on training, and one-on-one instruction to ensure students master the skills they’ll need to save lives.

For more information about the Arizona EMT program, please visit our website and explore all we have to offer: https://www.unitekemt.com/emt-programs/boot-camp/arizona.

^*Our 14-Day EMT Program in AZ and the 14-Day on-ground portion of the EMT Program in CA are taught in an intensive “boot camp” style, to simulate the fast pace of work expected on the job as an EMT. The California EMT Program also includes online instructional hours.

Unitek EMT Announces Their Expansion to Arizona

October 1, 2018/0 Comments/in EMT Training /by Alyssa Jordan

One of the Nation’s Finest EMT Training Programs Now Offered In Chandler, Arizona

Unitek EMT has expanded their popular Emergency Medical Technician training program into Chandler, Arizona. Based in California, Unitek seeks to provide Arizona residents with an accelerated and robust option for their EMT training. Currently, Unitek is accepting students for boot camps scheduled to start in October at their Chandler campus.

In Arizona, the Unitek EMT program features a 14-day boot camp with applied training, hands-on exercises, and clinical simulations. Students will receive efficient and comprehensive EMT training through this 140-hour program. The 10 hours of boot camp style instruction per day for 14 consecutive days is designed to simulate the intense pace of work that can be expected on the job as an EMT.

The program also includes NREMT passing assistance. The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) administers the cognitive certification exam that graduates must take in order to become nationally certified EMTs. At a student’s request, Unitek will provide assistance in passing this milestone exam.

The Importance of Emergency Medical Technicians

“Due to the vital service that first responders provide, there is great demand for well-trained EMTs across the country,” said David Higley, Chief Marketing Officer at Unitek Learning, the parent company of Unitek EMT. “Our new Chandler campus will serve the entire Maricopa County area.” With almost 5 million people, Maricopa is the fourth most populous county in the U.S., and it was the fastest-growing county in 2017. Last year, the average salary for EMTs and paramedics in Arizona was $38,330 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which makes Arizona one of the nation’s top ten highest-paying states for EMTs and paramedics.

To make their graduates more marketable, Unitek offers psychomotor skills training that meets the requirements of various EMS and public safety agencies. They currently provide successful graduates with a Program Completion Certificate. Through the Arizona EMT program, Unitek seeks to promote student excellence, strengthen support for workforce development, and help fill the need for EMS professionals in the United States.

“We are thrilled to announce this transformative expansion,” said David Higley. “It has been a year of growth and opportunity for Unitek EMT, and we look forward to extending our reach in Arizona. At Unitek, we are dedicated to educating the next generation of emergency medical technicians.”

More About Unitek EMT

For the past 12 years, Unitek has provided aspiring EMTs with the training they need to succeed. Their state-of-the-art courses and boot camps equip graduates with the current theory and technique for first-response treatment of patients. Taught by seasoned EMS professionals, the classes at Unitek EMT include realistic simulations, hands-on training, and one-on-one instruction to ensure students master the skills they’ll need to save lives.

Unitek EMT: Expanded Online Hybrid

July 26, 2018/0 Comments/in EMT Training /by Alyssa Jordan

At Unitek EMT, we strive to prepare our students for a career in emergency medical services (EMS). Veteran EMS professionals impart critical knowledge and skills through a combination of expert lectures, simulation training, and workshop-style classes. To gain as much experience as possible, students will also partake in a clinical rotation. These either take place with local ambulance providers or in emergency-room settings.

We believe these real-world experiences greatly benefit our students and influence their success. If you’ve been searching for Emergency Medical Technician training, we offer an EMT program with two different formats to better accommodate our students: the 14-Day Boot Camp* and the Expanded Online Hybrid.

The 14-Day Boot Camp*

This format includes an intensive Boot Camp that will prepare students for work in the field. As stated above, students will receive professional instruction, active training, and clinical rotations. To give you a better idea of what the Boot Camp entails, we’ve included the below schedule:

+ DAY 1—Medical, Legal, and Ethical Issues; Patient Assessment; Vital Signs; Essentials of Communication; EMS Safety; and Clinical Documentation

+ DAY 2—Airway Management; Respiratory Emergencies; BLS Resuscitation; and Cardiovascular Emergencies

+ DAY 3—BLS Emergencies; Medical Assessments; Gastrointestinal and Urologic Emergencies; and Endocrine and Hematologic Emergencies

+ DAY 4—Immunologic Emergencies; Neurological Emergencies; Psychiatric Emergencies; and Shock

+ DAY 5—Trauma Overview; Bleeding; Soft Tissue Injuries; Face and Neck Injuries; and Head and Spine Injuries

+ DAY 6—Chest Injuries; Abdomen and Genitourinary Injuries; and Orthopedic Injuries and Environmental Emergencies

+ DAY 7—Auto Extrication and Trauma

+ DAY 8—Medical Overview

+ DAY 9—Clinical Experience

+ DAY 10—Clinical Experience

+ DAY 11—Clinical Experience

+ DAY 12—Obstetrics & Neonatal Care; Pediatric Emergencies; Geriatric Emergencies; Terrorism Response and Disaster Management; and Tactical Casualty Care

+ DAY 13—Terrorism Response and Disaster Management; Tactical Casualty Care; and START Triage

+ DAY 14—NREMT Psychomotor Testing

There is also an online component within the EMT program. This online portion covers about 50+ hours of didactic EMT coursework, with 24 of those hours being incident management related course material. It’s important to note that this online component must be completed prior to graduation.

The Expanded Online Hybrid

For those who have limited schedules or prefer to learn at their own pace, Unitek offers another version of the EMT program: the Expanded Online Hybrid. If you’ve been searching for online EMT training, this efficient alternative will provide you with lectures, online coursework, and skills instruction. Because of the online emphasis, we strongly encourage students to meet with our Program Director and discuss their goals.

The online coursework features material from the latest version of our textbook. It consists of audio reviews, knowledge checks, homework, online discussions, and self-paced presentations. Toward the end of the program, students must report to Fremont, California for 4 days of intensive training. This is because they need to demonstrate and achieve proficiency in various EMT skills. After this 4-day period, students will then partake in a 3-day clinical rotation before they complete the Psychomotor Examination.

Established by EMS experts, this Expanded Online Hybrid supplies students with the latest theory and technique for first responders. The ultimate goal of Unitek EMT is to prepare students for the National Registry exam (NREMT) and ensure their future success as Emergency Medical Technicians.

^*The EMT Boot Camp is the portion of the EMT program that includes intensive on-campus education, daily lectures, and hands-on skills. This version of the EMT program also includes a 50+ hour online portion that must be completed prior to graduation.

Unitek EMT: FAQ Faculty Series

June 26, 2018/0 Comments/in EMT Training /by Alyssa Jordan

More often than not, an emphasis is placed on programs, students, and benefits. These are all equally important facets to consider when looking at a school. At Unitek EMT, we would also like to take a closer look at our faculty. Not only are they instrumental to our success, but they play a vital role in shaping future EMTs and the field of EMS.

We recently spoke with Chris Seymour, the inspirational Program Director at Unitek EMT. He tirelessly works to educate and uplift the EMTs of tomorrow. Read on with us, and learn a little more about the man behind the program!

Q: Can you tell us a little about yourself and what you do at Unitek EMT?

A: I am the Program Director and Clinical Coordinator for the Unitek EMT program. I oversee all aspects of the program, including quizzes, lecture format, skills, and the syllabus. Additionally, I am also the lead instructor for the program and deliver many of the lectures.

Q: What is your day-to-day life like at Unitek EMT?

A: Busy, but so much fun! I usually get to work at 6:30 a.m. to setup and organize the classroom for the day’s activities. Lecture begins promptly at 8:00 a.m., where I focus the first portion of the day on a review for the previous day’s studies. I always try to make sure that students can not only apply the concepts they’ve learned but also retain the information.

After that, we engage students in a variety of activities, such as group work, presentations, workshops, study groups, and lectures. We break these sessions up as often as we can to keep the students motivated and engaged in participant learning. Throughout the program, we utilize a lecture and skills format so students can practice what we have just lectured on. As a teacher, I like to cater to all learning styles—I want my students to read it, hear it, and then demonstrate practical applications of what they’ve learned.

At 8:00 p.m. in the evening, it’s time to call it a day.

Q: How long have you been with the company? What made you choose Unitek?

A: I was hired as the Program Director about a year ago. Unitek is very unique, and its accelerated programs are completely immersive. I want my students to learn to serve their community, gain a valuable life skill, and become leaders in the Emergency Medical Services industry. I believe our program gives them all of these things. By having an accelerated program, I get the unique opportunity to teach hundreds of students per year. The unique nature of our program allows students to come to class, get an amazing educational experience, and then pursue a career as an EMT.

Q: Has your role changed since you’ve been here?

A: My role hasn’t changed. I still love to teach, but I am actively searching for ways to expand our program and explore other avenues. EMT is a science-based field, and since science and technology are ever-changing, our program must also continuously evolve. We have a lot of exciting new ideas on the horizon, and as Program Director, I can’t wait to move them from the theoretical to the real world.

Q: What did you do before this?

A: I have been a Paramedic for almost twenty years. I’ve worked all over, doing everything from working for the County Public Health Department, supervising a 911 system, arranging high-profile events for VIP clientele, serving as an Executive Protection Specialist, and working as a 911 medic. Most recently, I was the Vice President of one of the largest-growing ambulance companies in California. Because of our explosive success, we explored new and creative ways to reinvent the ambulance business.

My idea was to build a school, and as I founded a post-secondary school of education, I realized someone would have to teach. So, I took it upon myself to become a National EMS Educator and began teaching part time. I soon found that this was my true passion. I enjoyed teaching so much that I decided to leave the ambulance business and pursue teaching full time. Unitek is a great place, it allows me to teach almost every day, it challenges me in fun and unique ways, and the staff that I work with is amazing.

Q: To date, what professional achievement are you most proud of?

A: I am proud to have achieved my Master’s Degree. I would have never been able to receive a college education if it wasn’t for EMS. My family didn’t have a lot of money to send me to college, so I paid my own way while working full time as a Paramedic. Having a career in EMS has afforded me so many unique opportunities. It has been good to me, which is why I’d like to pay it forward.

Q: What do you like to do outside of work?

A: Sleep…just kidding! My duties at Unitek keep me very busy, as I typically teach six days a week. However, when I’m not a Unitek, I like to do a variety of things. My absolute favorite thing is being a husband and a father.

Q: If you had to pick just one thing, what would you say is your favorite part about working at Unitek EMT?

A: It’s hard for me to choose a favorite part about working here. My coworkers are amazing, the facilities and equipment are great. If I had to choose just one thing, I would pick my students. I love seeing the “lightbulb” come on and watching the students master new concepts. Though we start with a room full of strangers, our students quickly become friends, colleagues, and teammates.

My favorite part of the day, is when I check my email and read a message from a recent graduate, who tells me they have passed the National Registry, or they just got hired as an EMT, and they are thankful for what they learned in our program. I’m very proud of all my students, and I feel honored to have helped them in their pursuits.

Q: Where do you see this company in the next few years? What gets you most excited about the company’s future?

A: We have a lot of new plans for the program. I’ve been in EMS my entire adult life; I see the challenges on the horizon, and I am familiar with what our industry needs in order to overcome the unique challenges that will arise. I expect our program to grow and meet these challenges, which will fill the needs of those who seek to improve the wellbeing of others through their actions. What gets me excited about the future are the seemingly endless possibilities. As for where we go next…well, you’ll just have to see.

Q: If there was one thing you could tell people about the EMT program, what would that be?

A: There are EMT schools everywhere. I know them—I have helped build some of them—and I know the professors that teach at them. While they are all good schools, Unitek’s EMT program is unlike anything you have seen before. Our lessons transcend the classroom; we bridge the gap between theory and application seamlessly. Our program focuses on science, how you apply your knowledge of science, and how to use what you have learned to overcome unique challenges as a team to help those in need. I expect a lot from my students and, in return, our team gives them everything we can to make them successful.

Unitek EMT: A Day in the Life of a Student

June 19, 2018/0 Comments/in EMT Training /by Alyssa Jordan

Ever wondered what life is like for students at Unitek EMT? If you’ve found yourself searching for the phrase “EMT training bay area,” we’d like to give you an inside look at our EMT program. Let’s start with visualizing the setting; our Fremont Campus is located in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area. The city of Fremont is known for its coastal weather, mountainous views, and sunny skies, making it a hotspot for various outdoor activities.

Our campus has easy access to public transportation, and it’s conveniently situated near several freeways. The primary facility contains one large classroom, a student lounge, and several administrative spaces. During the course of the EMT program, students walk through our lobby on a daily basis (it’s located inside a circular glass dome!) Once past the lobby, the first place they head toward is room #140. It is marked with a sign that proudly says, “Unitek EMT Training.”

Normal business hours tend to run from 8 am to 5 pm, though these times often vary for Emergency Medical Technician training. Specific class schedules can vary for other departments as well, which is why we’re also going to take a closer look at several of our continuing education courses. Before we do so, let’s switch back to the EMT program. It consists of two components: an online portion and a 14-Day Boot Camp.

The online portion must be completed before graduation, and it includes about 50+ hours of EMT coursework. During the Boot Camp, students can expect to see about 50% hands on training and 50% conceptual learning. Not only will they have the opportunity to work with medical mannequins, but they will also utilize CPR devices, firefighter turnout gear, stocked EMS bags, and more.

Check out our online coursework below as well as topics featured in our workshop-style classes. For the Boot Camp, we thought you might find it helpful to see a day-by-day breakdown:

The EMT Program

Online Component

EMS Systems; A Team Approach to Healthcare; Workforce Safety & Wellness; Communications and Documentation; Medical Terminology; the Human Body; Life Span Development; Principals of Pharmacology; Lifting & Moving Patients; Patients with Special Challenges; Transport Operations; and Incident Management

Boot Camp

+ DAY 1—Medical, Legal, and Ethical Issues; Patient Assessment; Vital Signs; Essentials of Communication; EMS Safety; and Clinical Documentation

+ DAY 2—Airway Management; Respiratory Emergencies; BLS Resuscitation; and Cardiovascular Emergencies

+ DAY 3—BLS Emergencies; Medical Assessments; Gastrointestinal and Urologic Emergencies; and Endocrine and Hematologic Emergencies

+ DAY 4—Immunologic Emergencies; Neurological Emergencies; Psychiatric Emergencies; and Shock

+ DAY 5—Trauma Overview; Bleeding; Soft Tissue Injuries; Face and Neck Injuries; and Head and Spine Injuries

+ DAY 6—Chest Injuries; Abdomen and Genitourinary Injuries; and Orthopedic Injuries and Environmental Emergencies

+ DAY 7—Auto Extrication and Trauma

+ DAY 8—Medical Overview

+ DAY 9—Clinical Experience

+ DAY 10—Clinical Experience

+ DAY 11—Clinical Experience

+ DAY 12—Obstetrics & Neonatal Care; Pediatric Emergencies; Geriatric Emergencies; Terrorism Response and Disaster Management; and Tactical Casualty Care

+ DAY 13—Terrorism Response and Disaster Management; Tactical Casualty Care; and START Triage

+ DAY 14—NREMT Psychomotor Testing

Of course, Unitek EMT encourages students to take designated breaks during the course schedule. Don’t let the topics you see here intimidate you, though—most things can seem daunting at first, but think of how rewarding it will feel once these topics become second nature to you. Additionally, our staff firmly believes in supporting and assisting students as much as possible.

The EMT Refresher Course

If you’re enrolled in one of our continuing education courses, they can typically be completed in a single day or a matter of days. For instance, the EMT Refresher course is a continuing education course that includes 24 hours of education. We’ve broken it down to the following topics and the hours required for each topic:

+ Preparatory: 1 hour

+ Airway: 2 hours

+ OB, Infants, and Children: 2 hours

+ Patient Assessment: 3 hours

+ Medical/Behavior: 4 hours

+ Trauma: 4 hours

+ Elective: 8 hours

Total: 24 hours

The BLS Course

The Basic Life Support class is another continuing education course offered at Unitek EMT. Incredibly enough, all of the below lessons can be completed in as little as 4 hours.

Lesson 1: Course Introduction
Lesson 2: 1-Rescuer Adult BLS
Lesson 3: AED and Bag-Mask Device
Lesson 4: 2-Rescuer Adult BLS
Lesson 5: Team Dynamics
Lesson 6: High-Performance Teams Activity
Lesson 7: Child BLS
Lesson 8: Infant BLS
Lesson 9: Special Considerations
Lesson 10: Adult and Child Choking
Lesson 11: Infant Choking
Lesson 12: Conclusion
Lesson 13: Exam
Lesson 14: Adult CPR and AED Skills Test
Lesson 15: Infant CPR Skills Test
Lesson 16: Remediation

Our other continuing education courses can be found here.

Have you been searching for accelerated EMT courses, or online EMT training? If you’re in the Bay Area, look no further than Unitek EMT!

Unitek EMT: Basic Life Support Continuing Education Course

June 12, 2018/0 Comments/in EMT Training /by Alyssa Jordan

The benefits of Basic Life Support training are nothing short of incredible. When a person undergoes cardiac arrest, survival hinges on receiving immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) from a bystander. More often than not, the nearest person is an individual without any medical expertise, such as a spouse, a family member, or a coworker.

According to the American Heart Association, about 90 percent of people who suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrests do not survive.¹ If CPR is performed—particularly in the first few minutes of cardiac arrest—a person’s chances of survival can double or even triple. Without a doubt, time is of the essence when it comes to cardiac arrest.

In addition, cardiac arrest victims that receive bystander CPR may have a higher quality of life down the road. During one particular study, researchers analyzed at least 8,000 people who experienced cardiac arrest outside of a hospital. Only 4% of these victims survived one year after their cardiac arrest. Researcher Ian Stiell, MD, chair of emergency health research at the Ottawa Health Research Institute in Ontario, Canada, stated that the study’s results supported CPR as not only a tool of survival but one that improves quality of life.²

You might be a parent, a spouse, or a sibling that would like to learn how to perform CPR. Perhaps you’re interested in a healthcare profession that requires CPR, and you’d like to add this life-saving skill to your resume. Either way, CPR BLS training will help prepare you for various scenarios. In fact, one day, these skills could mean the difference between life and death.

Basic Life Support Continuing Education Course

At Unitek EMT, we offer a BLS course that is intended for healthcare professionals and other personnel that need to learn how to perform CPR as well as other cardiovascular life support skills. This CPR BLS course has been primarily designed for healthcare providers, as it’s an advanced and comprehensive type of CPR course that is the standard for most medical professions.

In the United States, more than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur on a yearly basis. Unfortunately, less than half of those people—about 46% of them—receive the life-saving measures they need before professional help arrives.¹Our BLS Course trains participants to quickly recognize various life-threatening emergencies, administer high-quality chest compressions, deliver appropriate ventilations, and provide early use of an automated external defibrillator (AED).

The duration of the course is approximately 4-5 hours, and that includes both skills practice and skills testing. Additionally, all of our instructors are currently AHA BLS certified instructors. Those who successfully complete the course will receive an AHA BLS course completion card that is valid for two years from the date of completion.

Unitek EMT’s BLS Course Outline

+ Lesson 1: Course Introduction
+ Lesson 2: 1-Rescuer Adult BLS
+ Lesson 3: AED and Bag-Mask Device
+ Lesson 4: 2-Rescuer Adult BLS
+ Lesson 5: Team Dynamics
+ Lesson 6: High-Performance Teams Activity
+ Lesson 7: Child BLS
+ Lesson 8: Infant BLS
+ Lesson 9: Special Considerations
+ Lesson 10: Adult and Child Choking
+ Lesson 11: Infant Choking
+ Lesson 12: Conclusion
+ Lesson 13: Exam
+ Lesson 14: Adult CPR and AED Skills Test
+ Lesson 15: Infant CPR Skills Test
+ Lesson 16: Remediation

If you’re interested in Basic Life Support training, we hope you’ll consider our continuing education course at Unitek EMT. We also offer several other continuing education courses, such as Advanced Cardiac Life Support and the EMT Refresher.

For more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 888-790-1458.

¹ http://cpr.heart.org/AHAECC/CPRAndECC/AboutCPRFirstAid/CPRFactsAndStats/UCM_475748_CPR-Facts-and-Stats.jsp
² https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/news/20031006/benefits-cpr & http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/108/16/1939

EMT Continuing Education: Refresher Course

June 7, 2018/0 Comments/in EMT Training /by Alyssa Jordan

As we know, lives often depend on the quick thinking of Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). Whether lives are on the line or people are simply in need of help, EMTs answer emergency calls and act as first responders. In healthcare, education and experience are both vital to becoming a seasoned veteran.

To ensure that EMTs remain informed and current, they are required to regularly seek recertification. According to the NREMT website, the goals of recertification include assessing knowledge and skill in emergency medical services, encouraging professional growth, ensuring continual competence, and promoting constant learning.

Unitek EMT Refresher Course

At Unitek EMT, we offer a 3-day continuing education course for those seeking NREMT recertification. One of several EMT courses, our refresher class provides participants with the necessary 24 hours of continuing education. It also gives participants the opportunity to complete the skills verification form for EMT state recertification. Additionally, our instructors are all certified EMS professionals.

Refresher topics include the following:

+ Preparatory (1 hour)

+ Airway (2 hours)

+ OB, Infants, Children (2 hours)

+ Patient Assessment (3 hours)

+ Medical/Behavior (4 hours)

+ Trauma (4 hours)

+ Elective (8 hours)

NREMT Recertification

In a nutshell, EMTs are required to seek recertification every two years. Because fees, processes, and specific requirements can vary by state, it’s important to check with your state’s emergency medical organization(s). In total, the NREMT requires 72 hours of continuing education. Below we’re including a more detailed breakdown of the steps you’ll need to take to gain recertification.

1. You will need to complete an approved 24-hour DOT National Standard EMT-Basic/EMT Refresher.

2. You will need to complete 48 hours of continuing EMS related education as outlined below:

*A maximum number of 24 hours can be applied from any one topic area.

*A maximum of 16 hours can be applied from each of the following programs: ABLS, AMLS, BTLS, NALS, PEPP, PHTLS, and PPC.

*A maximum number of 12 hours can be applied from each of the following programs:

o Teaching CPR

o Emergency Driving

o Dispatch Training

*A maximum number of 24 hours of CECBEMS approved distributive education can be applied to continuing education requirements.

According to the NREMT, recertification cycles begin once your application has been processed and approved. After the recertification application is approved, the new expiration date will occur two years after the current expiration date on your account.

If you would like more information, we highly recommend looking at the NREMT’s FAQ page for recertification. They provide thorough and well-rounded answers to questions you have likely asked yourself (plus a few you may not have thought of!) Some highlights include:

*What does the National Registry accept as valid continuing education?

*How will I know when I can submit my online recertification application?

*If I fail to recertify by examination, can I still get recertified?

*And many more.

Without a doubt, recertification is a critical component of EMT training. It is a protective element put in place to ensure the public’s safety as well as your own. To learn more about the refresher course at Unitek EMT, please contact us toll free at 888-790-1458.

National EMS Certification Exam Tips

May 31, 2018/0 Comments/in EMT Training /by Alyssa Jordan

While it can be daunting to take the NREMT exam, it is a critical step in your EMS career. Not only does EMS certification serve as an important milestone, but it also protects the public and assures potential employers. To gain certification, you must take a cognitive exam as well as a psychomotor skills exam. Requirements and guidelines will vary for each type of exam (EMR, EMT, AEMT, or Paramedic).

Despite these variations, we have a list of tips that we think will help you succeed!

1. Study, Study, Study: We suggest using your textbook or any accompanying workbooks to help you memorize the material. Some educational programs, like Unitek’s EMT program, provide students with test prep and audio review for each chapter.

2. Know the Current AHA Guidelines for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care: This is a recommendation taken straight from the NREMT website. They stress the importance of carefully reviewing the American Heart Association’s Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care.

It’s important to review the current, most up-to-date guidelines. Of course, you will only be tested on this material at the level of the exam you’re taking.

3. Understand What’s Best for You: At this point, you’ve probably taken countless tests throughout your educational years. You likely know what study habits work best for you. Having said that, you may not have partaken in EMS studies before.

It’s important to discern whether you study best in groups or on your own. Maybe you benefit from quizzes, flash cards, or taking notes. Discover what works for you and incorporate those techniques into your study plan.

4. Ask Classmates or Mentors to Help You: If possible, practice mock-emergency scenarios with classmates. This could be an active, engaging component in your study process. Additionally, friends or mentors in the EMS field are a valuable resource. It would likely be very helpful if they quizzed you and went over the exam process.

5. Take Everything One Step at a Time: It can be easy to get lost in the sheer amount of information you’re absorbing. It’s important to plan and tackle every component of your journey in smaller, manageable chunks.

6. Step Away from the Material: It’s equally important to take short breaks. Your brain reaches a saturation point, and it needs time to recharge. Listen to music, meditate, go for a walk, or simply move around and get your blood pumping.

7. Don’t Study the Night Before the Exam: It’s ideal to rest the night before the exam. Relax as best you can, and be sure to get a good night’s sleep. At that point, intensive study will likely make you feel stressed or anxious.

8. Plan out the Morning of the Exam: Be sure to arrive at the test center 30 minutes before the scheduled testing time. This recommendation comes from the NREMT website, as the identification and exam preparation process can take some time. Perhaps most importantly, arriving early will lessen your stress levels.

9. Don’t Forget Your Identification: You must bring the proper identification with you to the test center. Acceptable forms of identification will be outlined in your confirmation materials when you register for the exam. Remember, you can’t take the exam if you don’t have the proper form of identification.

10. There Will Only Be One Best Answer: During the exam, more than one answer might seem correct. Keep in mind that there will only be one best answer. According to the NREMT website, “The items are written to determine how you would respond when providing patient care. Incorrect responses may be misunderstandings, common mistakes or inefficient approaches that represent less-than-optimal care.”

11. Try and Focus on the Big Picture: When studying for or taking the exam, remember that the content will reflect National EMS Educational Standards, not local or state procedures. In fact, the National Registry avoids questions on specific details that have regional differences. Additionally, questions with controversial topics are generally avoided.

12. The Exam Is Meant to Reflect Current Practices: The exam primarily focuses on what healthcare personnel should do in the field. On their website, the National Registry states that the exam is not taken from any single textbook or source. Overall, the content aims to reflect currently accepted practices in EMS.

13. You Don’t Need to Be Experienced with Computers: The cognitive exam is computer based, but you don’t need to be an experienced computer user. Not only is a tutorial available before you begin the exam, but the computer testing system is designed to be used by those with even minimal computer experience.

14. Don’t Rush and Read Each Question Carefully: The exam was also designed to ensure that most people have plenty of time to complete it. According to the National Registry, many candidates spend about 30-60 seconds reading each question and thinking it over. They have also stated that less than 1% of candidates are unable to finish the exam.¹

15. Don’t Get Frustrated: It’s important to remember the exam’s adaptive nature. Most people will likely think their exam is difficult, as the CAT algorithm fine-tunes the exam to match your maximum ability level. The best thing you can do is take the exam one question at a time. If you feel yourself starting to get frustrated, take deep breaths and try not to think ahead.

Perhaps the best preparation for the NREMT exam is the right educational program. To learn more about Unitek’s EMT program, please review our EMT training page or check out our EMT career overview.

If you’re interested in the EMT program, we can be reached toll free at 888-790-1458.

¹ https://www.nremt.org/rwd/public/document/cognitive-exam

Unitek EMT: Continuing Education Overview

May 29, 2018/0 Comments/in EMT Training /by Alyssa Jordan

Looking to enhance your career in emergency medical services? At Unitek EMT, we offer a myriad of continuing education courses. These contemporary EMS courses maintain industry standards, and they’ll equip you with various cutting-edge techniques. They will also prepare you by providing the knowledge needed for current industry certifications. Taught by experts in the field, our dynamic courses include conceptual learning, simulation training, and real-world scenarios.

If we’ve caught your interest, join us for a brief overview of continuing education at Unitek EMT!

Basic Life Support Continuing Education Course

Most people understand the significance of CPR, but they may not have a true appreciation for it. To put this into perspective, more than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur annually in the United States. Of that number, approximately 46% receive the immediate assistance they need before professional help arrives.

The BLS course aims to reduce these numbers by training participants to quickly recognize life-threatening emergencies, correctly provide chest compressions, deliver appropriate ventilations, and provide early use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). This course can be completed in as little as 4 hours, which includes the time needed for skills practice as well as skills testing. Additionally, our BLS instructors are certified with the American Heart Association.

Advanced Cardiac Life Support Continuing Education Course

While the BLS course provides participants with basic knowledge, those enrolled in our advanced course will gain additional skills. The class benefits healthcare professionals that must work as a team to increase survivability for victims of cardiac arrest, acute coronary syndrome (ACS), and stroke events. With an emphasis on cutting-edge science and state-of-the-art research, our ACLS course will help students build the skillset they’ll need to utilize in the field.

Initial skill assessments include EKG rhythms and dysrhythmias, pharmacodynamics for common ACLS drugs, and performance of high quality CPR and BVM ventilations. The initial course is both efficient and convenient, as it can be completed in approximately 12 hours. It’s important to note that we also offer an ACLS update course, and it can be completed in about 6 hours.

To give you a better idea of what the class entails, we’re including a course outline below:

+ Lesson 1: Life Is Why
+ Lesson 2: Science of Resuscitation
+ Lesson 3: Systematic Approach
+ Lesson 4: High Quality BLS
+ Lesson 5: Airway Management
+ Lesson 6: Acute Coronary Syndrome
+ Lesson 7: Acute Ischemic Stroke
+ Lesson 8: Team Dynamics
+ Lesson 9: Megacode
+ Lesson 10: Post Cardiac Care
+ Lesson 11: Intraosseous Access

EMT Refresher Continuing Education Course

Once you have completed your EMT training, and you’ve worked in the field, you will eventually need to take a refresher course. EMT certification is essential, but so is EMT recertification. Our comprehensive, 3-day course provides students with the required 24 hours of continuing education. If you choose this course, you’ll also have the opportunity to complete the skills verification form for state recertification.

During the 24-hour period, participants will receive a refresher course on the following topics: preparatory; airway; OB, infants, children; patient assessment; medical/behavior; trauma; and elective. At Unitek EMT, we strive to support and prepare our students. Because of this, we utilize medical equipment, an actual ambulance, and real-world training scenarios. The training may be rigorous, but it is designed to prepare students both physically and mentally.

In the end, there are many reasons to work in emergency medical services. Sometimes these reasons are personal and unique, but more often than not, these reasons are commonly shared. They might include the fulfilling nature of the work, or the human, challenging aspects of it. Others seek EMS work because it isn’t contained to an office. It’s different, and in some ways, the work is timeless—EMS professionals will always be needed.

Enhance your career with Unitek EMT!

National EMS Certification Process

May 24, 2018/0 Comments/in EMT Training /by Alyssa Jordan

The importance of national certification

If you’re pursuing a career in emergency medical services, it’s important to be aware of the certification process. After all, national EMS certification attests to the competence of an EMS professional. It also assures the public, licensing officials, and potential employers. In the United States, EMS certification is provided by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). As they state on their website, NREMT holds EMS workers to a standard that every American citizen deserves.

Before seeking certification, you must do two things: complete an approved educational program and meet the NREMT’s eligibility requirements. Afterward, you will be required to pass cognitive and psychomotor examinations. Because certification differs for each EMS worker, we’re going to individually look at the process for EMRs, EMTs, A-EMTs, and Paramedics.

About EMR certification

Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs) provide immediate care to patients. They have the necessary skillset to perform lifesaving techniques, and they assist higher-level personnel during emergency situations. If you’re interested in EMR certification, carefully review the following requirements:

+ Complete a state-approved EMR course that meets the National Emergency Medical Services Education Standards for Emergency Medical Responders.

Note from the NREMT: Candidates must have completed the course within the past two years. Additionally, the course’s program director must verify successful course completion on the National Registry website.

+ Possess a current CPR-BLS for “Healthcare Provider” or equivalent credential.

+ Pass the EMR cognitive examination and a state-approved psychomotor examination. It’s important to note that some states integrate the psychomotor exam into the EMR course (contact your state EMS office or course instructor for guidance).

Requirements for EMT certification

Like EMRs, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) provide immediate care. They respond to emergency calls, act as first responders, and safely transport patients. They possess the knowledge to stabilize patients in need of emergency intervention. In short, EMTs are a critical link between emergency situations and the healthcare system. For those seeking EMT certification, the following requirements must be met:

+ Candidates must be 18 years of age or older.

+ Complete a state-approved EMT course that meets the National Emergency Medical Services Education Standards for Emergency Medical Technicians.

+ Possess a current CPR-BLS for “Healthcare Provider” or equivalent credential.

+ Successfully complete the National Registry cognitive (knowledge) exam and a state-approved psychomotor (skills) exam.

At Unitek EMT, we provide conceptual learning and hands-on EMT training. Not only is our program taught by current experts, but it also educates students through a combination of professional lectures, active learning, and simulation training. By the end of the program, students will have spent 14 days in our Boot Camp¹ (several days are spent in a clinical rotation). Additionally, we conduct the psychomotor skills exam on the last day of the program.

If you’re looking for other EMT courses, we also offer an EMT refresher course. It’s equally important to seek recertification and stay up-to-date. Other continuing education courses include Basic Life Support and Advanced Cardiac Life Support. In the healthcare industry, education is perhaps your most powerful tool. It’s important to note that most EMS professions require personnel to seek recertification every two years.

The A-EMT certification process

Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians (A-EMTs) provide basic emergency medical care. To a degree, they also provide advanced emergency medical care. They are capable of utilizing both basic and advanced equipment typically found in ambulances. Below are the requirements for A-EMT national certification:

+ Candidates must be 18 years of age or older.

+ Must possess current National Registry certification (NREMT) or a state license at the EMT level.

+ Complete a state-approved A-EMT course that meets the National Emergency Medical Services Education Standards for Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians.

+ Hold a current CPR-BLS for “Healthcare Provider” or equivalent credential.

+ Pass the National Registry cognitive exam and psychomotor exam.

Paramedic certification

You’re probably very familiar with the word “Paramedic.” Paramedics have the knowledge and skills to provide advanced emergency care. When the occasion calls for it, they are capable of operating both basic and advanced ambulatory equipment. If you’d like to pursue Paramedic certification, below are the necessary requirements:

+ Candidates must be 18 years of age or older.

+ Hold current, national EMT certification (National Registry) or a state license at the EMT level/or higher.

+ Successfully complete a CAAHEP-accredited Paramedic program (or a program that has been issued a CoAEMSP “Letter of Review”) within the past two years. The course’s program director must confirm that the candidate passed the course through the National Registry website.

+ According to the NREMT, candidates who started their Paramedic program after August 1, 2016 are required to complete a psychomotor competency portfolio.

Note from the NREMT: Program directors must verify that candidates have met the requirements of the portfolio through the National Registry website.

+ Hold a current CPR-BLS for “Healthcare Provider” or equivalent credential.

+ Pass the National Registry cognitive exam and psychomotor exam.

We hope this overview has explained the certification process and provided you with valuable information for your future. National certification is absolutely vital when it comes to ensuring the safety of the public. If you’re considering a career as an EMT, we would encourage you to explore Unitek EMT and all our courses have to offer.

¹ EMT Boot Camp is the portion of the EMT program that includes intensive on-campus education, daily lectures, and hands-on skills. The EMT program also includes a 50+ hour online portion of the program that must be completed prior to graduation.