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!

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

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.¹ Our 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, the EMT Refresher, and Nonviolent Intervention Continuing Education (NICE).

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

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

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.

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.

+ 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, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, and Nonviolent Intervention. 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.

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.

+ 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.