MUSKOGEE COUNTY EMS

HOW TO BECOME AN EMERGENCY MEDICAL RESPONDER (EMR) OR EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN (EMT)

Important: The below information is only a general descriptive summary, and is subject to differ from program to program, although all EMR and EMT training programs in Oklahoma must meet minimum guidelines, including use of the National Standard Curriculum, and must be approved by the Oklahoma State Department of Health, EMS Division.

Various training programs may exceed minimum requirements and may differ regarding the requirements for successful completion.  Interested persons are encouraged to contact the training program for specific information. Some of the area training programs are listed below.

Levels of Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT):

Emergency Medical Responder (registered)
Emergency Medical Technician EMT (licensed)
Advanced EMT (licensed)
Paramedic (licensed)

Licensure or registration requirements include, but are not limited to, successful completion of an approved training program (as approved by the Oklahoma State Department of Health) plus successful completion of both a practical (hands-on) exam and a written exam from the National Registry of EMTs.

Emergency Medical Responder (EMR):  This introductory level includes education in patient assessment, vital signs, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillator (AED), medical illnesses, traumatic injuries and emergency childbirth.

The EMR role is varied.  The EMR may be an employee or volunteer with an emergency medical service (EMS) to assist EMTs on ambulance calls.  A fire fighter or law enforcement officer may also be an EMR to provide emergency medical care prior to arrival of an ambulance.  In addition, some businesses and industries utilize EMRs as members of safety teams.

The EMR level is not required in order to become an EMT.  

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EMT:  This level is the first level required for all persons interested in becoming an EMT in Oklahoma. This course includes education in patient assessment, vital signs, triage, communications, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillator (AED), maintenance of intravenous (IV) fluids, rescue and extrication procedures, general pharmacology, use of oxygen and other airway devices, medical emergencies (including respiratory, cardiac, diabetic, environmental, behavioral, allergic reaction, poisoning, obstetric, childbirth, and gynecologic), traumatic emergencies (including treatment for hemorrhage and shock, bandages, splints, injuries of the head, spine and musculoskeletal system) and care for infants and children.

In addition to classroom education, EMT students also complete clinical hours on the ambulance.

Some persons may elect to pursue additional EMT education (see below) above and beyond the EMT, although this is not required.

A person who has completed the EMT level may choose to pursue the AEMT level as a separate course, as described below. Although as an option, some persons who ultimately desire to become a Paramedic may elect to not take the AEMT course separately, but instead to enroll in a Paramedic program. The Paramedic program will also cover the topics included in the AEMT.

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Advanced EMT:  This level of EMT education expands upon the basic level, and includes advanced education in patient assessment, medical terminology and shock management, and the establishment of intravenous (IV) fluids, venipuncture to obtain blood samples, and the use of advanced airway devices, including endotracheal intubation, and basic cardiac rythyms.

In addition to classroom education, AEMT  students also complete clinical hours on the ambulance and in the hospital setting.

Some persons may elect to pursue additional EMT education (see below) above and beyond the AEMT, although this is not required.

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Paramedic:  This level of EMT education expands upon the EMT level and  includes advanced education in patient assessment, medical terminology and shock management, and the establishment of intravenous (IV) fluids, venipuncture to obtain blood samples, and the use of advanced airway devices, including endotracheal intubation.  In addition, this course includes education in the recognition, interpretation and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias using a cardiac (EKG) monitor/defibrillator/external pacemaker, pharmacology, the advanced management of medical emergencies (including cardiac, respiratory, endocrine, nervous system, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, anaphylaxis, toxicology, substance abuse, and infectious diseases) and advanced management of traumatic emergencies (including head, neck, spine, musculoskeletal, chest, abdominal, and soft-tissue trauma and burns).  In addition, education is included covering obstetrical (including emergency childbirth), pediatric, geriatric, behavioral and environmental emergencies.

In addition to classroom education, Paramedic students also complete clinical hours on the ambulance, and in the hospital and other health care areas.

Important:  Before enrolling in an Paramedic program, the student must successfully complete, as a pre-requisite, an Anatomy & Physiology course.  This course may be offered by the Paramedic training program or may be offered at the college or university level.

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Note:  The above information is only a general descriptive summary, subject to updates as regulations change. Interested persons are encouraged to contact the training program for specific information. 

Muskogee County EMS (918) 683-0130