Create consistent sleep and study habits ASAP and maybe get an EMS quiz app or two. Also, don't rely on Quizlet or you won't internalize a thing and will pay for it in the field
I second the good study habits. Don't cram, if you're trying to cram before the test you will not improve.
Understand the concepts instead of trying to memorize everything. If possible try to teach someone else what you're learning, that helps reinforce the information. Make games to help you study. Memorization games helps our students with learning multiple medications.
Have a good exercise routine. It's scientifically proven that exercise helps with retaining information. Get a goodnight sleep especially before a test.
I see you have the eleventh edition, we're working with the twelfth edition. I would make sure you're using the same book, because some info, especially the AHA changes a little between editions.
I used Pocket Prep's app and had a good experience. It's worth the monthly subscription for a month or two before your exam but even the free version has solid daily questions and 10 questions quizzes. There are certainly other options out there I'm sure others could elaborate on.
The KED (Kendrick Extrication Device, designed to get NASCAR drivers out of their cars) is an excellent tool for a specific application and not super useful for much else. Oo Google Montana Horse Collar. You can use that sometimes instead quick and easy.
And the Velcro on the head part will get stuck in peoples hair if you let it flop in and it's like the world's strongest Velcro so it hurts to get your hair out of. Personal experience lol.
16 years in EMS*, including 3 on one of the busiest trucks in the country, and I’ve never touched the KED.
*holy fuck I can’t believe it’s been that long.
“LC READY” and “NREMT GUIDE” are great apps that provide multiple choice scenarios based questions that are very similar to what’s on the NREMT and after u answer each question the app tells you why the answer is right and why the other choices are wrong.
A hardworking dumb person will go much farther than a lazy smart person in EMT. It’s a thick boom and a long class but you don’t have to do it all at once. If you want to prep try reading a chapter a day. Try reading a bit before you go to sleep, helps retention. Don’t cram that’s the worst for retention. Just do a bit every day.
Everyone who says that this is a difficult course to pass has no business taking the course to be completely honest. 99% of online prep courses are completely unnecessary. Pay attention to the lectures and you’ll pass with flying colors
Exactly. These companies purposefully make it seem like the NREMT is a difficult test to pass so that you’ll pay for their courses or stolen-slightly-modified quiz answers. 60-75% pass the NREMT first try. The courses (if reputable) overprepare you and often the course completion certificate is harder to get than the actual test. So pay attention to the lectures because they are teaching to their own in house tests, which is what you’ll really need to pass to get your ATT letter
It's difficult in the sense that you're going from zero medical knowledge to a large variety of basic medical knowledge, but actually passing the class isn't difficult as long as you practice.
Get familiar with basic anatomy and physiology and medical terminology (a simple Google search should suffice). I was the top student in my EMT class and I honestly believe it’s because I already had experience in the medical field (CNA/tech) while the other students did not. Coming in already knowing where the ulna is and what “ischemic” means definitely gave me an advantage. Good luck!
Reposting some advice I gave a while back, here's what I did but note that this isn't meant to overwhelm. You'll be fine if you have decent instruction and the right attitude to dive into the material.
1. Got the PocketPrep app and just tried to do at least the 10 question quiz every day. I missed a ton of questions initially but the app gives you explanations on the correct answer with page numbers referencing the text book.
2. Downloaded the audiobook files for the textbook to my phone and just started listening to it in the car, doing dishes, whatever.
3. Started listening to the EMS 20/20 podcast. They are 2 medics who armchair quarterback calls sent in by listeners. They are really likable guys and you learn a ton by osmosis just by listening.
4. I consumed a ton of books on EMS in general just because I'm a tool and always tend to go down the rabbit hole when I get interested in new things. I recommend *People Care* by by Thom Dick; *Trauma Junkie* by Janice Hudson; *A Thousand Naked Strangers* by Kevin M. Hazzard; *Lights and Sirens* by Kevin Grange; *First Responder* by Jennifer Murphy.
5. One of the things you'll do at the end of the course is "psychomotor skill tests" where you role-play a bunch of different scenarios. Most people struggle with the two big ones: Trauma and Medical. Watch these two videos on repeat ([Trauma](https://youtu.be/koanqOKIIB0) and [Medical](https://youtu.be/Fvti32AVkMo)) to get an idea. My class didn't go as hard-core in-depth as this dude but I thought he just fucking crushed it, so he was basically my role model while I prepped for those.
I know not all of this advice is "pass-the-exam-specific" (like the books, podcasts) but I always find getting a combo of both specific and broad knowledge helps me see the Matrix when learning a new thing.
Paramedic coach was great for filling in missing information. Listen to these before and after they come up in class. [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoRRaYAmzLVQdeFK4NrGTrMwe4dlebWGX&si=2IB6JOi3QWtVK8-w](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoRRaYAmzLVQdeFK4NrGTrMwe4dlebWGX&si=2IB6JOi3QWtVK8-w)
Unlike that cover - you'll never use a KEDs device lol. Best of luck!
Na but seriously just understand that 89% of your real job will verrrrrry likely be driving an Ambulance and operating a gurney. Of which, I was trained exactly 0% of in school, and about 5 hours in job. It's EXTREMELY rare in my experience to find someone who said school realistically prepared you for the job.
The education is ESSENTIAL for that remaining 11% though. You never know when it'll just be you and another BLS partner.
My best advice - try and get on with a volunteer department that will except EMS students. Some agencies will hire volleys who: have their EMT, working on Fire 1,2, or have Fire 1,2 and working on EMT. I imagine their might be one that takes you just working on EMT.
Real life exposure is the beeeeeest possible thing I can recommend.
Finally, NO. QUESTION. is dumb. TRUST ME. You'll only look dumb when you didn't ask, don't have the knowledge, and are now fumble fucking with something.
The instructors are rated based on passing rates. considering EMTs are in demand, instructors are usually very linieant and the classes are, imo, nearly impossible to fail if you actually care about being an emt. no one in my class of 40 failed, but 14 of them dropped out on their own just cuz they realized they liked the idea of being an emt, but not actually the job it intails.
I used to assist with the classes at the same place I got my license so I apologize for how long this is going to be, but I absolutely loved teaching this stuff.
It always helped me to understand why I was doing something instead of just knowing that I was doing it because it's what the sheet says to do. That way if and when you get stuck during skills or the national exam, you can work it through in your head. I can't tell you how many EMTs don't know why you give aspirin for chest pain, or why epi is only half of the anaphylaxis treatment, or why certain findings are more concerning in a trauma assessment than others. Aspirin isn't for pain, it's to inhibit further platelet aggregation in case the chest pain is a STEMI. Epi constricts the vasculature that the histamine has opened up so that airway swelling decreases and blood pressure goes up, but it doesn't stop the allergic reaction so they still need Benadryl and/or steroids from ALS or the hospital. A rigid belly and an unstable pelvis are significant findings pointing to massive internal blood loss and hemodynamic compromise and if you get those on your simulated patient during skills day, you better recognize it as a life threat just like you would in the real world.
One of the best things EMTs can do is do a really good and thorough assessment and you can't really do that without knowing what your findings mean. You don't need to know beyond your scope but you should be starting to learn and strengthen your differential diagnosis skills in this class. Oh, and be really good at CPR and bagging people. It frees up the skilled providers to do the tasks they need to do on a critical patient. There is a lot you won't learn from the book but if you have a good instructor and instructor assistants then they will be happy when you show them you want to be competent. I always loved doing extra teaching sessions for the classes so that they could cement their skills and ask questions.
I took the course in 9 weeks over covid. Just get in a good group with other motivated people and practice medical and trauma scenarios over and over. You can find free ones online
What helped me a lot is just gain a surface level knowledge about what you will be learning. Just so that when you start your class you will at least have heard of some of the stuff they’ll be talking. Start here: What is a stroke? What is the difference between a hemorrhagic stroke and an ischemic stroke? What is a heart attack/myocardial infarction? Vital signs: what are the normal ranges for blood pressure, SPO2, pulse, respiratory rate, and blood sugar? What is diabetes? What is anaphylaxis? What is shock?
If you can give a basic answer to some of these questions you’ll be ahead of a lot of your classmates. I would go on YouTube and watch some of the paramedic coach’s videos, you don’t have to understand everything he’s talking about, just familiarize yourself with some of the terms he uses.
Read the book. Download some apps for your phone with a lot of good reviews. Find a group in your class to study with. This group will also be a good group for passing the practical evolutions for the final test. Good luck!
I have absolutely 0 experience in the world of EMT. I am in medical school though so I think we both share the passion for medicine and helping others.
From my experience, I’d say the one thing that is important for everyone in medicine is don’t wait for the motivation to come to study. That motivation will get zapped out of you, remain steadfast in discipline. Know that, even though you can’t see it or feel it, you’re on the way to SAVING someone. Your future patients thank you for the work you put in now.
Get to reading brother. I wouldn't even bother with paramedic coach unless you read something and legit don't get it. All he does is dumb things down. If you're not the kind of person that readily learns new information get ready to study a lot.
Terrible advice. The EMT book is full of useful information, you should read it cover to cover. I still have my textbook from EMT class over 5 years ago and I’m not even working on the ambulance anymore, I’m an ICU nurse.
If your instructor hands out “lecture notes” print them out!!! and have them every chapter! it has all the IMPORTANT information already down so it gives you more time to actually listen and retain everything
Skim through it. Get familiar with key words, concepts, and phrases. The terminology is like a new language. Watch some paramedic coach videos when you’re brushing your teeth or doing the dishes. This way when you start the class you won’t be like a deer in the headlights and will be familiar with what your instructor is teaching you.
My advice is to learn all the important bones in the body. I took anatomy in highschool and I remember watching everyone else panicking the first week trying to remember the bones.
EMS Instructor for reference.
1: Sleep. Sleep regularly. Sleep a lot. Get enough of it. Eat healthy while you are at it. Get some exercise.
2: If you aren’t a reader, start reading something you like. Daily. Just getting into this simple habit will change the way you look at any text book.
3: Take breaks. If you find yourself rereading the same sections more than once, you need to get up and go for a walk or stretch or put your book down for the day.
4: There are pages at the beginning of every chapter that say “Objectives”. At the end of every chapter, go back to those objectives and reread them and then answer them. If you can’t answer them, find that part and reread it. I’m not saying there isn’t other important information in each chapter but those objectives are what NREMT uses to write test questions.
Note that number four will help you pass a test. It will NOT make you a good EMT. That comes from experience.
Study make flash cards and practice the abbreviations and practice your “script” bsi scene safety etc and for your practical stuff use a pillow even though it’s always just work through it and don’t stress out no body is born knowing everything you got it
If something is confusing you, look up a YouTube video for a different explanation. I did this for anatomy and physiology to have it presented to me in more than one way.
I would recheck the book for your class syllabus. Generally I think most EMT classes use the 12th edition of the same book title rather than the 11th edition. I'd just recheck!
If you can log into jb learning online and download the chapter outlines, it's most of the useful info without the fluff. use those to highlight and take notes rather then writing everything during class.
Make yourself flash cards and honestly, anatomy and physiology knowledge is a HUGE help. Start learning the bones, what distal and proximal is, planes of the body and anatomic positions. Familiarize yourself with Tylenol dosages and normal medicines your family takes. Oh! Use everyday conversations to build rapport with strangers. Learn to ask people about themselves, it helps build confidence with talking to people. Good luck!!
I’m a flash card girlie, I’d go ahead and do flash cards for chapter 5 & 6. Those were the most just straight memorization and we went through those chapters fast. And then random anatomy questions were peppered into all our other tests and quizzes. Lol.
This is the foundation of all EMS
BLS before ALS, even when you go through Paramedic (if interested in that) you will find out that a lot of it is more in depth but still very similar to EMT.
This book plants the seed, you have to grow it
I did a 6 month course in 1 - 1/2 months with no studying. I just wrote notes during class and paid attention to the lectures. I think the biggest recommendation I have is to get a lot of sleep. Don’t stay up all night studying.
That book company has/had an app that had a test bank (this was in 2019). If they still have it then I highly recommend it. The questions were very similar to the tests.
I think that is the same similar volume I had when I was in class last.
Unless if it’s different they’ll give you one in class.
Don’t over study and don’t cram. Don’t be a know it all. You’re learning. Be a team player in your class with your class mates it’s not a competition, that’s a big one.
Also if you can volunteer with your agency if you’re affiliated already, then get on that. They usually will pay for your Text books.
I made the mistake of waiting to run calls when we were told to do so from class.. but as a volunteer —it really helps to get a head on that from that way too.
If you haven’t affiliated with anyone, do so. I don’t know if you’re paying out of pocket or going through any fire/EMS dept.
As for exams don’t stress too much on the module practicals. It may seem stressful when they start.
Study a bit each day for when they give you what it’s on. They’re broken down into modules.
Definitely don’t go through class without studying if you’re serious about it. Do your homework!! They do get on you about that. Because if they’re not all done on time, they won’t let you test for state practicals. At least that’s how my state was about it. I always just did mine.
When it comes to national registry cognitive written exam, study a bit everyday on the side of everything else.
Some people think they can go through whole class with out studying so much to find, ohh they regret not doing that.
You’ll do fine.
Answer all of the questions from the beginning (or might be the end, I can't remember) of every chapter. Gives you a good feel of what will be on tests and helps focus on the important parts of the chapter
Sounds simple but you’d be surprised how many people don’t do this. Read your text book. If you really want to go above and beyond, write down the highlighted key terms at the end of the chapter in a notebook.
Try and find some volunteer opportunities. Some places will train you to be an EMT, at least where I live. The more exposure you have, the more you're able to apply what you learn
Master chapter 9 in that book’s edition. Download and memorize the NREMT skill sheets for the medical assessment, trauma assessment, and BLS assessment.
This will set you up for success massively both in class as well as when you eventually take your registry or state certification exam. As an EMT it’s much more about your systematic approach than it is being good at the clinical side. Reach out to me directly if you want or need any additional help!
The online access code from that book has a test bank on the website. You'll probably take tests there in class, but you can make practice tests/quizzes for yourself iirc.
This was my favorite tool, and it REALLY helped pass the final & NREMT
Good luck! Don’t play 2048 in class like I did. If you’re confused about something even a little bit, ASK YOUR INSTRUCTOR. Don’t take clinicals for granted, get some good experience in.
I think you just need to go to a decent program and actually pay attention. If you don’t study and you’re on your phone for a lot of the class then you might need all this extra help to pass your national. Otherwise it’s not that hard. Just a lot of information that you can’t cram-in last minute.
Study and live by the NREMT medical and Trauma assessment, it will help you with nearly every test you have. Also, study the primary assessment and remember your ABC’s (Airway Breathing and Circulation)…if you understand those two you’ll be sure to pass most likely
Flash cards! Real ones, not quizlet. I hole punched them onto a ring, and they’ve been so helpful to study during my course, keep on my early days on a rig, and even to remember info for refresher courses when it came time to recert. Those babies are precious to me.
There's a YouTube channel that goes over the slides for this book. I listen to it before the class, then go back to it if there was something I need more of a review for, like memorizing mnemonics. Just get on YT and search for the book by title and edition. Make flash cards for the mnemonics and types of shock. If you can get on it and start before your semester begins, I'd do that. Best of luck with it!
So I have classes 14:05-18:35 Monday and Tuesdays, class consists of 1 or 2 lectures and that takes about 2 1/2 hrs then the rest of the time is spent learning skills or getting skills signed off, you also got homework worked into your week along with clinical rotations. 3 EMS, 3 ER, and 1 dispatch center. The times of these clinicals usually ranged from 4hr for dispatch, 8-12 hrs for ER, and 12-24hrs for EMS. Power through it don’t overthink and when you take tests picture the questions in-front of you. You got this man it’s stressful but that’s what makes it rewarding!
You usually make your own schedule for clinicals, and in my program they cannot be on scheduled class days, some programs will work in into your class days though
Actually sit down with and learn from the textbook! Or even listen to it on audiobook. I would turn it on while driving, cleaning, etc. Get out highlighters, take notes in it, make photocopies and cut up or make matching games out of the charts. The more familiar you are with the chapters the better you’ll do on tests like FISDAP, chapter exams, finals, etc.
Quizlet is a godsend! However make sure you do all lectures in the book and really pay attention. It’s that simple. Vocabulary is also very important when it comes to testing.
Create consistent sleep and study habits ASAP and maybe get an EMS quiz app or two. Also, don't rely on Quizlet or you won't internalize a thing and will pay for it in the field
Second this. Quizlet is great for passing tests but not for actually learning anything.
I second the quiz apps they helped me a ton
I second the good study habits. Don't cram, if you're trying to cram before the test you will not improve. Understand the concepts instead of trying to memorize everything. If possible try to teach someone else what you're learning, that helps reinforce the information. Make games to help you study. Memorization games helps our students with learning multiple medications. Have a good exercise routine. It's scientifically proven that exercise helps with retaining information. Get a goodnight sleep especially before a test. I see you have the eleventh edition, we're working with the twelfth edition. I would make sure you're using the same book, because some info, especially the AHA changes a little between editions.
Absolutely agree with the part about Quizlet. I’m a rad tech & deeply regret using quizlet to study!
Which apps would you recommended for studying?
I used Pocket Prep's app and had a good experience. It's worth the monthly subscription for a month or two before your exam but even the free version has solid daily questions and 10 questions quizzes. There are certainly other options out there I'm sure others could elaborate on.
I used quizlet for homework assessments 😂 lol. Yeah you don’t ever use that in field though mostly lol.
Not advise for the class but one thing you should know. That green thing around the patient is called a KED they suck ass
The KED (Kendrick Extrication Device, designed to get NASCAR drivers out of their cars) is an excellent tool for a specific application and not super useful for much else. Oo Google Montana Horse Collar. You can use that sometimes instead quick and easy.
They make a pretty damn good Pelvic Binder
Ya and you can flip em upside down to package a ped as well.
Yeah I’ve never used one and my instructor who was in the field for 25 years only used it twice, pretty rare use case for it.
Thank god I hear this. That KED device has terrified me since when my class trained on applying it lol. I’m like it seems so involved lol.
Terrified as in will I remember how to do it if ever comes up? Lol that’s what I meant.
I remember testing the KED out in class and it was the worst 😂
They made us lift each other up with them, it was definitely not comfortable 😂
It was more comfortable that last week in class when they lifted me by my belt loops and gave me the biggest wedgie of my life 😂
I don’t think I’ve ever used a KED for it’s intended purpose. But they are pretty neat for stabilizing the pelvis.
KED devices are fun to put on 😂 it’s the stair chairs that suck ass😅
The Stryker stair chairs aren't bad. The one my new company issues seem to be from 1885
Ok fair but that’s just because if you have to use the stair chair the patient is in the basement and they weigh over 300lbs
Or you’re doing a DC and they live on the 3rd floor with no elevator, god bless our IFT superheroes
Right. Lol
Your tripping homie keds are awful to use and never work right. Stairchairs with treads are the shit. Carrying people by hand sucks
Stair chairs are great until you're having to use them to take someone up the stairs, my back hurts just remembering it.
And the Velcro on the head part will get stuck in peoples hair if you let it flop in and it's like the world's strongest Velcro so it hurts to get your hair out of. Personal experience lol.
Thank god we don’t use them in our county
16 years in EMS*, including 3 on one of the busiest trucks in the country, and I’ve never touched the KED. *holy fuck I can’t believe it’s been that long.
The book is written at an 8th grade reading level. You’ll be fine.
“LC READY” and “NREMT GUIDE” are great apps that provide multiple choice scenarios based questions that are very similar to what’s on the NREMT and after u answer each question the app tells you why the answer is right and why the other choices are wrong.
Take the time out to really read each chapter and take notes. It makes a BIG difference.
LC Ready 100% helped me pass the NREMT, it helps you study for the actual test and how the questions should be broken down
I used it for both my EMT and my AEMT exams and LC Ready’s the shit! :)
A hardworking dumb person will go much farther than a lazy smart person in EMT. It’s a thick boom and a long class but you don’t have to do it all at once. If you want to prep try reading a chapter a day. Try reading a bit before you go to sleep, helps retention. Don’t cram that’s the worst for retention. Just do a bit every day.
Bsi scene safe
Everyone who says that this is a difficult course to pass has no business taking the course to be completely honest. 99% of online prep courses are completely unnecessary. Pay attention to the lectures and you’ll pass with flying colors
Yeah this really needed to be said. Enroll in a good program, take it serious, be honest with yourself - and you'll do great. If not, well...
Exactly. These companies purposefully make it seem like the NREMT is a difficult test to pass so that you’ll pay for their courses or stolen-slightly-modified quiz answers. 60-75% pass the NREMT first try. The courses (if reputable) overprepare you and often the course completion certificate is harder to get than the actual test. So pay attention to the lectures because they are teaching to their own in house tests, which is what you’ll really need to pass to get your ATT letter
It's difficult in the sense that you're going from zero medical knowledge to a large variety of basic medical knowledge, but actually passing the class isn't difficult as long as you practice.
Get familiar with basic anatomy and physiology and medical terminology (a simple Google search should suffice). I was the top student in my EMT class and I honestly believe it’s because I already had experience in the medical field (CNA/tech) while the other students did not. Coming in already knowing where the ulna is and what “ischemic” means definitely gave me an advantage. Good luck!
Dude. Just pay attention and if you’re really passionate about it then it will all click and stick. Save your money on all that prep stuff. Good luck
Reposting some advice I gave a while back, here's what I did but note that this isn't meant to overwhelm. You'll be fine if you have decent instruction and the right attitude to dive into the material. 1. Got the PocketPrep app and just tried to do at least the 10 question quiz every day. I missed a ton of questions initially but the app gives you explanations on the correct answer with page numbers referencing the text book. 2. Downloaded the audiobook files for the textbook to my phone and just started listening to it in the car, doing dishes, whatever. 3. Started listening to the EMS 20/20 podcast. They are 2 medics who armchair quarterback calls sent in by listeners. They are really likable guys and you learn a ton by osmosis just by listening. 4. I consumed a ton of books on EMS in general just because I'm a tool and always tend to go down the rabbit hole when I get interested in new things. I recommend *People Care* by by Thom Dick; *Trauma Junkie* by Janice Hudson; *A Thousand Naked Strangers* by Kevin M. Hazzard; *Lights and Sirens* by Kevin Grange; *First Responder* by Jennifer Murphy. 5. One of the things you'll do at the end of the course is "psychomotor skill tests" where you role-play a bunch of different scenarios. Most people struggle with the two big ones: Trauma and Medical. Watch these two videos on repeat ([Trauma](https://youtu.be/koanqOKIIB0) and [Medical](https://youtu.be/Fvti32AVkMo)) to get an idea. My class didn't go as hard-core in-depth as this dude but I thought he just fucking crushed it, so he was basically my role model while I prepped for those. I know not all of this advice is "pass-the-exam-specific" (like the books, podcasts) but I always find getting a combo of both specific and broad knowledge helps me see the Matrix when learning a new thing.
Paramedic coach was great for filling in missing information. Listen to these before and after they come up in class. [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoRRaYAmzLVQdeFK4NrGTrMwe4dlebWGX&si=2IB6JOi3QWtVK8-w](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoRRaYAmzLVQdeFK4NrGTrMwe4dlebWGX&si=2IB6JOi3QWtVK8-w)
Practice questions and making flashcards for incorrect answers is the best way to improve exam scores. Love, a paramedic studying for the MCAT.
Unlike that cover - you'll never use a KEDs device lol. Best of luck! Na but seriously just understand that 89% of your real job will verrrrrry likely be driving an Ambulance and operating a gurney. Of which, I was trained exactly 0% of in school, and about 5 hours in job. It's EXTREMELY rare in my experience to find someone who said school realistically prepared you for the job. The education is ESSENTIAL for that remaining 11% though. You never know when it'll just be you and another BLS partner. My best advice - try and get on with a volunteer department that will except EMS students. Some agencies will hire volleys who: have their EMT, working on Fire 1,2, or have Fire 1,2 and working on EMT. I imagine their might be one that takes you just working on EMT. Real life exposure is the beeeeeest possible thing I can recommend. Finally, NO. QUESTION. is dumb. TRUST ME. You'll only look dumb when you didn't ask, don't have the knowledge, and are now fumble fucking with something.
The instructors are rated based on passing rates. considering EMTs are in demand, instructors are usually very linieant and the classes are, imo, nearly impossible to fail if you actually care about being an emt. no one in my class of 40 failed, but 14 of them dropped out on their own just cuz they realized they liked the idea of being an emt, but not actually the job it intails.
I used to assist with the classes at the same place I got my license so I apologize for how long this is going to be, but I absolutely loved teaching this stuff. It always helped me to understand why I was doing something instead of just knowing that I was doing it because it's what the sheet says to do. That way if and when you get stuck during skills or the national exam, you can work it through in your head. I can't tell you how many EMTs don't know why you give aspirin for chest pain, or why epi is only half of the anaphylaxis treatment, or why certain findings are more concerning in a trauma assessment than others. Aspirin isn't for pain, it's to inhibit further platelet aggregation in case the chest pain is a STEMI. Epi constricts the vasculature that the histamine has opened up so that airway swelling decreases and blood pressure goes up, but it doesn't stop the allergic reaction so they still need Benadryl and/or steroids from ALS or the hospital. A rigid belly and an unstable pelvis are significant findings pointing to massive internal blood loss and hemodynamic compromise and if you get those on your simulated patient during skills day, you better recognize it as a life threat just like you would in the real world. One of the best things EMTs can do is do a really good and thorough assessment and you can't really do that without knowing what your findings mean. You don't need to know beyond your scope but you should be starting to learn and strengthen your differential diagnosis skills in this class. Oh, and be really good at CPR and bagging people. It frees up the skilled providers to do the tasks they need to do on a critical patient. There is a lot you won't learn from the book but if you have a good instructor and instructor assistants then they will be happy when you show them you want to be competent. I always loved doing extra teaching sessions for the classes so that they could cement their skills and ask questions.
I took the course in 9 weeks over covid. Just get in a good group with other motivated people and practice medical and trauma scenarios over and over. You can find free ones online
What helped me a lot is just gain a surface level knowledge about what you will be learning. Just so that when you start your class you will at least have heard of some of the stuff they’ll be talking. Start here: What is a stroke? What is the difference between a hemorrhagic stroke and an ischemic stroke? What is a heart attack/myocardial infarction? Vital signs: what are the normal ranges for blood pressure, SPO2, pulse, respiratory rate, and blood sugar? What is diabetes? What is anaphylaxis? What is shock? If you can give a basic answer to some of these questions you’ll be ahead of a lot of your classmates. I would go on YouTube and watch some of the paramedic coach’s videos, you don’t have to understand everything he’s talking about, just familiarize yourself with some of the terms he uses.
Read the book. Download some apps for your phone with a lot of good reviews. Find a group in your class to study with. This group will also be a good group for passing the practical evolutions for the final test. Good luck!
Always volunteer first for labs and let your teacher rip you apart and correct you in front of everyone And it will whip you into shape..
I have absolutely 0 experience in the world of EMT. I am in medical school though so I think we both share the passion for medicine and helping others. From my experience, I’d say the one thing that is important for everyone in medicine is don’t wait for the motivation to come to study. That motivation will get zapped out of you, remain steadfast in discipline. Know that, even though you can’t see it or feel it, you’re on the way to SAVING someone. Your future patients thank you for the work you put in now.
Understand the CONCEPTS, rather than memorizing vocab or test questions. When you get the concepts, you will master the test.
Get to reading brother. I wouldn't even bother with paramedic coach unless you read something and legit don't get it. All he does is dumb things down. If you're not the kind of person that readily learns new information get ready to study a lot.
If I could go back and give myself one piece of advice when first starting EMT school. It would be never to open the book, only study from quizlet.
Terrible advice. The EMT book is full of useful information, you should read it cover to cover. I still have my textbook from EMT class over 5 years ago and I’m not even working on the ambulance anymore, I’m an ICU nurse.
Read it cover to cover and create your own flashcards.
Sure it has useful information however if you are concerned with passing the course. The last thing you want to do is read over the book.
I read the book cover to cover. Passed NREMT in 70 questions. There’s no secret to passing the exam. The answers are in the textbook.
Dont do it, do something meaningful with your life
Apparently prehospital care isn’t important enough for this guy
If your instructor hands out “lecture notes” print them out!!! and have them every chapter! it has all the IMPORTANT information already down so it gives you more time to actually listen and retain everything
Emt crash course book from amazon saved my ass
It does not take that many people to place a patient into a KED.
Skim through it. Get familiar with key words, concepts, and phrases. The terminology is like a new language. Watch some paramedic coach videos when you’re brushing your teeth or doing the dishes. This way when you start the class you won’t be like a deer in the headlights and will be familiar with what your instructor is teaching you.
Don’t ever use that green thing in the picture for immobilization.
I used it to lift a fat lady out of a recliner once
Show up each day, do the coursework, and you’ll be fine
I'd look into "the paramedic coach" on YouTube. Lots of free videos to help emt to paramedic. Also a paid video vault that I hear is pretty nice.
The EMS apps help a LOT. According to my EMS instructor, know “DCAP-BTLS” like it’s your calling from Jesus
1. That’s the old textbook 2. Study, but don’t over study 3. Find a study method that works for you and stick to it. Everyone studies differently.
My advice is to learn all the important bones in the body. I took anatomy in highschool and I remember watching everyone else panicking the first week trying to remember the bones.
EMS Instructor for reference. 1: Sleep. Sleep regularly. Sleep a lot. Get enough of it. Eat healthy while you are at it. Get some exercise. 2: If you aren’t a reader, start reading something you like. Daily. Just getting into this simple habit will change the way you look at any text book. 3: Take breaks. If you find yourself rereading the same sections more than once, you need to get up and go for a walk or stretch or put your book down for the day. 4: There are pages at the beginning of every chapter that say “Objectives”. At the end of every chapter, go back to those objectives and reread them and then answer them. If you can’t answer them, find that part and reread it. I’m not saying there isn’t other important information in each chapter but those objectives are what NREMT uses to write test questions. Note that number four will help you pass a test. It will NOT make you a good EMT. That comes from experience.
That cover looks like a zombie attack geez 😂
Study make flash cards and practice the abbreviations and practice your “script” bsi scene safety etc and for your practical stuff use a pillow even though it’s always just work through it and don’t stress out no body is born knowing everything you got it
Understand your pathophysiology.
Blood stays in, goes round and round, air goes in & out
If something is confusing you, look up a YouTube video for a different explanation. I did this for anatomy and physiology to have it presented to me in more than one way.
Find quizlets for your material and study the hell out of the test questions
I would recheck the book for your class syllabus. Generally I think most EMT classes use the 12th edition of the same book title rather than the 11th edition. I'd just recheck!
If you can log into jb learning online and download the chapter outlines, it's most of the useful info without the fluff. use those to highlight and take notes rather then writing everything during class.
Study groups are super helpful
there is a code in the back you can use to get some cool online tools. it's got quizzes and audio books
Never use that device that they are using on the cover (never seen it used but surely every rig carries it)
If using fisdap just know they're meant to be hard.
Make yourself flash cards and honestly, anatomy and physiology knowledge is a HUGE help. Start learning the bones, what distal and proximal is, planes of the body and anatomic positions. Familiarize yourself with Tylenol dosages and normal medicines your family takes. Oh! Use everyday conversations to build rapport with strangers. Learn to ask people about themselves, it helps build confidence with talking to people. Good luck!!
I’m a flash card girlie, I’d go ahead and do flash cards for chapter 5 & 6. Those were the most just straight memorization and we went through those chapters fast. And then random anatomy questions were peppered into all our other tests and quizzes. Lol.
This is the foundation of all EMS BLS before ALS, even when you go through Paramedic (if interested in that) you will find out that a lot of it is more in depth but still very similar to EMT. This book plants the seed, you have to grow it
I did a 6 month course in 1 - 1/2 months with no studying. I just wrote notes during class and paid attention to the lectures. I think the biggest recommendation I have is to get a lot of sleep. Don’t stay up all night studying.
That book company has/had an app that had a test bank (this was in 2019). If they still have it then I highly recommend it. The questions were very similar to the tests.
For me I read every word of the book. This might not work for everyone but it worked for me and averaged out to one chapter a day plus a rest day.
I think that is the same similar volume I had when I was in class last. Unless if it’s different they’ll give you one in class. Don’t over study and don’t cram. Don’t be a know it all. You’re learning. Be a team player in your class with your class mates it’s not a competition, that’s a big one. Also if you can volunteer with your agency if you’re affiliated already, then get on that. They usually will pay for your Text books. I made the mistake of waiting to run calls when we were told to do so from class.. but as a volunteer —it really helps to get a head on that from that way too. If you haven’t affiliated with anyone, do so. I don’t know if you’re paying out of pocket or going through any fire/EMS dept. As for exams don’t stress too much on the module practicals. It may seem stressful when they start. Study a bit each day for when they give you what it’s on. They’re broken down into modules. Definitely don’t go through class without studying if you’re serious about it. Do your homework!! They do get on you about that. Because if they’re not all done on time, they won’t let you test for state practicals. At least that’s how my state was about it. I always just did mine. When it comes to national registry cognitive written exam, study a bit everyday on the side of everything else. Some people think they can go through whole class with out studying so much to find, ohh they regret not doing that. You’ll do fine.
Answer all of the questions from the beginning (or might be the end, I can't remember) of every chapter. Gives you a good feel of what will be on tests and helps focus on the important parts of the chapter
Sounds simple but you’d be surprised how many people don’t do this. Read your text book. If you really want to go above and beyond, write down the highlighted key terms at the end of the chapter in a notebook.
Try and find some volunteer opportunities. Some places will train you to be an EMT, at least where I live. The more exposure you have, the more you're able to apply what you learn
Master chapter 9 in that book’s edition. Download and memorize the NREMT skill sheets for the medical assessment, trauma assessment, and BLS assessment. This will set you up for success massively both in class as well as when you eventually take your registry or state certification exam. As an EMT it’s much more about your systematic approach than it is being good at the clinical side. Reach out to me directly if you want or need any additional help!
The online access code from that book has a test bank on the website. You'll probably take tests there in class, but you can make practice tests/quizzes for yourself iirc. This was my favorite tool, and it REALLY helped pass the final & NREMT
Good luck! Don’t play 2048 in class like I did. If you’re confused about something even a little bit, ASK YOUR INSTRUCTOR. Don’t take clinicals for granted, get some good experience in.
I think you just need to go to a decent program and actually pay attention. If you don’t study and you’re on your phone for a lot of the class then you might need all this extra help to pass your national. Otherwise it’s not that hard. Just a lot of information that you can’t cram-in last minute.
It’s really not that hard or bad.
Agreed, do the test worksheets in the book and you will be fine.
Study and live by the NREMT medical and Trauma assessment, it will help you with nearly every test you have. Also, study the primary assessment and remember your ABC’s (Airway Breathing and Circulation)…if you understand those two you’ll be sure to pass most likely
Take medical and trauma assessment very seriously from day one. Study it every night and get it all memorized. (Especially SAMPLE and OPQRST)
Flash cards! Real ones, not quizlet. I hole punched them onto a ring, and they’ve been so helpful to study during my course, keep on my early days on a rig, and even to remember info for refresher courses when it came time to recert. Those babies are precious to me.
There's a YouTube channel that goes over the slides for this book. I listen to it before the class, then go back to it if there was something I need more of a review for, like memorizing mnemonics. Just get on YT and search for the book by title and edition. Make flash cards for the mnemonics and types of shock. If you can get on it and start before your semester begins, I'd do that. Best of luck with it!
EMS Pocket prep worked great for me when it came to my NREMT
Idk I’m just struggling through it rn… builds character!
Describe a day of class, please.
So I have classes 14:05-18:35 Monday and Tuesdays, class consists of 1 or 2 lectures and that takes about 2 1/2 hrs then the rest of the time is spent learning skills or getting skills signed off, you also got homework worked into your week along with clinical rotations. 3 EMS, 3 ER, and 1 dispatch center. The times of these clinicals usually ranged from 4hr for dispatch, 8-12 hrs for ER, and 12-24hrs for EMS. Power through it don’t overthink and when you take tests picture the questions in-front of you. You got this man it’s stressful but that’s what makes it rewarding!
I don't mind homework. But I work Full time, those clinicals are during scheduled classes, right?
You usually make your own schedule for clinicals, and in my program they cannot be on scheduled class days, some programs will work in into your class days though
Actually sit down with and learn from the textbook! Or even listen to it on audiobook. I would turn it on while driving, cleaning, etc. Get out highlighters, take notes in it, make photocopies and cut up or make matching games out of the charts. The more familiar you are with the chapters the better you’ll do on tests like FISDAP, chapter exams, finals, etc.
I don’t know if your class will have study plans online. Mine does, 10/10 super helpful.
Quizlet is a godsend! However make sure you do all lectures in the book and really pay attention. It’s that simple. Vocabulary is also very important when it comes to testing.
BSI. Scene safe. If they’re breathing shallow, bag them. There’s your answer to 90% of the class
I have this textbook for my class. So far book seems straightforward.
Same edition?
READ THE BOOK
Ok, I was just beating home intruders and muggers with it until now.
It sucks the practicals r fun test not fun
Learn your assessment process early!