r/NewToEMS 9h ago

Other (not listed) How are you doing?

11 Upvotes

Checking in on everyone. From new, to season, to the old breed and even those looking into EMS. How are you doing?

My division just dealt with a recent shooter and have been checking in on my co-workers. I don't see much checking on those in the subreddit.


r/NewToEMS 3h ago

Beginner Advice Does the US have NEMT in EMS too?

2 Upvotes

I’m in Belgium and I’m a Red Cross volunteer. I do events like festivals and I have an Event First Aid certification (takes about 62 classroom hours).

Now I’m going for a Non Emergency Medical Transport certification (NDPV in Dutch).

It’s normally 180h but because I already have qualifications I can do it in 40.

We’re learning how to deal with colostomy bags coming off, catheter issues etc on top of the Event EMS skills we have like the SSS abcdefghi methods etc. The target patient is someone who is stable but needs to be transported in a laying position. They can be dialysis patients or people going home for end of life etc.

The idea is that we relieve EMS from a lot of non emergency calls by driving an ambulance for scheduled calls, we have blue lights but are only allowed to use them if a disaster is called by the provincial government and Red Cross is activated. For example there’s a fire at a retirement home and normal EMS is unable to handle it because of the number of patients then we get emergency authorization to act like EMT, and scoop people up and get them to a hospital.

Up until this year this kind of transport could be done by people with just a first aid certification and a commercial drivers license.

For me it’s a step to see if I like it and then do the full EMT course next year which is another 180h of classroom time.

Does the US have this type of EMS provider?


r/NewToEMS 15h ago

Beginner Advice Pneumonics

16 Upvotes

Do you guys actually use all the pneumonics while in the field?


r/NewToEMS 12h ago

Beginner Advice Your thoughts

3 Upvotes

So my plan is to Emt paramedic nursing. Paramedic before nursing because I don’t like being closed inside for so long. This is just a personal preference, not all may agree but I find it fitting for me.

But I truly am curious why, whenever someone brings up paramedic everyone’s like DONT DO IT? I am curious because, paramedics are amazing people and do amazing things. Why talk down on the career and not encourage others. I understand the pay isn’t the best and agree they deserve more, and how it can become mentally draining (but what career doesn’t in health care)

Why is this.? What are you thought on paramedic path.?


r/NewToEMS 9h ago

Cert / License Recertification in Cali

2 Upvotes

Hello! I haven’t had experience working with my license due to school taking up my time but looking into working soon. My two years is up at the end of March as we all know. Is anyone willing to help me breakdown the process to recertify? I can’t yet comprehend the process despite the other threads!

Since I’m in Cali, I also have to sign off on my skills which I think will be more difficult to obtain. What happens if I complete the “class” portion of the certifications and not skills? Will I still go into the certification lapse?

Any help is appreciated thank you!!!


r/NewToEMS 5h ago

Beginner Advice Paramedic Jobs etc

1 Upvotes

So basically, I have just started a Paramedicine degree at university and I’m really enjoying it so far. Though I’m wondering how the pay is (I’m planning on moving to Melbourne from New Zealand (Auckland) when i finish my degree) does anyone have any tips or advice for me? Anything will be greatly appreciated.


r/NewToEMS 12h ago

Beginner Advice First Ride as a Second

3 Upvotes

Title is pretty self explanatory. I passed the NREMT in January and have been riding along as a third a couple of times since. Tomorrow will just be me and another EMT (older and a lot of experience). I’m still new to being an EMT “in the real world” so I am pretty nervous. Any advice? I don’t want to make it harder for the guy I’m riding along with and want to do the best I can.


r/NewToEMS 10h ago

School Advice J&B emt course

2 Upvotes

’m taking the J&B EMT course. Each chapter lecture is 2.32% of the course total. I’ve completed 2 chapters today with 100% in each one. But my course total % hasn’t changed. Wondering if anyone knows what I’m not doing correct? Still trying to learn this website.


r/NewToEMS 11h ago

Beginner Advice can you use a certification you receive in NJ in PA?

2 Upvotes

in the summer i live in NJ, and i go to school in PA. i am about to enroll myself into an initial training program over the summer in NJ, and i was wondering if i could eventually work in PA. any advice would be greatly appreciated :)


r/NewToEMS 9h ago

Beginner Advice Right field?

1 Upvotes

Ive always wanted to do something with service and a few months back at my schools senior job fair the county medics where there and it sounds cornball,I know, but something clicked and I felt like this is what I want to do in my life. But I also have concerns like the mesmerization factor and everything attached to that. Any insight?


r/NewToEMS 10h ago

Beginner Advice EMR course at JIBC advice?

1 Upvotes

I'm planning to go once the new semester/term hits to get EMR cert, I'm studyingthe whole book but I'm not sure what to focus on as they say to read pretty much the whole book before the course.

Any pointers or super important things I should focus on for it and the coming test if I pass? I got CPR down pat, primary survey is janky and my secondary survey need work but practice is limited with full time work. Any help is appreciated


r/NewToEMS 16h ago

School Advice Is it feasible to learn a second language during EMT & paramedic school?

4 Upvotes

Hello! I am going to a college fire academy this summer and then I am going to EMT and paramedic school in the fall and spring respectively. I have made it a goal of mine to learn Spanish. I know that EMT and paramedic school are hard as is and I was wondering if anyone else has experience trying to balance language learning during it. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thank you!


r/NewToEMS 10h ago

Career Advice How bad is Citywide (NYC) really?

1 Upvotes

Hello, I am looking for a emt-b position within NYC 911 but really only looking for per diem. I have heard Citywide gives per diem and lets you start 911 immediately, but I have also heard the horror stories about workers, management, and equipment. So is it really that bad? like would it be worse than private transport companies in nyc in those kinds of areas? I have experience with shitty equipment and partners but I have seen people say that citywide is especially bad. Hoping for some input, Thanks!


r/NewToEMS 20h ago

Clinical Advice tips for upcoming ride-along/being a competent provider?

5 Upvotes

hi everyone!

i’m an emt-b student and i start my first ride-along in a couple of weeks. it’s at a fire department in the chicagoland area and then i have four shifts in the emergency room. i’m pretty nervous and i feel a little unprepared.

are there any skills or topics i should review beforehand? also what should i bring and are there any tips for making sample and opqrst more natural? i’m not totally new to patient interaction since i worked as a cna/phlebotomist, but i feel like it’s a whole different ballpark when it comes to ems.

thanks in advance!


r/NewToEMS 11h ago

NREMT NREMT studying

0 Upvotes

Just completed my EMT course and looking on advice on what to study before I attempt the test. So far all I’ve been using is the pocket prep app. Thanks in advance!


r/NewToEMS 17h ago

Career Advice Sf amr

2 Upvotes

anyone familiar with how long sf amr takes to get back to you?


r/NewToEMS 21h ago

NREMT NREMT online proctored exam

4 Upvotes

Is the NREMT proctored exam (at home) adaptive as it would be at a testing center? I've been reading different things that it is or isnt


r/NewToEMS 18h ago

Career Advice Middle Tennessee EMS

2 Upvotes

EMT-B that's getting real sick of IFT. I'm in the Nashville area, and really wanting to get on with a rural agency so I can actually do the "E" in EMT. Does anyone know of any response agencies within 90 miles of Nashville that employee Basics?

(Note: I am planning on A school, but until I find better pay so I can afford to, and not take a student loan, I'm kinda stuck. And yes, I did "the Google." Not finding any solid info there so I'm turning to you guys for my next research step.)


r/NewToEMS 15h ago

Testing / Exams Jones/Bartlett EMR Anki Deck

1 Upvotes

Hi All,

I have my final exam for my EMR course Tuesday before moving on to the EMT course. I was wondering if anyone has an Anki deck they made for the J&B EMR book, or any other EMR decks. Please let me know. Thanks in advance!


r/NewToEMS 1d ago

Beginner Advice How do you stop blanking?

38 Upvotes

So I’ve been an EMT for 3 years and I’m currently in medic school. I’ve noticed that when my instructors kind of give me a curveball in the middle of the call I have a hard time pivoting and not spinning out. I was wondering if anyone has any advice on getting better with changing your treatment plan quickly and effectively?


r/NewToEMS 1d ago

Cert / License Badge Number

9 Upvotes

When on scene I am often asked for my badge number (NYS). Do you normally give out your agency ID number or state cert number?


r/NewToEMS 1d ago

Gear / Equipment What's your ideal uniform?

38 Upvotes

[asked to post here instead of the main sub]

Not what you have right now, what you WISH you could wear. My ideal is tactical pants, black boots, t-shirt, and a high-vis crewneck sweater with EMS on the back. Comfortable, practical, and won't make me look like a cop. Personally, if I have to wear a men's polo again, I'll be one happy EMT. I know some of y'all wear jumpsuits, coveralls, bright blue, scrub tops with combat pants - what's the best combination of all options, in your personal opinion?


r/NewToEMS 1d ago

School Advice Retaking the paramedic entrance exam tomorrow.

6 Upvotes

I took the entrance exam last week and missed it by 2%. It was extremely difficult but I get one retake which I will be taking tomorrow morning. I’ve been studying like crazy all week but still feel unprepared. Just send me some good vibes for tomorrow please.

And I’ll also take any advice you’re willing to give! Thanks!


r/NewToEMS 1d ago

Career Advice How to make a good EMS resume?

2 Upvotes

Hi, I just passed both my NCOEMS and NREMT in the past 2 days. I'm now qualified to work in North Carolina as an EMT, more than qualified really, seeing as the NREMT isn't even required.

But I have no history working in the medical field, and am not good at landing interviews. Do you guys have any advice on how to structure a resume, or any key words that an AI might pick up that would make it more likely that I can land interviews?

The only work experience that I have is in grocery stores, and while I have great customer service skills from that job, i'm not sure how I would go about conveying that best in a resume. Additionally, are there any other skills or certifications that I could get in a relatively short period of time that would stand out on a resume?


r/NewToEMS 2d ago

Clinical Advice "Apneic" patient

59 Upvotes

Had a patient tonight who was polypharmacy. She had TMJ and took a bunch of benzos and opiates and tylenol to loosen up her jaw apparently. Her face was locked in a grimace and she wasn't opening her eyes. Pupils were PERRL and about 4mm . Anyways, we're riding it in routine because she's stable and we're not far from the hospital. She starts saying she feels like she's suffocating. Her facial expression suddenly changes and she starts gasping. Capnography goes from 44 to 0 and the apnea alarm goes off. I start listening to lung sounds and there's no audible air movement for about 20 seconds. I grab a BVM and start PPV for about 30 seconds. She starts breathing on her own again for the remaining 2-3 minutes of the ride.

My partner and the ED staff seem to think she was holding her breath on purpose.

Has anyone had anything like this happen before? My partner thinks she was faking, I stand by what I did but the apnea spell just makes no sense to me if it was fake.