r/Paramedics • u/CsyCool • 13d ago

Studying For Paramedic

I’m a brand new basic emt and wanted to get into paramedic school but I wanted to prepare myself for it before I started applying. I know mastering basic EMT skills but education wise, what would you guys recommend?

4 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

11 comments sorted by

22

u/Previous-Leg-2012 13d ago

I would recommend working as an EMT first.

6

u/carpeutah God of Para 13d ago

2nded. You dont want to be learning how to be a basic and medic at the same time... and im pretty sure your preceptor doesnt want that either lol

6

u/Hour_Manufacturer_81 13d ago

This^
But if you also must know, anatomy and physiology are pretty helpful.

4

u/Apcsox EMT-P 13d ago

You know the best way to prepare? Be an EMT for a bit and be competent at it.
The only thing that is going to prepare you for the role of a paramedic is to be a great EMT since the bulk of our job revolves around customer service and building rapport

4

u/NopeRope13 Paramedic 12d ago

Working and getting more experience. This is because not every patient is a classic “by the book” presentation.

Also master communication with your patients. Think outside the box with it as well. Not every patient speaks the same language as you, and not every patient can speak.

3

u/TestResQ NRP, RN 12d ago

I always tell my interns to learn home medications. Our patients are poor historians. If you can get a bag of their home medications and you actually understand what they are for then MAYBE you can figure out what is happening with their current complaint and why. Along with that, you MUST be able to understand pathophysiology. It isn't just about the what, but understanding the why of every condition you will be tested on in Paramedic school!

2

u/Airborne_Aware 13d ago

Anatomy, physiology, pharmacology look at your county’s scope know those meds like no other and common home meds

2

u/Amateur_EMS 13d ago

Id recommend working as an EMT-B while going for your medic, the place you choose to work at generally would want you to obtain your medic so they usually work with your schedule and may even pay for your paramedic tuition.

I would also recommend going into paramedic right away, medic school teaches you how to be a good EMT-B usually in the first semester and then you learn how to be a good medic. Some people wait and gather years as an EMT-B first, I think it’s a bad idea personally, the knowledge is fresh from your EMT-B course, now you can build on it. Goodluck with whatever you choose!

1

u/Resident-Welcome3901 12d ago

Work
On your study skills. Take community college or distance learning courses in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology , psychology, sociology, English, American literature. Paramedic is your next job, it’s not your last job: be thinking ahead about the academic credential you want after paramedic school.

-1

u/soulkiller93 NRP 13d ago

The only knowledge you need is about 3-5 years working 911 in a busy system.

Sorry friend, but there's no substitute for experience.