Emergency Medical Technician
The field of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is built upon a foundation that begins with basic CPR/First Aid and ends with the advanced care provided by a paramedic. Throughout EMS, students will find various levels of education that all focus on the "chain of survival". This chain is a theoretical ideal of how patients can best be treated, whether they are suffering a heart attack or involved in a motor vehicle accident.
Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (EMT-B) is the entry certification level that comprises the largest population of EMS responders, and is often considered the backbone of EMS. The EMT performs basic lifesaving skills which include: control of bleeding, stabilizing fractures, assisting patients with medications, providing oxygen and other critical interventions to avoid the development/progression of shock. EMTs may work side by side with a paramedic to transport patients to the emergency room.
Entrance into the EMT-B class is contingent upon the successful completion of a competitive entrance assessment. Applications are posted on the CBC website along with detailed instructions for completion of the application. EMT classes are held during the daytime on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The EMT-B course is 12 weeks long.
The responsibilities of the Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) are to provide basic and limited advanced emergency medical care and transportation for critical and emergent patients who access the emergency medical system. It is not necessary to take the AEMT course in order to progress to the Paramedic program. The AEMT course is offered as needed.
The objectives of the AEMT courses are to prepare students to achieve certification as a National Registered Advanced EMT to serve in the rural areas of SE Washington. The courses cover application of protocols, refining EMT skills and knowledge, IV therapy and medication administration of Washington state approved medications for the AEMT, necessary psychomotor skills through breakout labs and group exercises and internships. Students must pass EMT 103 and 104 with a cumulative grade of 2.5 or better to be eligible for a short-term certificate and eligible to take the National Registry Exam.
For additional EMS information, see the Paramedic section in the catalog.
Degrees and Certificates
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Advanced EMT Short-Term Certificate 24-25 -
EMT-Basic Short-Term Certificate 24-25
Courses
EMT 101: Emergency Medical Technician-Basic [RE]
Credits 12This is the entry-level course to the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) profession and is designed for those who aspire to become an Emergency Medical Technician-Basic. This course focuses on: EMT roles and responsibilities, airway management, patient assessment, medical and trauma emergencies, anatomy and physiology, documentation, lifting and moving, and communications. This course also includes practical labs and a total of 10 hours of clinical experience in the Emergency department to provide direct hands-on experience with a variety of patients. Upon successful completion of this course, students are eligible to take the National Registry Certification Exam. In order to certify as an EMT in the state of Washington, the EMT candidate must affiliate with a state approved pre-hospital care organization. For more information, please see the Washington state Department of Health website. $10.72 per quarter malpractice insurance fee. $96 EMT lab fee.
Prerequisite
Students must be accepted into CBC's EMT program prior to enrollment. Completion of ENGL 99 is strongly recommended.