Why should I volunteer?
Volunteering in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) can be an interesting, rewarding and fun way to meet new people and contribute to your community. EMS organizations like Second Alarmers are in your community and are always looking for new members to enhance their ability to respond to emergencies. In most cases like Second Alarmers they are private non-profits that are operated by volunteers and receive little municipality oversight or funding support.
Even if you are not interested in providing patient care and treatment, organizations can always use help with activities 'behind the scenes' such as administrative/clerical roles, fundraising, public education, general station or vehicle upkeep. EMS operates 24 hours per day, 7 days a week including holidays, so no matter what your work schedule or available time; EMS is always open and can use your help.
What's involved, what kind of EMT do I need to be? I have no experience?
There is always confusion with the difference between an emergency medical technician and a paramedic. Everybody's an EMT, the most common certification emergency medical technician-basic (EMT-B). There are two levels of certification that are common to almost every state, EMT-Basic and EMT-Paramedic. Some states recognize an intermediate level of certification (often called EMT-Intermediate) that falls between EMT-Basic and paramedic, but at present Pennsylvania does not.
So, what's the Difference? The biggest differences between paramedics and EMT-B's are the training and the scope of practice (what they are allowed to do). Basic EMT's usually receive 120 - 150 hours of training, while paramedics get anywhere from 1,200 hours to 1,800 hours of training. Paramedic programs usually run 14-24 months long and some even award two-year degrees.
The scope of practice differences between EMT-B's and paramedics can be summed up by the ability to break the skin. Most states do not allow basic emergency medical technicians to give shots or start intravenous lifelines. Paramedics, on the other hand, can give shots as well as use more advanced airway management devices to support breathing. Basic EMT-B's are usually restricted to using oxygen, glucose, asthma inhalers, and epinephrine auto-injectors (a common exception to the no-needles rule). Paramedics are trained in the use of 30-40 medications, depending on the state.
Responding to Emergencies, both basic EMT-B's and paramedics respond to emergency medical incidents. Ambulance crewmembers are required to at least have EMT-B certifications to attend patients in the back of an ambulance. Basic level training provides the most important elements of emergency medical training, while the more advanced paramedic level training addresses supportive care and maintaining patients after initial resuscitation.
Whether responding to emergencies or providing care during interfacility transfers, ambulances may be staffed with two paramedics, two EMTs, or one of each. In some areas, the level of staffing determines which type of ambulance is sent to a call for service.
Emergency medical service is a complicated industry. There are different rules in each state and sometimes in each city or county. For more information, contact your state or regional EMS office. If you are already a higher trained medical provider and wish to get involved with EMS, contact the Contact the Bureau of EMS at (717)787-8740.
Where do I take my training?
Montgomery County Emergency Medical Training Institute
1175 Conshohocken Road
Conshohocken, PA 19428
(610) 278-2666, fax (610) 631-9864
1175 Conshohocken Road
Conshohocken, PA 19428
(610) 278-2666, fax (610) 631-9864
Or
Bucks County Emergency Health Services
911 Ivyglenn Circle
Ivyland, Pa. 18974
(215) 340-8735, fax (215) 957-0765
911 Ivyglenn Circle
Ivyland, Pa. 18974
(215) 340-8735, fax (215) 957-0765
Who pays for my training?
Second Alarmers will reimburse it's volunteer members for all training once they have successfully completed it.
