Should I get my EMT Training?

[FeelinMN]

I am applying to skills for Spring 2010 but I need to have a plan B if I do not get in this time around. I am of course planning on applying again for the Fall 2010 but I need something to do in the meantime. I was thinking of taking EMT training but don't know a lot about it. If anyone has any insight into how long it takes, is it worth taking, and maybe any other tips for something to do for spring and summer. I am also on the lookout for any CSO jobs, although they are slim to none here in MN. Thank you.

[Resq14]

Should I get my EMT Training?

Yes.

[District B 13]

If you are just getting your EMT so you can have something to do, don't waste the time. There are too many "EMTs" out there who have no desire to do patient care and are just using it for a job hook up. Take a good First Responder class instead.

[FeelinMN]

If you are just getting your EMT so you can have something to do, don't waste the time. There are too many "EMTs" out there who have no desire to do patient care and are just using it for a job hook up. Take a good First Responder class instead.

Minnesota requires you to have your first responder to get P.O.S.T liscensed. I have that already. I just don't want to stop going to college untill I get into skills and then have my loans come into repayment and not have a good paying police officer position to at least keep me afloat with payments.

[M-11]

Are you ever going to wish you were able to help people less?

M-11

[nonickname69]

Minnesota requires you to have your first responder to get P.O.S.T liscensed. I have that already. I just don't want to stop going to college untill I get into skills and then have my loans come into repayment and not have a good paying police officer position to at least keep me afloat with payments.

As said above, don't do it just to waste time. If you don't WANT to do it then find something else.

You can also apply for a forbearance on your loans. Contact the bank that loaned you the money.

I got one through Wells Fargo and all I had to do was print a form out online and mail it in. I got the approval about two weeks later. Also, read your contract, you should get a 6 month grace period by default before you start needing to make payments.

I got 12 months forbearance and the only reason was that I didn't have a full time job to make the payments.

[CruiserClass]

http://forums.officer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=122058&highlight=EMT

[phillyrube]

I have been an EMT since 1978, a cardiac tech in 1983, and got my paramedic in 1987. Hired by the PD in 1990. I helped start our AED program, Swatmedics (I certified) and now doing training where we are putting tourniquets and Cinch Tight dressings on the street. Part of our active shooter training involves making an officer rescue and applying appropriate wound care. Coming up is use of nasal airways.

Get your EMT!!!!!

[nonickname69]

You have to understand that some people just plain don't want to do that stuff.

[ArkansasFan24]

I took EMT-B with the intention of never doing anything with it. I just thought it'd be handy to learn. A year later I enrolled in the paramedic program and upon finishing that, which happened at the same time I graduated college with a totally separate degree, I worked part-time as a medic for a couple of years. I didn't like working part-time so I haven't in years, but I could.

You'll learn some interesting things in EMT school, and there are agencies that will view that favorably while others won't care at all about it. If you're interested, have the time, and can afford it then go ahead. You definitely won't be hurt by it.

My EMT class lasted a semester and was held two nights a week from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Usually we got out early it seems. We had to participate in 24 hours of "clinicals" in the emergency department at the hospital and go along on four emergency ambulance runs. Paramedic school was another year and another 600 hours of assorted clinical rotations.

[FeelinMN]

I got 12 months forbearance and the only reason was that I didn't have a full time job to make the payments.

Thats a good point, and for everyone else, thank you for the insight. I know that there are cities in Mn like Maplewood and Cottage Grove who are starting to only hire officers with EMT/EMS certification.