EMT-I

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Permalink Reply by Seth Heller on October 18, 2009 at 1:20am

i didnt hear anything about it but it isnt a bad idea

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Permalink Reply by Mark A. Duell on October 18, 2009 at 10:22am

From what I saw in the new "PA EMS LAW" that was just passed (if I am correct), that yes they would be pushing EMT's to further advance themselves beyond basic. I do not have a problem with this either, but they have got to work with the volunteers to make this training available locally. The state needs to remember that volunteers have full time jobs also! They need to work with us, not against us.

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Permalink Reply by Kevin F. Carey on October 18, 2009 at 8:46pm

The problem with these mandates is that a backlash could cause a shortage of EMTs and paramedics.
Some EMTs and paramedicss are having difficulty meeting the ConEd requirements now. To add increased demands on their certifications could lead these dedicated providers to drop their certifications. As it stands, the attrition rate is high enough now.

Other states have pressed EMT and paramedics to expand their credentials, and that has had disasterous results.

In 2004, Texas, for example, insisted that paramedics extend their credentials, I think by requiring an associates degree or requiring a Critical care certification. Whatever the case, this led to a major paramedic shortage across the state.

Think about it. Two plus years for paramedic school and earn X amount of dollars or go to nursing school (2 years for RN, 4 yrs for BSN) and earn double X amount of dollars.

Seems like a no-brainer to me.

I am all for advancing the profession, but not at the cost of those performing the duties today.

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Permalink Reply by Justin Keel on October 19, 2009 at 8:33am

If you read the new EMS act, they will be adding the EMT-I certification. However, there is no MANDATE for an EMT to become an EMT-I. It is just a more advanced scope of practice. However, (from what I hear) the EMT-I will be required to go on to EMT-P.

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Permalink Reply by blair4630 on October 22, 2009 at 1:16am

No, there won't be any requirment to go to AEMT, it's just we will be going to the new national standard levels, EMR, EMT, AEMT, medic.

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Permalink Reply by Derek on November 14, 2009 at 10:07am

EMT-I should not be confused with the new Advanced EMT level. EMT-I will soon be a thing of the past as far as National Registry is concerned. They will no longer be certifying new EMT-I's. The Advanced EMT level has a skill set and associated knowledge level below the current EMT-I. If the Advanced EMT in PA follows the recommendations as set in the National EMS Scope of Practice, the Advanced EMT will not be permitted to perform cardiac monitoring or intubate. The pharmacology is also much more limited.

But it is definitely a potential for enhancement to the EMS system in PA. I am anxious to see the actual scope of practice once its developed.

Justin Keel said:

If you read the new EMS act, they will be adding the EMT-I certification. However, there is no MANDATE for an EMT to become an EMT-I. It is just a more advanced scope of practice. However, (from what I hear) the EMT-I will be required to go on to EMT-P.

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