EMT differences

Hey, I was an EMT for a while. I don't know all those terms, but an EMT-Basic is the lowest level of EMT. One semester is all it takes. That's what you have to be to work on an ambulance, with another EMT or a paramedic. Intermediates (never heard of 85 and 89) have a little more training, can start IV's and stuff like that. Basic's only do external stuff in most places, with the exception of checking blood sugar, and "assisting" a patient use an epinephrine pin, etc. They can't administer very many medications, either. EMT's usually drive.
Paramedics have about 2 years training, about the same as a nurse. They do everything else on an ambulance.
A lot of states don't recognize EMT intermediates (including Arkansas, where I live), so you should look for particulars for your state. It's a fun field for a while, but most people don't do it for a longterm career. The hours are usually pretty hard and the pay is low. The EMT Basic course is a great course to take anyway, even if you never use it.

Jessica
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EMS is a great field to be in, its also a great precursor for a career in medicine. There are many levels of the EMT. What state are you in? It varies from state to state. EMT-Basic is the most basic NREMT(National Registry of EMT's) recognized level. It isn't all that hard to get certified in it. If you can do it, go for it. One word of warning is that you should mentally prepare yourself for the screwed up things you probably will see. Best of luck.

- Joey.

EMT-Basic is the entry level position. Thats where you start when you first begin into the program, and it's usually about one semester long.

EMT- Intermediate is the next level, you move up to this level once you pass the exam for basic. You're allowed to do a little more here than you can as a basic and this level is also usually only one semester long.

The next and final level is EMT-Paramedic. This is the most advanced level. This one usually takes about three semesters to complete and then you take the final exam and are certified as a Paramedic.

Most of the time the EMT/Paramedic courses are avaliable at the Technical Colleges and it takes about a year and a half to two years to complete the program, and there are two options on the major, you can get is as a certificate or you can go for a degree in health science, the only difference being that with the degree you have to take a couple of general education courses, but you're school would be able to tell you a little bit more about all of that.