Swansboro EMS/Rescue Squad-Levels

EMT-Basic (EMT-B)

A EMT-Basic is someone who has completed the Department of Transportation (DOT) 166 hour curriculum. EMT-B's learn subjects like:

CPR

Oxygen Therapy

Patient Assessment (finding out what might be wrong with a patient)

Splinting & Immobilizing Extremities

Bandaging & Bleeding Control

How to Obtain Vital Signs (Blood Pressure, Heart Rate, & Breathing Rate) These are just a few of the many things that a EMT-B does.

The EMT-B class is usually given at a local community college such as Coastal Carolina Community College (CCCC) through their Continuing Education Department.

Upon completion of the class they take a written & practical evaluations.

Upon successfully passing the class & exams, the State of NC will issue a certification for being a EMT-B.

Once certified the EMT-B must take refresher classes each month to stay up to date with the skills & technology.

Every four (4) years the EMT-B must re-certify.

EMT-Defibrillation (EMT-D)

A EMT-D is a person who is currently certifies as a EMT-B, and takes the DOT class of 16 hours.

Some of the things a EMT-D does are:

Learns the use of the Automatic External Defibrillator (AED); A AED will help reverse the effects of a cardiac arrest by giving a electric shock.

Learns advanced airway techniques by placing a tube in the throat to assist in breathing

The use of Epinephrine for allergic reactions. Again, these are just some of the skills that a EMT-D can do.

Like the EMT-B a EMT-D must go through testing before receiving their certification from the State of NC.

The EMT-D must also take refresher classes to stay up to date and they must again re-certify every 4 years.