The EMT-Basic course is an introductory level course in Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in the practice of prehospital medicine and successfully pass the National Registry of EMTs EMT-Basic credentialing exams.
This program follows the guidelines adopted by the Texas Department of State Health Services Office of EMS/Trauma Services and the curriculum aligns with the National EMS Education Standards and National EMS Scope of Practice. In developing the course curriculum, the program relies on the input of the faculty, medical director, Advisory Board, and regional EMS employers to ensure students are prepared to deliver the highest standard of effective, evidence-informed prehospital emergency medical care.
The EMS profession recognizes four levels of state certification/licensure:
Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT, or EMT-Basic)
Advanced EMT (AEMT)
Paramedic
At the EMT-Basic level, the EMS professional conducts patient assessments, develops and implements treatment plans, and monitors patient conditions. The EMT-Basic may function as a primary patient care provide on a team or may assist other care providers who can provide a higher level of care. The EMT-Basic utilizes basic, non-invasive diagnostic equipment to assess patient conditions, and are trained to administer a variety of medications and procedures to provide initial stabilization and management of critical illnesses and injuries. EMT-Basics primarily practice in an out-of-hospital setting as employees of an EMS organization responding to 911 calls or transporting patients by ambulance to or from healthcare facilities. EMT-Basics also frequently practice in hospital emergency departments.
In Texas, EMT-Basics are authorized to provide medical care under the medical license of their organization’s medical director. EMT-Basic is the prerequisite training to become a paramedic, which is the highest level of certification in Texas.
EMT-Basics do face numerous occupational risks, including the risk of injury (most commonly in relation to lifting or moving patients, as well as being involved in a motor vehicle collision), the risk of illness (due to frequent exposure to infectious diseases), and the risk of psychological trauma. In some settings, EMT-Basics face an increased risk in hearing loss due to noise levels. EMT-Basics also routinely work shifts up to and more than 24 hour and may have an increased risk of health problems related to sleep deprivation.