Which paramedic course gives the highest level of training and qualifications.
- Thread starter IrishRookie
- Start date
Merit Training
Longterm Registered User
That is true, mate. I didn't think about that. Patient assessment is a patient assessment regardless.
To answer your other question about intubations..... They do RSI with Ketamine. It is not even a hot topic. They have no problem using Ketamine for pain and RSI.
They intubate chemically sedated patients as well as GSC3 patients.
There are six ambulances running those calls. Even so, they are often getting three patients an hour. Most are treat and release. There are no long transport times and absolutely no waiting on trolleys in the hallway. The Moldovan EMS system is streamlined so patients get dropped off at A&E and are quickly transferred to ICU, the wards or theatre without waiting long.
Excellent and well mannered discussion so far, thanks all.
Having been through the University route here in the UK, I think the quality of the clinical hours that get done is well worth thinking about - not that it's going to change anytime. I did a number of shifts under my mentor where I saw no patients with anything that needed very much doing, and went months without an intubation. But still they counted...! And doing the odd chunk of time as an NHS qualified paramedic you can sometimes go through half a dozen 12 hour shifts before you see anyone that might count as time critical...
Having said that, don't over-estimate the amount of alcohol calls that get seen, it's not as bad as everyone makes out IME!
Bottom line for me is not to just look at the qualification, but where it and the hours were done, what the paramedic has done since qualifying, and then if they're going for a job give them a proper clinical assessment to know what their real skill and knowledge level is.
And Merit Training, you're doing a good job at making me think I need to get myself to Moldovia for some CPD/good experience!
Cheers, RL
Having been through the University route here in the UK, I think the quality of the clinical hours that get done is well worth thinking about - not that it's going to change anytime. I did a number of shifts under my mentor where I saw no patients with anything that needed very much doing, and went months without an intubation. But still they counted...! And doing the odd chunk of time as an NHS qualified paramedic you can sometimes go through half a dozen 12 hour shifts before you see anyone that might count as time critical...
Having said that, don't over-estimate the amount of alcohol calls that get seen, it's not as bad as everyone makes out IME!
Bottom line for me is not to just look at the qualification, but where it and the hours were done, what the paramedic has done since qualifying, and then if they're going for a job give them a proper clinical assessment to know what their real skill and knowledge level is.
And Merit Training, you're doing a good job at making me think I need to get myself to Moldovia for some CPD/good experience!
Cheers, RL
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rediffusion9
Full Registered User
I'm on the NREMT-P course with Merit. It is tough, very tough - in the past I did FAAW/FPOS/Brit Mil + Aegis team medic/Ronin CP and I thought I knew trauma until I started paramedic training with Merit.
Taking 2 years out to study at uni wasn't a viable option when you have a family and a full time civvie job so distance learning was the choice I made. The bad side is I haven't seen sunlight since the start of 2013 - but I can explain the difference between arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis.
A lot of people harp on about qualifications and which course is better but they miss an equally important point - do you actually enjoy practicing medicine, or is the course just a route to a job? If it is the former, then get amongst it!!. If you have any questions at all, PM me.
Taking 2 years out to study at uni wasn't a viable option when you have a family and a full time civvie job so distance learning was the choice I made. The bad side is I haven't seen sunlight since the start of 2013 - but I can explain the difference between arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis.
A lot of people harp on about qualifications and which course is better but they miss an equally important point - do you actually enjoy practicing medicine, or is the course just a route to a job? If it is the former, then get amongst it!!. If you have any questions at all, PM me.
I have been following this thread with great interest,particularly as I am considering doing either the NREMT-P or the Industry Paramedic,even so,I still can't make up my mind which one is best for me!.But,the discussions on here have educated me a little more.thanks
Merit Training
Longterm Registered User
Hi Barney,
We are always up for a chat by phone or skype. We can talk about your options, your long term goals and the best fit.
Give our office a call at +44(0) 2087 206 706 and leave your phone number. We will be happy to call you back.
We require a phone interview with each prospective student to make sure that they know what they want and that our course is a good fit for them.
We have turned away students who were better suited for other options. Usually these students are focusing on the HCPC route where the university option suited them better.
We are here to give the best training for the best students. Give us a call.
We are always up for a chat by phone or skype. We can talk about your options, your long term goals and the best fit.
Give our office a call at +44(0) 2087 206 706 and leave your phone number. We will be happy to call you back.
We require a phone interview with each prospective student to make sure that they know what they want and that our course is a good fit for them.
We have turned away students who were better suited for other options. Usually these students are focusing on the HCPC route where the university option suited them better.
We are here to give the best training for the best students. Give us a call.
I agree with some of ScottA's comments in that it is becoming a minefield and choices needed to be well weighted however IMO the AREMT has come in for some harsh criticism due to the abuse of it's system in its infancy where unscrupulous TTPs and individual trainers used it as a quick way to make a quick buck and therefore tarnished the reputation and credibility. I have held the AREMT-P qualification for 3 years now and each year it becomes more stringent to re-register (last registration required - 46 hours CEUs, renewed ACLS and HCP BLS and log book of hours and skills) Reason i took that route was A- i didn't have 7-12 weeks to go to the states for NEAMT and B- i have no intention of working in the UK as a HPC Para so could not justify 2 years out of work at uni. I was a Combat Med Tech Class 1 (BATLS/BARTS) for 14 years and have to date spent 9 years in the ME 90% as an operational medic and 10% as a consultant/advisor, yes there were loop holes as there is with any new system in its early days. I think its time to stop flogging it and embrace it as a positive option for those that are restricted like i and many others were/are. You soon find out those who blagged their way through are quickly getting caught out.
sopa box dismounted.......
IrishRookie
Longterm Registered User
No starlight it shouldn't. Not everyone has the ability to give up working for 2 or even 1 year in order to attend University.
That doesn't mean people with a genuine interest in becoming a paramedic should forever more be excluded from ever having the chance to pursue that line of work and gain a recognised qualification whilst perhaps working full time. Hence the questions asking for advice RE: recognised courses/certification. Nobody on the thread asked for or hinted that they wanted the quickest and easiest route to a paramedic qualification.
I've done my Industry paramedic course the previous year with Merit training after 7 years spent in French SOF as operator/medic.
Why AREMT Paramedic ? because as other member said we don't want to work in the UK or USA and because in my case, we haven't paramedics in France so I had to find a private training provider.
It was hard, and because english is not my mother tongue it add another difficulty.
During my clinical placement in South Africa ( 1 month ), I had to choose the right drugs to give through the right routes, I intubated 2 times, I performed CPR and applied ACLS protocols, I managed respiratory distress, etc...
I gain more experience in one month than one year in France !
And to keep my skills up to date, I will go back to Joburg another week in May.
I finished my course august 29th, august 31th I was in a plane to central Africa to work as a remote site paramedic for an O&G company who accept AREMT registration without problem.
Thanks a lot Merit training, I recommend them without restriction !
Why AREMT Paramedic ? because as other member said we don't want to work in the UK or USA and because in my case, we haven't paramedics in France so I had to find a private training provider.
It was hard, and because english is not my mother tongue it add another difficulty.
During my clinical placement in South Africa ( 1 month ), I had to choose the right drugs to give through the right routes, I intubated 2 times, I performed CPR and applied ACLS protocols, I managed respiratory distress, etc...
I gain more experience in one month than one year in France !
And to keep my skills up to date, I will go back to Joburg another week in May.
I finished my course august 29th, august 31th I was in a plane to central Africa to work as a remote site paramedic for an O&G company who accept AREMT registration without problem.
Thanks a lot Merit training, I recommend them without restriction !
Australasian Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians | To provide an internationally recognized Australian Registry of certified EMTs underpinned by current relevant Australian and international EMT qualifications and guidelines. The recognition of
Only look for TPs that offer the clinical placement as part of the certification. The SOS Group being a great example. The AREMT is frowned upon by many (and as mentioned before this is mainly due to unscrupulous TPs manipulating the system, bare in mind the HSE Offshore medics course also suffered this recently and making big bucks at the expense of unsuspecting individuals and the medical fraternity and churning out 'GOOGLE MEDICS') however if done right is a great tool for those who can and want to be at a higher level, transfer previous qualifications (RPL/RPE) to a recognised qualification and title (a great tool for former class 1 military medics that missed out on the grandfather rights to HPC registration! and no-body pisses on their chips i hasten to add).
rediffusion9
Full Registered User
I can't comment on the AREMT - I have no knowledge or experience of their testing/certification requirements but if you want to know about the NREMT, go to their website NREMT - NREMT News. If we go back to the original question "which course" then I suppose getting accredited by AREMT/NREMT/HCPC would be a start - with the employer looking at your quals, then dissecting your experience......
...........refreshing to hear an un-blinkered unbiased response
I recently finished my Industry Paramedic course with the lads at Merit.Cant say enough about the support they have given me. Did my clinical hours in Johannesburg and with doctors in a fantastic A&E in Malta. In the ambulances in SA i intubated, cannulated, gave an array of drugs and saw some extremely interesting and testing cases/situations/patients. I can agree that there were some quiet shifts down there, as there would be everywhere.
In malta i was in the Emergency Department, shadowing Emergency consultants around the department getting amazing hands on training and a wealth of knowledge.
After all this i do know, and was told by Merit, that post qualification experience is essential. Even though the 400 hrs is, as far as im aware, equitable to US Paramedics i know that this in not enough to walk into a job. Even without being urged by Merit, i was going to do extra hours, that is what i am doing. Im back to Malta in April to hopefully click up another 400 hrs, ive 6 weeks there so fingers crossed!
My goal? Get enough hours experience over the next 6-8 months (hoping another 800 or so hrs) to look at getting the HSE Offshore Medic course. I had to save a lot before i undertook this journey but i knew what i was getting into and i know where i want to get. Its hard but im focused on the task. IrishRookie, if i can help at all in any way with hints, contacts, info then gimme a shout.
In malta i was in the Emergency Department, shadowing Emergency consultants around the department getting amazing hands on training and a wealth of knowledge.
After all this i do know, and was told by Merit, that post qualification experience is essential. Even though the 400 hrs is, as far as im aware, equitable to US Paramedics i know that this in not enough to walk into a job. Even without being urged by Merit, i was going to do extra hours, that is what i am doing. Im back to Malta in April to hopefully click up another 400 hrs, ive 6 weeks there so fingers crossed!
My goal? Get enough hours experience over the next 6-8 months (hoping another 800 or so hrs) to look at getting the HSE Offshore Medic course. I had to save a lot before i undertook this journey but i knew what i was getting into and i know where i want to get. Its hard but im focused on the task. IrishRookie, if i can help at all in any way with hints, contacts, info then gimme a shout.
Hi guys I have a question regarding a medic course. I am trying to get into CPP/PSD work and mates that are currently in the industry have told me the smart way at the moment is to have a hostile environment medic course under your belt. Which institution around the world is the best for this? A company in Cairns, QLD, Australia (near where I live) does EMT-basic and intermediate courses but I have been told that Australian courses aren't the most sought after. Is this correct or would an Australian course carry as much weight as any course from around the world?
MisterBrightside
Full Registered User
Hi Guys
Its been a long time since my last post but I thought I might add my bit.
I am a HCPC registered Paramedic who weighed up all the options on route to being a Para.
This is how I did it.
I did Ronin's Tech course in South Africa and got my 750 hours in the UK.
I then did over a year as a qualified Tech to earn experience and money.
I then applied to University for the Tech to Para Dip HE which is only a year because the take a year off if your a qualified Tech.
I then did my Paramedic hours as a Tech on a double manned ambulance as opposed to third manning, ( this way I got paid for my Para hours as I was a qualified Tech ). I was also able to do a stint on ships security after qualifying as a Tech before throwing myself into University.
So I have been able to earn money as a Tech all the way to Paramedic.
However it is still a costly process as you have to pay for a Tech course ( you don't have to go to South Africa as there are good UK Tech courses as well. I just wanted the experience ). You will have to pay for the Uni course although you can get a loan. You will obviously not earn money on the academic blocks or hospital placements but if your smart you can save before hand when working as a Tech. It is possible to do Tech shifts on your weekends off in academic blocks if your on top of your studies.
I am not suggesting that this is the best way to Paramedic but it has worked for me.
All of the graduates on my Uni course who applied for Trust jobs were successful including myself. Some decided to work on the 'Privates' were they can earn from £20 to £25 per hour. I was earning between £15 and £18 as a Tech on the 'Privates'.
My original plan was to get my Paramedic for CP work but on my journey to Paramedic my other half hatched two Sprogs on the way which has me grounded now ha ha. ( Far to much time in the UK ha ha ).
By getting your Tech first you will get an idea for the job to see if you actually like it and gain valid experience whilst being able to opt out if its not for you.
Another point to consider is that once registered you will also need experience as a Paramedic otherwise you will be deploying as a Tech with Paramedic HCPC registration, ie only competent as a Tech ( If you get my meaning ). There will still be other courses to do if you decide to go remote or offshore.
I am not a medical expert by any means but thought I would share my thoughts and experiences on my route to being a Paramedic.
Good Luck MB.
Its been a long time since my last post but I thought I might add my bit.
I am a HCPC registered Paramedic who weighed up all the options on route to being a Para.
This is how I did it.
I did Ronin's Tech course in South Africa and got my 750 hours in the UK.
I then did over a year as a qualified Tech to earn experience and money.
I then applied to University for the Tech to Para Dip HE which is only a year because the take a year off if your a qualified Tech.
I then did my Paramedic hours as a Tech on a double manned ambulance as opposed to third manning, ( this way I got paid for my Para hours as I was a qualified Tech ). I was also able to do a stint on ships security after qualifying as a Tech before throwing myself into University.
So I have been able to earn money as a Tech all the way to Paramedic.
However it is still a costly process as you have to pay for a Tech course ( you don't have to go to South Africa as there are good UK Tech courses as well. I just wanted the experience ). You will have to pay for the Uni course although you can get a loan. You will obviously not earn money on the academic blocks or hospital placements but if your smart you can save before hand when working as a Tech. It is possible to do Tech shifts on your weekends off in academic blocks if your on top of your studies.
I am not suggesting that this is the best way to Paramedic but it has worked for me.
All of the graduates on my Uni course who applied for Trust jobs were successful including myself. Some decided to work on the 'Privates' were they can earn from £20 to £25 per hour. I was earning between £15 and £18 as a Tech on the 'Privates'.
My original plan was to get my Paramedic for CP work but on my journey to Paramedic my other half hatched two Sprogs on the way which has me grounded now ha ha. ( Far to much time in the UK ha ha ).
By getting your Tech first you will get an idea for the job to see if you actually like it and gain valid experience whilst being able to opt out if its not for you.
Another point to consider is that once registered you will also need experience as a Paramedic otherwise you will be deploying as a Tech with Paramedic HCPC registration, ie only competent as a Tech ( If you get my meaning ). There will still be other courses to do if you decide to go remote or offshore.
I am not a medical expert by any means but thought I would share my thoughts and experiences on my route to being a Paramedic.
Good Luck MB.