How long to train to be an EMT?

[richrackman]

and what qualifications do you need?

[boxtops]

Bobjugs is probably the best person to answer this one, but have a look here http://en.wikipedia.o...cy_medical_technician

[richrackman]

thanks for the wiki link, its not clear how long training lasts. U.k. Based. If bobjugs is around I would be obliged of a chat.

[richrackman]

[email protected]

[boxtops]

suggest you wait til you see bobjugs posting then ask again?

[NoMercy]

He's taken his kids out.

I'll mention it to him later.

[boxtops]

Cheers NoM, I thought you were about, wondered if you'd see this! :-)

[NoMercy]

I doubt he'll be able to email you, unless he's taken his computer away with him. I would strongly advise against him emailing a complete stranger anyway.

[richrackman]

If anyone else knows then apart from bobjus i'd be gratefull.

[NoMercy]

Well from what I can gather, the course was a 7-week one and cost somewhere in the region of 2k. To get your blue lights you'd need to do another course - 3 weeks, I think - and that costs a further 1.4k. But don't quote me on that. Like I said, I'll ask him later.

[richrackman]

Thankyou. 7 weeks seems very short. Do you know what, if any, qualifications are needed? Im having a furthur root around the net too but if somebodys done their training recently that would be a great help TIA.

[NoMercy]

It's several weeks of intense studying, that much I do know.

You would also need to be physically very fit.

[boxtops]

If you go down to the "in the UK" section on the link I sent you, it suggests that training last three months, which kind of fits in with the timescale NoM's mentioned.

[237SJ]

I thought a technician has 12 weeks training.

[NoMercy]

I suppose it would depend greatly on the training provider. What region are you in?

[richrackman]

Yes I read the info stating 3 mths which is with due respect a bit more than 7wks. Even then it doesn't seem very long to me bearing in mind the job.

[NoMercy]

I'm sure Bobjugs can give you the information you require. But his course was definitely not a 12 week one.

[237SJ]

Please excuse me for being ignorant but do you have to pay for your training to be an ambulance technician? If you get a job with for example, the London Ambulance, do you not get it for free?

[NoMercy]

Well surely you can't get a job until you are fully trained?

[boxtops]

I imagine it's like nursing JMR - in my experience you can either be sponsored by your NHS organisation if they are willing to do that, or you can do it yourself independently by going on a course, and then looking for a job.

[richrackman]

I was also surprised by the cost of the training. In any event, thanks for the info I will make some enquiries on Monday, if bobjus does want to email me then all the better but fully appreciate that may not be possible.