Often our life depends on the rapid and efficient response of the rescuers, technical operators able to provide first aid care. Rescuers operate on ambulances or other emergency vehicles, and are the first to intervene in the event of road accidents or heart attacks, providing the patient with immediate care on site and then proceeding with the transfer to the hospital. Read this article for information on rescuer work and the education and training needed to fill that role.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Acquire the Skills and Training to Become a Rescuer
Step 1. Contact an association affiliated with 118
In Italy, rescuers generally belong to associations that carry out health services (Red Cross, White Cross, ANPAS, Misericordia, etc.), both as volunteers and employees. To carry out this activity, look for an association belonging to your area of residence.
The requirements to become a rescuer do not require particular characteristics or skills: it is necessary to be of age (although some associations provide for the inclusion of minors to be assigned to activities unrelated to the actual rescue) and have a middle school license
Step 2. Attend the training course
The training includes theoretical and practical lessons and has a standard duration of 120 hours divided as follows:
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42 hours for the qualification of "rescuer qualified for secondary transport only" with regional Basic Life Support - Defibrillation (BLS-D) qualification. BLS-D is a first aid technique that includes cardiopulmonary resuscitation and, as such, is a prerequisite for becoming a rescuer. At the end of this first part of the course you will have to take a final qualification exam (which will allow you to move on to the next stage of the training).
The eligibility exam consists of two tests: a theoretical test using multiple choice questions, and a BLS-D practical test for the qualification to use the two-button semi-automatic external defibrillator
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78 hours for the certification of "118 executor rescuer enabled with the use of the semiautomatic defibrillator". After a period of practical training (as an observer) you will have to take a final qualification exam and, once you have obtained the qualification, you will be able to operate independently inside the ambulance.
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The qualification exam consists of four tests: a theoretical test using multiple choice questions, a practical test relating to the use of the two-button semi-automatic external defibrillator, a practical test relating to the use of devices or techniques and, finally, an intervention simulation.
Become an EMT Step 5
Step 3. During the training course, in addition to an in-depth study on the various components of the human body, the students acquire the following skills:
- How to use emergency equipment correctly
- What to do in case of bleeding, fractures, burns, cardiac arrests and emergency parts (among the most common)
- How to administer oxygen
- How to prevent shock
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Medico-legal aspects
Become an EMT Step 6
Part 2 of 3: Starting the Rescue Career
Become an EMT Step 7 Step 1. Find a job as a rescuer
Once you have obtained the necessary qualification, look for a job in the emergency room of a hospital or within one of the aforementioned associations. Keep in mind that the job as a rescuer is tough and the pay is not particularly high, so make sure you are convinced of your choice before embarking on a similar path.
Become an EMT Step 8 Step 2. Increase your chances of hiring
Depending on national or local regulations, some rescuers may receive ad hoc training in order to be authorized to perform maneuvers such as the execution (and sometimes even the first interpretation) of an electrocardiogram, or invasive procedures such as blood glucose measurement, drug administration or endotracheal intubation.
Become an EMT Step 9 Step 3. Become a specialist rescuer
In addition to the rescuers who work inside ambulances, there are also specialized figures able to provide assistance in more specific contexts. In this regard, there are courses to become alpine rescuers, aerosol rescuers, conductors of dog units, lifeguards and many others.
Part 3 of 3: Preparing for Life as a Rescuer
Become an EMT Step 1 Step 1. Try to understand what life as a rescuer entails
Depending on their field of action, the figure of the rescuer must be prepared to face situations of various kinds. The operators are sent to the place of need from 118, and once on site they have the following responsibilities:
- Assess the situation. The team of rescuers will need to make an assessment and take note of the patient's clinical status.
- Determine if the patient has pre-existing medical conditions. It is a fundamental step to consider before carrying out any medical procedure.
- Proceed with cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid when needed. Rescuers are able to respond adequately to a wide range of health emergencies, from premature labor to poisoning and burns.
- Transport the patient to the hospital. Using a stretcher and other emergency equipment, rescuers will have to transfer the patient from where he is to the hospital. There are usually three or four rescuers in an ambulance: the driver (in charge of the vehicle and the guide), the head of service (in charge of the service, the patient being transported and the crew members), a rescuer who helps the head -service and, during the training period, the student, who follows the rescuers during the service in order to learn the trade.
- Introduce the patient to hospital care. At the hospital, the rescuer takes the patient to the emergency room, providing a detailed account of his condition to the staff present at the facility.
- If necessary, and if you have the necessary qualifications, provide additional medical assistance.
Become an EMT Step 2 Step 2. Be prepared to work even in difficult conditions
It is not possible to know when there will be an emergency, and as a rescuer you must always be available.
- You need to be ready to work at night, as well as on weekends and holidays.
- It is important to be of good constitution because you will also have to tackle physically demanding tasks.
- Rescuers must feel comfortable in any environment, outdoors and indoors, and in all weather conditions. They must also be prepared to intervene in dangerous situations, for example in cases of accidents on icy roads.
Become an EMT Step 3 Step 3. Prepare to take on big responsibilities
Rescuers are often the first professionals to interact with patients in need. In addition to administering potentially life-saving treatments, they must be able to interact with relatives and witnesses who may be in a confused state. Learn to handle stressful situations before embarking on such a career.
Advice
- Take some time to keep fit. Endurance and strength (especially in the upper body) are key to being successful in this field.
- Earn any certification that may help you qualify to become a rescuer.
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