Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Choosing The Right EMT Program...Student Beware!

EMT School...it's a big decision. Some students tell me that they had the calling to be an EMT from a very young age. Others tell me it came much later in life. One thing that is true for both types; once its in your blood, there is no escaping it. You are consumed with finding a program, you search the Internet for any information you can get your hands on. You talk with friends and family, and visit your local fire department. You are on a mission to find the program that will best suit you.

I remember early on working as an EMT while going through Paramedic school, a respected colleague of mine told me that the best Paramedics were the ones that have the best EMT skills. That always stuck with me and over the years I have really grown to appreciate the truth in that statement. The foundation that is laid in EMT school becomes the base for which everything else is built. The type of Paramedic you become is largely based on the kind of EMT you became. I stress to my EMT students that the time they spend in our Academy will stay with them long after they have graduated.

In Missouri, all EMT programs must follow the same minimum guidelines and requirements set forth by the Missouri Bureau of Emergency Medical Services. It is however, a minimum. What you do with that basic program is what makes each program unique and their own.

RespondRight EMS Academy was in a great position when our program was developed. The first component, and the most important one, is the staff. Who is responsible for leading the class, do they also act as a mentor and set a good example? Several things that RespondRight EMS Academy felt were important were the instructors background in EMS. Have they ever worked in the field? What about other positions they have held in their present Fire or Ambulance Department? What about how they will interact with the students? What is their past pass/fail ratio for State testing? These are just a few questions RespondRight EMS Academy thinks are important for students to ask.

The second part of our program that makes us unique is the fact that we actually train in a real ambulance. This seems rather odd that all programs don't do this because, isn't that the place an EMTs spends a fair amount of time? To me its like teaching a computer class and not letting the student actually practice on a real computer. It makes no sense to think that an ambulance is not an important part of the program. Our students first learn a skill in the classroom and once they have become proficient in it, we proceed outdoors to practice doing that same skills in a moving ambulance.

Another very important aspect of our program is equipment the students have available to them. We spare no expense in obtaining the very best and most up-to-date equipment money can buy. We do not only provide equipment to the students that they will see at state testing, but also, other equipment they they will actually use in the field. I remember working as an EMT, and being asked by my Paramedic partner to go out to the ambulance and bring in a stair chair. I had no idea what he was talking about. I had never seen one before and certainly didn't know how tho use it. I tell the students, if there is a possibility for them to see a piece of equipment out in the field, they'll see it here first. We expose them to all elements of their job, not just the ones they are tested on.

When it is all said and done, our program stands out because we know what it is to be an EMT or a Paramedic. We do not teach english, math or other non EMS classes. We are an Academy dedicated to any and all aspects of Emergency Medical Services. We know because of our experience as educators and Paramedics what will make our students successful, not just in preparing them to successfully obtain their license, but also their professional career. We graduate out well rounded, educated EMTs who are ready to go to work. We are today's Professional Firefighters and Paramedics training the EMTs of tomorrow. If you want to be the best, you have to learn from the best, and we are just that. We love what we do and are very passionate about helping others achieve their goals. We will assist you in getting you where you want to go, we will turn your dream into a reality!

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Laid Off? How about a new Career?

OK, it seems as though our economy is getting worse by the minute. I can't believe the number of companies going out of business, laying off thousands of workers, and the dismal outlook of the future. I almost hate turning on the radio or watching the news. I remember learning about the Great Depression in history class and hearing stories from my parents and grandparents, but I never thought I would be so close to another depression in my lifetime. I heared today another bailout package is on the way, promising salvation from our current predicament.

Folks, don't rely on that for your future, take control of your destiny and go where the jobs are. And where are the jobs you ask? Health care, of course. You don't hear about hospitals turning away Doctors, or Nurses. You don't hear about Fire Departments laying off Paramedics! It's almost when times are the worst, the medical field does the best. Don't want to spend alot of money and time in re-training yourself? Lucky for you I have the answer, and that is, sign up for RespondRight EMS Academy's EMT Class. In about 18 weeks and for about $2000.00, you can be re-trained and working on an ambulance, in an Emergency Department or in a Doctor's Office. Wouldn't it be nice to wake up every day and not worry if today is the day your job is cut. We are looking for people just like you! People who are motivated, people who embrace change and who capitalize on opportunities. If your ready to be challenged, to work in a fast paced environment, where your actions could end up saving a person's life, our EMT Program is for you. You are the only thing holding yourself back. Step up, make the decision to improve yourself, your future and call us today. Classes are forming right now and you can't wait for this opportunity to pass you by. Take control of your future and apply today!

Monday, January 5, 2009

Become an EMT

It seems like everyday I turn on the television, I hear about another company re-organizing, downsizing, or re-structuring. We all know what that means.... Layoffs! I was at a local store the other day and the employees said their store was closing. When I asked if they were going to be transferred to other stores, they said no. Two of the store's managers had been with the company for 20 + years. You could tell they were frustrated, upset, betrayed and scared. RespondRight is hearing the call of community to do something to help the hundreds of people being laid off from their jobs. RespondRight is going to be offering an EMT Course that will start in May and be completed by August. In little over a semester and for under $2000.00, you can become retrained as an EMT and potentially be working in and Emergency Department or on an Ambulance. You can secure yourself a career in the Health care Industry and be on your way to a long and prosperous job helping your community. RespondRight's EMT classes are all taught by professional Firefighters and Paramedic's in the St. Louis and St. Charles, MO area. You will be taught by those who have real life experience in the field of EMS. In an effort to help our local communities rebound from this depressed economy, RespondRight is committed to helping any person willing and able to secure a new future. Don't wait any longer, we are waiting for you ... visit us @ www.respondright.com or email us for more information.

Friday, January 2, 2009

Does my Business need an AED?

It is unbelievable that the American Heart Association (AHA) reports that 250,000 people will die this year due to Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). For many victims, death results from a big medical word called Ventricular Fibrillation (V-Fib). What does that mean to the average person? It means your heart starts freaking out, beating chaotically, really irregular, not really pumping blood and oxygen to all your vital organs. What happens next? You die in minutes.

So, many years ago we were introduced to the AED. It is the lay person's version of the machine we see people on TV get shocked with. They make them small, in different colors, totally automatic, and relatively cheap. They talk to you and tell you everything to do. They make people who would otherwise die, come back to life. It's really that simple. Something like improving the possibility of surviving a heart attack from about 5% to 50%, pretty great results.

What's the problem then? Why doesn't every office building, school, public building, etc have one? Good question! It boils down to education and money. Most people have no idea what an AED is or what it does. Most business owners don't realize for under $2500.00, they can have piece of mind in knowing they are doing everything possible to increase not only their employees' chances of surviving a Sudden Cardiac Arrest, but their own as well.

We spend money on the fastest copiers, the latest technology of computers, we hire people to help us be more productive, but we wont do one of the easiest and smartest things out there like buy and AED and train people in CPR. Everyday the local papers and news stations tell us of famous people dying like Tim Russert and Bernie Mac of Cardiac Arrest. I wonder the outcome if an AED was available and people were trained to use it on them. I wonder if maybe, just maybe, we would still have one of the world's best comics and actors, and TV reporter/commentators still with us? Don't wait and let an incident at your office or school become part of another statistic. Demand that your school, your office, your church invest is protecting your life and the life of those you care most about.

For more information on AED's, prices and current laws, contact us at www.respondright.com or contact us info@repondright.com.

Atttention Fire Departments - New EMT Program

RespondRight Training Academy is now offering EMT, EMT Refresher, Emergency Medical Dispatch, and Continuing Education for EMT's and Paramedics. We have flexible scheduling of all our classes to accommodate your paid and/or volunteer, professional firefighters. We are making it possible to do training at either our location or yours. All of programs are DOT, National Registry, and Missouri BEMS approved. RespondRight has been in business for over 7 years and is owned and operated by Firefighters and Paramedics. We don't just teach classes, we practice what we preach! Training for Firefighters by Firefighters. We will do what it takes to customize training to meet your needs. Whether it is a basic refresher or learning the newest and most up-to-date techniques in pre-hospital care, RespondRight will bring a fresh and exciting approach to classes to your Firehouse. Don't miss out on this opportunity, give us a call to schedule your training.