Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT), is a level of EMS licensure between basic EMT and a paramedic. AEMTs have more protocols or skills they are able to perform and have completed in-depth training in anatomy, physiology, and medications. AEMTs can perform additional skills such as starting IVs, administering certain fluids and medications, and Endo-Tracheotomy Intubations.
Hennessey Firefighter Brandon Scott said, “I was very blessed to be accepted into the Heartland Medical Direction AEMT program and to receive a scholarship that paid for the class.”
This in-depth training ran from December 2022 through April 2023. In addition to the bookwork, he also completed 60 hours of ambulance clinicals, 40 hours of Emergency Room clinicals, as well as IV and surgical clinicals. Within the clinicals, he had to complete a certain number of various patient contacts with certain ailments and had to perform a certain number of each intervention. In conjunction with clinicals, he attended class every Saturday to practice the skills. The testing included IVs, Intubations, Medical Assessment, Trauma Assessment, Supraglottic Airways, CPR with AED, and bleeding management with a tourniquet.
Scott said, “We had to pass the class with an 80% or above to be approved to take the National Cognitive Exam (written test) and the National Psychomotor Exam (skills test). Once both exams were passed, I received my National AEMT license. Then I qualified to receive my Oklahoma state license. Every two years I will have to have so many hours of Continuing Education Units (CEU) to maintain my license.”
Now that the Hennessey Fire Department (HFD) is an Emergency Medical Responding Agency (EMRA), under Heartland Medical Direction, Scott can utilize his license and skills to better care for the citizens of Hennessey and our coverage area. Scott said, “I can also provide care to my brothers of the HFD if injured or become sick on fire calls. My training will allow me to better care for victims of vehicle crashes or be extra help in case of a mass casualty incident.” Scott also works part-time for Life EMS so that he can continue to stay sharp with his skills.
Scott said, “I would like to thank my wife and family for being so supportive and understanding. I would also like to thank the Hennessey Fire Department, Life EMS, and Heartland Medical Direction for the opportunity and training.”
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