Hi readers,
Last week (January 2nd) I returned to campus for an EMT-training course. ACEMS, a student-run, on-campus EMT organization, runs the course. ACEMS allows students to apply for J-Term (january-term) EMT training yearly. An EMT course usually costs between $1,200-$2000. ACEMS offers the course, testing, and training for free! An EMT course typically runs for twelve weeks–we have four weeks to learn all the material. So, it’s very fast-paced. However, it’s very well worth it, and the student teachers (TAs) and EMT Instructor, Pete, do a comprehensive job teaching the course and supporting all students.
I’ve learned how to backboard a patient, take vitals, splint upper and lower extremity injuries, treat a trauma patient, and perform a medical assessment. The training is very engaging and has made me better at performing tasks under pressure. Yes, it can be stressful, but the community of students taking and teaching the course makes it enjoyable. Through the course, I’ve become close with so many new students on campus and found a new support network. The course has also helped me connect with alumni! When meeting with an alumni in medical school, we both shared our experiences with the EMT course. This shared experience helped facilitate the conversation between me and the Amherst alum.
If you want to become an EMT on campus or in your hometown, you should apply for the training when you come to Amherst! You do not need to be pre-med or major in STEM to join. Anyone interested in supporting their peers, building a support network, and learning life-saving material is welcome to join.
If you have any questions about my experience with the ACEMS course–or anything–please contact me at ipatel28@amherst.edu!