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Paramedics must renew their certifications every 2-3 years by taking a refresher course and passing an exam. The course covers new equipment, procedures, and technology, as well as previously learned techniques. Requirements vary by state, but most courses include lectures, simulations, and hands-on learning. The course must follow the national standard curriculum and cover core content related to CPR, medical emergencies, trauma, and pediatric care. Elective components may cover geriatric care, communicable diseases, and operational issues.
A paramedic is the most qualified type of emergency medical technician (EMT). Paramedics work with emergency response teams to provide immediate emergency care on the scene. In the US, paramedics are required to renew their certifications every two to three years. Part of this renewal process is taking a refresher course and passing an exam. Outside the US, requirements for obtaining and maintaining paramedic certification can be quite different.
A paramedic refresher course has been developed to keep paramedics current with new equipment, procedures and technology. Up-to-date research is also presented, as well as any changes to operating procedures. Paramedics also review previously learned lifesaving techniques and procedures. Refresher courses generally last 48 hours.
Requirements for a paramedic refresher course can vary by state, but most courses include lectures, simulations, and hands-on learning. Many refresher courses for paramedics also meet requirements to renew certifications in Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Life Support (PALS), all of which are separate certificates from the paramedic license. A paramedic refresher course must follow the national standard curriculum and be approved by the state to be valid for license renewal.
The paramedic refresher course must include core content related to CPR and cardiac arrest, and the paramedic must demonstrate competency with the related equipment. The course must also cover a range of medical emergencies, including anaphylactic shock, overdose and near-drowning. Another necessary component is trauma, including head and spinal injuries and shock. Refresher courses should also deal with pediatric CPR and other emergencies with children and infants, as well as obstetric and childbirth emergencies.
Many refresher courses for paramedics also have elective components such as geriatric care and communicable diseases. Elective hours may also go into more detail on core content components and cover issues such as seizures, exposure, oxygen delivery systems, burns, child abuse and neglect. Elective hours of a paramedic refresher course often have labs in which paramedics receive hands-on training and simulation sessions.
Other aspects of a paramedic refresher course can include operational issues such as correct bending and lifting procedures so the paramedic can avoid personal injury. They may also cover ways of dealing with hysterical or violent patients or others in a scene who may harm paramedics or impede their work. Communication with patients is another issue that is usually part of refresher courses.
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