AEMT-CC
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Advanced Emergency Medical Technician - Critical Care (AEMT-CC) is an EMS certification unique to New York. The curriculum is comparable to that of the national standard EMT-I/99 (EMT-Intermediate - I/99). AEMT-CCs are ALS, or Advanced Life Support, Providers. The certification requires less time and money then traditional paramedic certification. This may leave the AEMT-CC certification as the best option for those who desire a career as an EMS provider for those in small communities who do not have the resources associated with living in a major city.
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[edit] AEMT-CC's Vs. Paramedics
There are several difference between an AEMT-CC and a Paramedic. In areas where there are few Paramedics, due to scarcity of EMS providers or a lack of an accessible Paramedic class, Critical Care Technicians may be the highest level of pre-hospital care. A major reason why people choose a Critical Care class as opposed to a Paramedic one, is that the amount of time required is significantly less. That makes the Critical Care level more appealing for volunteers who want to go beyond BLS, but don't intend on making a career out of EMS. Also, many Critical Care classes are offered through county EMS offices and are free to people who are active members of agencies within that county. Many Paramedic classes within New York are held through community colleges and therefore are costly not only in time, but also money due to the cost of tuition.
[edit] Training
Prerequisites include a current EMT-Basic certification, although at least one year of experience at that level is recommended. AEMT-CC's must complete approximately 240 hours of classroom time, in which they learn Anatomy and Physiology, as well as signs, symptoms, and treatments relating to traumatic as well as medical emergencies including but not limitied to Respiratory, Cardiac, Diabetic, and OB/GYN. During their training, they must additionally spend time outside of the classroom observing in various clinical settings such as the Emergency Department, the Operating Room, the Cardiac Care Unit, with a Respiratory Therapist, or in Labor and Delivery. Also outside of the classroom during the course, the AEMT-CC student must be precepted doing many calls in the field by a AEMT-CC or Paramedic. Lastly, they must pass a state practical skills exam and a state written exam.
[edit] Scope of Practice
AEMT-CCs, like all EMS providers, work under the protocols of medical direction whether it be in the form of standing orders or the contacting of medical control via radio or telephone. In some regions of New York there is a big difference between Critical Care Technicians and Paramedics with regards to standing orders and skills allowed to be performed, while in others the two levels function on or very close to the same level. Other AEMT-CC skills include venous access, medication administration, endotracheal intubation, ECG interpretation, electrical cardiac therapy, needle chest decompression, intraosseous access, as well as all BLS or Basic life support skills.
