About The Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

The Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course, often referred to as EMT-Basic in India, is a paramedical certification program designed to train individuals to provide basic pre-hospital emergency medical care. It focuses on responding to medical emergencies, assessing patients, managing trauma and clinical conditions, and transporting patients safely to healthcare facilities. The course aligns with the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) Level 4 and is governed by the Healthcare Sector Skill Council (HSSC) under the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). Graduates can work as EMTs in ambulances, hospitals, or emergency services, handling situations like cardiac arrests, strokes, accidents, and mass casualties. It is not a full medical degree but equips learners with essential life-saving skills based on WHO and national guidelines.

Variants include Certificate in Emergency Medical Technician (CEMT) or Diploma, with durations ranging from 2-6 months for basic levels to 1-2 years for advanced diplomas. For a bachelor's level, B.Sc in Emergency Medical Technology is available (3-4 years), but the query seems to focus on the standard EMT-Basic.

Eligibility
Minimum qualification: Class XII (10+2) from a recognized board, preferably in Science stream (Physics, Chemistry, Biology).
Age: Typically 17-25 years, with physical fitness required for fieldwork.
Some institutions accept 10th pass with relevant experience or for shorter certificate courses.
No upper age limit in many cases, but candidates must pass a medical fitness test.
Duration
EMT-Basic: 360 hours (approximately 3-6 months full-time), including:
Theory: 100 hours
Practical: 140 hours
On-the-Job Training (OJT)/Internship: 120 hours
Certificate courses: 2-6 months
Diploma: 1-2 years
B.Sc EMT: 3-4 years including internship.
Fees

Fees vary by institution and level:

Certificate/EMT-Basic: INR 20,000 to INR 55,000 (including registration, tuition, and exam fees).
Diploma: INR 50,000 to INR 1,00,000.
B.Sc EMT: INR 1,00,000 to INR 3,00,000 per year (government colleges lower, private higher). Additional costs may include books, uniforms, and certification exams (e.g., NSDC or state council fees). Scholarships available for SC/ST/OBC candidates in some states.
Syllabus

The syllabus for EMT-Basic (HSSC Model Curriculum) is modular, based on 33 National Occupational Standards (NOS). It includes theory, practicals, and OJT. Below is a comprehensive breakdown with module descriptions, hours (where specified), key learning outcomes, and equipment.

S.No    Module (NOS Code)    Description    Theory Hours    Practical Hours    Key Learning Outcomes    Equipment Required
1    HSS/N 2301: Respond to Emergency Calls    Understanding emergency codes, communication, patient evaluation, preparation with BSI, ambulance setup.    Not specified    Not specified    Understand codes; use equipment; evaluate situations; prepare with BSI; stock ambulance; demonstrate teamwork.    Hospital gowns, gloves, masks, diagnostic kits, BLS supplies.
2    HSS/N 2304: Assess Patient at the Site    Explaining EMT role, consent, systematic assessment (ABC), privacy respect, protocol use.    Not specified    Not specified    Obtain consent; conduct assessments; recognize threats; use equipment.    Not specified.
3    HSS/N 2305: Patient Triage    Assessing for interventions, vital signs, high-risk identification, triage methods (SALT, START).    Not specified    Not specified    Assess needs; check vitals; use triage; communicate assertively.    Not specified.
4    HSS/N 2306: Manage Cardiovascular Emergency    Cardiovascular system, chest pain care, AED use, medications (aspirin, nitro-glycerine).    Not specified    Not specified    Describe system; provide care; operate AED; explain medications.    AED, aspirin, nitro-glycerine.
5    HSS/N 2307: Manage Cerebrovascular Emergency    Stroke types/symptoms, emergency care, assessment, rapid transport.    Not specified    Not specified    Describe strokes; manage ABC; assess consciousness; expedite transport.    Not specified.
6    HSS/N 2308: Manage Allergic Reaction    Recognizing reactions, emergency care, epinephrine use.    Not specified    Not specified    Recognize reactions; manage airway; administer epinephrine.    Epinephrine auto-injector.
7    HSS/N 2309: Manage Poisoning or Overdose    Identifying poisoning, care for ingestion/inhalation, antidote use.    Not specified    Not specified    Identify types; provide care; use antidotes; monitor vitals.    Activated charcoal, antidotes.
8    HSS/N 2310: Manage Environmental Emergency    Heat/cold exposure, drowning, care protocols.    Not specified    Not specified    Identify conditions; provide cooling/heating; manage drowning.    Blankets, ice packs.
9    HSS/N 2311: Manage Behavioral Emergency    Mental health crises, restraint techniques, de-escalation.    Not specified    Not specified    Recognize behaviors; de-escalate; use restraints safely.    Restraints, sedatives (if authorized).
10    HSS/N 2312: Manage Obstetrics/Gynecology Emergencies    Pregnancy complications, delivery, neonatal care.    Not specified    Not specified    Assess complications; assist delivery; resuscitate newborn.    Delivery kit, neonatal resuscitator.
11    HSS/N 2313: Manage Bleeding and Shock    Hemorrhage control, shock types, fluid management.    Not specified    Not specified    Control bleeding; recognize shock; position patient.    Tourniquets, bandages, IV fluids.
12    HSS/N 2314: Manage Soft Tissue Injuries and Burns    Wound care, burn assessment, dressings.    Not specified    Not specified    Assess injuries; apply dressings; manage burns.    Dressings, burn gels.
13    HSS/N 2315: Manage Musculoskeletal Injuries    Fractures, splinting, immobilization.    Not specified    Not specified    Immobilize; apply splints; reduce pain.    Splints, slings.
14    HSS/N 2316: Manage Injuries to Head and Spine    Head trauma, spinal immobilization.    Not specified    Not specified    Assess; immobilize spine; monitor neuro status.    Cervical collar, backboard.
15    HSS/N 2317: Manage Infants, Neonates, and Children Emergencies    Pediatric assessment, common illnesses, resuscitation.    Not specified    Not specified    Adapt assessments; manage airways; resuscitate.    Pediatric equipment, Broselow tape.
16    HSS/N 2318: Manage Respiratory Emergency    Airway management, oxygen therapy, asthma/COPD care.    Not specified    Not specified    Clear airways; administer oxygen; use inhalers.    Oxygen tanks, nebulizers.
17    HSS/N 2319: Manage Diabetes Emergency    Hypo/hyperglycemia recognition, glucose administration.    Not specified    Not specified    Test glucose; administer oral glucose; monitor.    Glucometer, oral glucose.
18    HSS/N 2320: Manage Mass Casualty Incident    Triage in disasters, resource allocation.    Not specified    Not specified    Triage patients; coordinate response; decon if needed.    Triage tags, PPE.
19    HSS/N 2321: Size-up the Scene at the Site    Scene safety, hazard identification, resource needs.    Not specified    Not specified    Ensure safety; identify mechanisms; call resources.    PPE, radios.
20    HSS/N 2322: Patient Transport    Safe loading/unloading, monitoring en route.    Not specified    Not specified    Secure patient; monitor vitals; document.    Stretcher, ambulance equipment.
21    HSS/N 9601: Collate and Communicate Health Information    Documentation, communication with healthcare teams.    Not specified    Not specified    Document accurately; communicate clearly.    Forms, radios.
22    HSS/N 9602: Act Within the Limits of One's Competence and Authority    Role boundaries, seeking supervision.    Not specified    Not specified    Recognize limits; refer when needed.    Not specified.
23    HSS/N 9603: Work Effectively with Others    Teamwork, conflict resolution.    Not specified    Not specified    Collaborate; resolve issues.    Not specified.
24    HSS/N 9604: Manage Work to Meet Requirements    Time management, prioritization.    Not specified    Not specified    Prioritize tasks; meet deadlines.    Not specified.
25    HSS/N 9605: Maintain a Safe, Healthy, and Secure Working Environment    Infection control, hazard reporting.    Not specified    Not specified    Follow protocols; report risks.    PPE, disinfectants.
26    HSS/N 9606: Practice Code of Conduct While Performing Duties    Ethics, confidentiality, professionalism.    Not specified    Not specified    Adhere to codes; maintain confidentiality.    Not specified.
27    HSS/N 9607: Follow Biomedical Waste Disposal Protocols    Waste segregation, disposal.    Not specified    Not specified    Segregate waste; follow guidelines.    Waste bins, sharps containers.
28    HSS/N 9608: Follow Infection Control Policies and Procedures    Hand hygiene, sterilization.    Not specified    Not specified    Practice hygiene; sterilize equipment.    Sanitizers, autoclaves.
29    HSS/N 9609: Monitor and Assure Quality    Quality checks, audits.    Not specified    Not specified    Perform checks; improve processes.    Checklists.
30    HSS/N 9610: Manage Personal Hygiene and Infection Control    Personal care, PPE use.    Not specified    Not specified    Maintain hygiene; use PPE.    PPE kits.
31    Introduction to Emergency Medical Care    EMS systems, roles, safety.    2    1    Define EMS; discuss safety.    PPE, mannequin.
32    The Well-Being of the EMT-B    Stress management, BSI.    2    3    Recognize stress; use BSI.    PPE, emergency kit.
33    Medical & Ethical Issues    Scope of practice, consent, ethics.    2    3    Define scope; obtain consent.    Internet for learning.

For B.Sc EMT syllabus (4 years), it includes foundational sciences in Year 1 (Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology, Microbiology), emergency services in Year 2 (Introduction to EMS, Equipment, Pharmacology), advanced topics in Year 3 (Trauma, Medical Emergencies, Disaster Management), and internship in Year 4 with clinical postings.

Assessment Details
Theory exams, practicals, viva, and internal assessments.
Passing: 50% aggregate.
Certification: NSDC/HSSC or state councils; eligible for National Registry if applicable.
Trainer Qualifications
MBBS/BAMS/BHMS with experience in emergency care, or nursing/paramedical with teaching experience.
Questions and Answers

Sample Q&A based on syllabus:

Q: What is the primary role of an EMT in a cardiovascular emergency? A: Assess ABC, use AED if needed, administer aspirin/nitro-glycerine, and transport promptly.
Q: How do you triage in a mass casualty? A: Use START/SALT methods to prioritize based on severity (immediate, delayed, minimal, deceased).
Q: Define scene size-up. A: Evaluate safety, mechanism of injury, number of patients, and resource needs before approaching.