The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is the regulatory body that oversees paramedic certifications in the state. Colorado recognizes three levels of paramedics, including EMT Basic, EMT Intermediate and EMT Paramedic. Colorado requires that all paramedics be certified through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, as well as pass a thorough application, fingerprinting, and background investigation prior to certification. There are over 15,000 certified emergency medical technicians in Colorado, and the number of applicants grows every year.
An emergency medical technician is the first line responder in the event of injury. EMTs provide designated medical services to patients at the scene, during transport, and subsequently at the hospital if necessary. These services can include blood draws, CPR and intubation when necessary. Any person over the age of 18 can apply to become certified through the state of Colorado, and classes are conducted around the state. Both men and women are eligible for training as paramedics, although more women complete the certification process.
Colorado has an extremely active population, with residents involved in frequent accidents and dangerous incidences, making paramedics a valuable part of the medical community. Activities such as hiking, camping and fishing are Colorado favorites, and are inherently hazardous. Colorado is one of the fastest growing states in the nation, and this population explosion has placed an increased on hospitals and hospital staff, including paramedics. One should keep in mind this high demand when considering a career as a paramedic. High demand for services makes for long hours, often in extremely inclement weather, so if you are unprepared to work long shifts in the elements, paramedic training may not be for you.
Paramedic duties include drawing blood, checking vital signs and taking blood pressure. Paramedics are also taught more complex, in-depth skills that are involved in life saving and life support in order to keep patients alive until they can be transported to a fully staffed hospital. Proper paramedic training gives EMTs the skills and knowledge necessary to save lives on a daily basis.
Paramedic work can involve a fair amount of danger. Working in tight, cramped conditions, assisting the needy in any variety of weather conditions, and coming in contact with possibly contaminated bodily fluids frequently puts paramedics in harm's way. Shifts on the job can often exceed 12 hours at a time, and extreme fatigue is common for paramedics. As difficult as these challenges might seem, the benefit of helping citizens and saving lives well outweighs the struggles.