question

[MicrobeHunter]

This must sound stupid, but I was wondering if you learn phlebotomy in EMT-B.

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[oudoc08]

No. No sharp objects in EMT-B, w/ the exception of perhaps assisting someone w/ an EpiPen.

 

[beanbean]

You learn phlebotomy skills as an EMT-I in terms of starting IVs and drawing bloods. EMT-I is an additional class after you become an EMT-B. It is not recognized in some areas and the class hours vary from state to state.

 

[hakksar]

It depends on your state. Some states require EMT-I to do phlebotomy. In Colorado, EMT-B's can perform phlebotomy and give IV's with an extra 20 hour class (2, 8 hour combined classroom/practice days and clinical time to get 20 IV sticks), in some other states (I believe Utah is one but I am not sure) EMT-B's learn IV's and Phlebotomy as part of their initial training. It depends on where you are at.

In addition, Colorado has an EMT-I certification that allows EMT-I's to do all the IV stuff, intubate with a combi-tube, administer approximately 20 medications, pace and defribrillate without an AED.

 

[southerndoc]

hakksar has it right. Things vary from state to state unless they follow the DOT national EMT curriculum. Georgia was one state that allowed "EMT-B's" to start IV's, use EOA/EGTA/Combitubes, use MAST/PASG, use AED's, and even start IO lines. When Georgia adopted the new DOT curriculum, they created an EMT-I category. EMT-B's now are better-trained first responders, whereby EMT-I's now do all the stuff that former state EMT-B's did. Georgia did not, however, adopt EMT-I's administering drugs.

Why am I telling you all this? Because it varies significantly from state to state. Which state are you in, Microbe?

 

[MicrobeHunter]

I'm moving to Virginia. Thanks for the answers. I was asking b/c I've found tons of phlebotomy jobs, but they want at least someone w/ training.