[slamdunkpro]

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Here are some real questions for you OP:

(1) What skills do you think everyday people should know in order to save lives? I've always thought it would be a good idea to take some kind of emergency health training. Obviously CPR is one of these - what else? Other things to look for (taking vital signs, for example)

(2) What separates an EMT from a Paramedic from a full out doctor?

(3) Do you have a lot of back pain from lifting fat people on stretchers?

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Again, I'll take a stab at this.

1. CPR - take the class, Take a basic first aid class to learn how to control major bleeding. It only takes a weekend.

2. EMS classifications vary by state, but when I went through my training in Virginia:

EMT-A - Basic life support technician - Trained in first aid, CPR, and EOA (Esophageal obturator airway) usage. (some States have EOA as a separate certification) Takes about 30 hours of training.

CCT - Cardiac Care Technician All of the above plus advance cardiac diagnostic and treatment skills including EKG diagnostics, defibrillation, and starting and maintaining IV lines. Takes about 6 months of full time classroom/field work.

EMT-P (Paramedic) All the above plus intubation. 8 months including hospital rotations

#3 Not so I'd notice