10 Things to Tell a New EMT or EMT Student

1. Know the difference between respiratory distress and respiratory failure.

2. Be nice.

3. Oxygen isn't the wonder drug anymore.

4. You won't know everything in the beginning--and that is ok.

5. In medical patients you will find out most of what you need to know from the history.

6. Sometimes the most important decision you will make is how quickly your patient needs to be at the hospital.

7. The primary assessment always comes before the secondary assessment.

8. Two sets of vital signs tell you a lot more than one set.

9. Of all the EMS skills, thinking is by far the most important.

10. No medical or traumatic condition presents exactly like the book. Patients don't read the book.

Any questions? Additions?