The program is very intensive as paramedics and EMTs must be trained in many different fields. The program generally takes three semesters after the student has completed their general requirements. Classes are held five days a week, often beginning at 9 a.m. and lasting until 5 p.m. Tests are given at least once a week. Such an intensive program does have advantages, there is 100 percent placement with many students landing jobs before they even graduate. They do their care in the field.
Paramedics identify problems and get patients to the hospital for more advanced care.
Quick stressed the importance of paramedic care and to responding to calls in a timely manner. For example, if we can get a cardiac patient to the hospital very rapidly the chances of having permanent damage to the heart are greatly reduced. One of Quick's beliefs is that to be a good educator in the health care field instructors should keep their clinical skills up by volunteering in local hospitals. Though the instructors in the Emergency Care and Rescue program spend extremely long hours in the classrooms, Quick and all her staff put in hours in local hospitals, often working weekends and nights. Though Quick's husband retired seven years ago she decided she wasn't yet ready to walk away from the program.