How EMTs Handle Chest Pain
Chest pain is a common chief complaint and can have many causes. It can be associated with life-threatening conditions such has heart attacks, pulmonary embolisms and others. EMTs are trained to respond to these emergencies and others. Here's a look at the process EMTs follow when handling a patient experiencing chest pain:
Immediate Assessment
Once determining the scene is safe and calling for additional resources such as Paramedics, EMTs conduct an assessment of the patient's condition. This includes:
Primary Survey: Checking the patient's airway, breathing, and circulation.
Performing a Secondary Assessment: This includes vital signs, history taking, and doing an in depth evaluation of the pain.
Vital Signs checked: Measuring blood pressure, level of consciousness, heart rate, respiratory rate, skin signs, and oxygen saturation and others.
Patient History: Asking about the onset, duration, intensity, and nature of the pain, as well as any other symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, or sweating.
Monitoring and Support
In many EMS systems, EMTs initiate care and call for Paramedics to respond once it is determined Advance Life Support care is warranted. EMTs may begin the assessment and treatment and then work with the Paramedics once they arrive on scene.
Once the assessment is complete, EMTs, working with Paramedics, begin continuous monitoring and provide support as needed:
Oxygen Therapy: If the patient has low oxygen levels, supplemental oxygen is administered to improve oxygenation and reduce the strain on the heart.
Medication Administration: Depending on protocols and the specific situation, EMTs may administer medications such as aspirin (to reduce blood clotting), nitroglycerin (to relieve chest pain), or other drugs as directed by medical control.
ECG: EMTs are not trained to interpret electrocardiograms but Paramedics are. EMTs often work with the Paramedics and assist Paramedics in the administration of advanced life support care.
Transportation to the Hospital
Once assessment and initial treatment has been completed, EMTs transport the patient to the hospital, often with a Paramedic in the ambulance with them.
Safe Transport: The patient is transported to the nearest appropriate medical facility, with continuous monitoring en route.
Communication with the Hospital: EMTs provide the receiving hospital with detailed information about the patient's condition, treatment administered, and any changes observed during transport.
Reassurance and Support
Throughout the entire process, EMTs provide support and reassurance to the patient and their family. They explain the procedures being performed and keep the patient informed about what to expect next.
EMTs play a crucial role in the early recognition and treatment of chest pain, ensuring that patients receive timely and appropriate care.
FAQs
How do I prepare for EMT school?
The best way to prepare for EMT school is to get familiar with medical terminology, basic anatomy, and how to study effectively before class starts. Students who spend even a few weeks reviewing these areas ahead of time report feeling less overwhelmed during the first unit, since EMT programs move fast and build on material quickly. A structured pre-course, like our EMT Prep Course, is built specifically to cover this ground before training starts.
What should I study before EMT class starts?
Focus on three areas before your first day: basic anatomy and body systems, common medical terminology, and how to read and interpret vital signs. You don't need to master these topics, just get comfortable enough that they're not brand new when your instructor introduces them. Reviewing a body systems overview and a medical terminology glossary is enough to start.
What is EMT school actually like?
EMT school is fast-paced, hands-on, and heavier on memorization than most students expect. Classes combine lecture time with skills practice, like patient assessment, splinting, and airway management, and most programs test both written knowledge and practical skills before certification. Depending on the course format, you'll spend anywhere from a few weeks to a full semester in class, with regular quizzes along the way.
How long does EMT school take?
EMT school length depends on the course format. An accelerated course can be completed in a matter of weeks with full-day sessions several times a week, while a standard or hybrid course spread across evenings or weekends can take a full semester. Our Accelerated EMT Course runs Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8am to 3pm for students who want to finish quickly and get into the field.
Is EMT school hard for beginners with no medical background?
EMT school is manageable for beginners, but it does require consistent study habits since the material moves quickly. Students with no prior medical background succeed regularly, the key is staying ahead of the material rather than trying to catch up after falling behind. Building a study routine before class starts makes a bigger difference than any prior medical knowledge.
What topics are covered in EMT school?
EMT programs generally cover patient assessment, airway management, trauma care, medical emergencies, pharmacology basics, CPR and AED use, splinting and bandaging, and ambulance operations. Most courses also include ride-along or clinical hours to apply these skills in real settings. Our EMT Prep Course breaks down 18 of these subject areas in advance, with a video and downloadable materials for each.
Do I need to study medical terminology before EMT school?
You don't need to be fluent in medical terminology, but a working knowledge of common terms helps you keep pace with lectures instead of spending class time looking words up. Terms related to anatomy, injuries, and vital signs come up constantly from day one.
Is EMT school physically demanding?
Yes, EMT training includes physical skills practice like lifting, carrying, kneeling, and performing CPR, so a reasonable level of physical fitness helps. You don't need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable with hands-on, physically active learning.
What should I bring on the first day of EMT school?
Most programs expect students to bring a stethoscope, a watch with a second hand, a notebook, and comfortable clothing suited for hands-on skills practice. Your specific program will typically send a supply list before your start date, so confirm with your school directly.
Do I need CPR certification before EMT school?
Some programs require current CPR certification before day one, while others include it as part of the course. Check your specific program's requirements ahead of time so it doesn't hold up your enrollment.
Can I work while attending EMT school?
Many students work while attending EMT school, especially with evening, weekend, or hybrid course formats. Accelerated full-day courses are harder to combine with a regular work schedule, so course format matters if you need to keep working during training.
What tips help students succeed in EMT school?
The students who do best in EMT school study a little every day instead of cramming, practice skills outside of class time, and treat the pre-course material seriously instead of skipping it. Consistency matters more than intensity. Getting comfortable with how you study, not just what you study, makes the biggest difference once the course workload picks up.
What should I expect in my first week of EMT school?
Expect a mix of orientation, foundational lectures, and your first look at hands-on skills like taking vital signs. The first week is usually less intense than the weeks that follow, so it's a good time to lock in a study rhythm before the pace increases.
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