How to Be Pre-Hospital Care Technicians (PHCT) - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Feb 15, 2021 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Pre-Hospital Care Technicians (PHCTs) play an important role in providing life-saving medical care in emergency situations. They are the first medical personnel to arrive at the scene of an accident or medical emergency before an ambulance arrives. Their timely response to medical emergencies can mean the difference between life and death.

They are trained to assess a patient's condition, stabilize them and provide necessary treatments while en route to the hospital. PHCTs are also responsible for communication with emergency services, family members and other medical personnel to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient. The skills of PHCTs are essential to create a network of efficient pre-hospital care that is vital in saving lives.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. To become a Pre-Hospital Care Technician (PHCT), you must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Complete a PHCT program. You must complete an accredited PHCT program to become certified as a PHCT. Most programs require at least 400 hours of study, including both classroom and clinical instruction.
Pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) Exam. Once you have completed your PHCT program, you must pass the NREMT exam to receive your certification. The exam consists of both written and practical components.
Obtain a state license. After passing the NREMT exam, you will need to obtain a state license to work as a PHCT in your state. Each state has its own licensing requirements, so be sure to check with your states licensing board for more information.
Complete continuing education requirements. In order to maintain your certification and state license, you will need to complete continuing education requirements every year. This may include classroom instruction and/or hands-on training.

Pre-hospital care technicians (PHCT) are essential for providing quality medical assistance in emergency medical situations. The quality of care that PHCTs provide has a direct impact on patient outcomes and satisfaction. To ensure that PHCTs are reliable and qualified, proper training, certification, and continuing education is required.

Training includes knowledge and practical skills to handle medical emergencies in the pre-hospital setting. Certification is obtained through passing a standardized examination, such as the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT). Continuing education helps PHCTs maintain their knowledge and skills in order to stay up to date with the latest advances in pre-hospital care.

By ensuring that PHCTs have the necessary training, certification, and continuing education, patients can rest assured that they are receiving the best possible care in an emergency.

You may want to check Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Paramedic, Military Combat Medic, and Search and Rescue Paramedic for alternative.

Job Description

Assess, evaluate and manage medical emergencies in pre-hospital settings.
Monitor and record vital signs, administer medications, monitor treatments and document all care provided.
Use medical equipment and supplies such as automated external defibrillators (AEDs), oxygen administration devices, and medical kits.
Provide basic life support care including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid.
Assist with patient transfers, immobilization and stabilization of patients.
Communicate with physicians, nurses and other medical personnel to provide updates on patient condition.
Provide education to patients and families on injury prevention and health care topics.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records.
Monitor patient progress and document care in compliance with local, state and federal regulations.
Respond to emergency calls in an efficient and timely manner.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of basic life support, first aid, and emergency medical care
Ability to assess, diagnose, and treat patients in pre-hospital settings
Ability to recognize and respond to emergent and urgent medical situations
Ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team
Knowledge of basic human anatomy and physiology
Knowledge of medical terminology
Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare professionals
Ability to operate and maintain medical equipment
Ability to collect and interpret patient information accurately
Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws governing medical care
Ability to document medical care accurately and completely
Knowledge of medical ethics and professional boundaries

Pre-Hospital Care Technicians (PHCT) must possess a wide range of skills and knowledge in order to effectively carry out their duties. One of the most important skills that a PHCT must have is the ability to quickly assess a patient's condition and determine the best course of action. This requires an understanding of medical protocols, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and other medical topics.

PHCTs must have excellent communication skills so they can accurately convey information to the patient and other medical personnel. They must also be able to remain calm and professional in high-pressure situations and have the ability to think and act quickly in an emergency. Having these skills and knowledge is essential for providing quality pre-hospital care and for ultimately saving lives.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Manager, Tactical Emergency Medical Support (TEMS) Physician, and Disaster Medical Response Technician (DMRT) are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in pre-hospital care?
What inspired you to pursue a career in pre-hospital care?
How do you handle stressful situations in the pre-hospital setting?
Describe how you would assess a patient's condition upon arrival at the scene of an emergency.
What steps do you take to ensure the safety of patients, yourself and other emergency personnel?
How do you stay up to date with the latest pre-hospital care techniques and protocols?
What challenges have you faced while working in pre-hospital care and how did you overcome them?
How would you handle a difficult patient or family member at the scene of an emergency?
What techniques do you use to communicate effectively with emergency personnel and patients?
How do you prioritize tasks and manage time effectively in the pre-hospital setting?

Common Tools in Industry

Oxygen Delivery Device. Used to deliver oxygen to a patient (eg: Oxygen mask).
Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Used to restore a normal heart rhythm to a patient experiencing a cardiac arrest (eg: Philips Heartstart AED).
Pulse Oximeter. Used to measure the oxygen saturation of a patient's blood (eg: Nonin Pulse Oximeter).
Blood Pressure Cuff. Used to measure a patient's blood pressure (eg: Welch Allyn Blood Pressure Cuff).
Splinting Materials. Used to immobilize a patient's fractured or injured limb (eg: SAM Splint).
Suction Devices. Used to remove secretions from a patient's airway (eg: DeLee Suction Catheter).
Stethoscope. Used to listen to a patient's heart and lungs (eg: Littmann Cardiology III Stethoscope).
Trauma Shears. Used to quickly cut away clothing or other material from a patient (eg: ResQShear Trauma Shears).
Glucometer. Used to measure a patient's blood sugar level (eg: FreeStyle Lite Glucometer).
Bandaging Materials. Used to hold dressings in place and prevent infection (eg: Coban Self-Adherent Wrap).

Professional Organizations to Know

National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT)
American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP)
National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT)
National Association of EMS Educators (NAEMSE)
National Association of State EMS Officials (NASEMSO)
National Association of Fire Chiefs (NAFC)
National Association for Medical Direction of Resuscitation (NAMDOR)
International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)
International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF)
Emergency Nurses Association (ENA)

We also have Critical Care Paramedic, Air Ambulance Paramedic, and Mobile Intensive Care Unit (MICU) Nurse jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). A medical professional who is trained to respond to medical emergencies, especially in a pre-hospital setting.
Advanced EMT (AEMT). A medical professional who has completed additional training and is authorized to perform more advanced medical procedures than an EMT.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS). A system of healthcare delivery that provides emergency medical care to patients in a pre-hospital setting.
Pre-Hospital Care. The care given to patients before they are taken to a hospital or other healthcare facility.
Trauma. A type of physical injury caused by an external force, such as a car accident or a fall.
Airway Management. Techniques used to maintain or restore a patient's airway, such as intubation or breathing support.
Cardiac Arrest. A medical emergency in which the heart suddenly stops beating and the patient loses consciousness.
Shock. A state of diminished organ perfusion resulting from a decrease in cardiac output, leading to decreased oxygen delivery to the organs.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). An emergency procedure used to restore circulation and breathing in a person who has suffered cardiac arrest.
First Aid. Emergency care given to a person who has been injured or is ill until professional medical help can be obtained.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do Pre-Hospital Care Technicians (PHCT) need?

Pre-Hospital Care Technicians (PHCT) must have a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent, be at least 18 years of age, and have training in basic life support and first aid.

What is the role of a Pre-Hospital Care Technician (PHCT)?

The role of a Pre-Hospital Care Technician (PHCT) is to provide pre-hospital medical care and transport to patients before they reach a hospital or medical facility. They also provide assistance to medical personnel in emergency situations.

What are the duties of a Pre-Hospital Care Technician (PHCT)?

The duties of a Pre-Hospital Care Technician (PHCT) include assessing patient condition, providing first aid, administering medication and oxygen, performing basic diagnostic tests, transporting patients to medical facilities, and providing patient education.

What type of training is required for Pre-Hospital Care Technicians (PHCT)?

Pre-Hospital Care Technicians (PHCT) must complete an accredited training program and obtain certification in Basic Life Support and First Aid. They may also be required to complete additional training in areas such as trauma, cardiac emergencies, and pediatric care.

How long does it take to become a certified Pre-Hospital Care Technician (PHCT)?

The length of time required to become a certified Pre-Hospital Care Technician (PHCT) varies depending on the training program, but typically it takes between 6 months and 2 years to complete.

Web Resources

What is a Patient Care Technician | Patient Care Technician Job fvi.edu
Patient Care Technician - CCCTC ccctc.edu
Patient Care Technician Training in New Jersey | AIMS Education aimseducation.edu