The make-believe world of Hollywood has turned the world of emergency medical care into one of glitz and glamour. Working under tremendous pressure to save a life is what super heroes do on the big screen.

Reality of course is different. Emergency medical workers are heroes but the reward is far from glamorous. It is the satisfaction of helping somebody when it matters most.

A career in emergency medical care is hard, challenging and tiring work, sometimes for long hours at a time. When lives are at stake you need knowledgeable people with clear and quick-thinking minds who are totally dedicated to their task.

The aim of the National Registry Test (NREMT) is to make sure that responders to emergency situations will be able to give the best care possible when a life hangs in the balance and time is of the essence.

It stands to reason that the test is not an easy one. It consists of several different aspects that have to be mastered. The only way to do that is to study regularly and with an attitude that failure is not an option. Testing is done on computer and the questions come from the item bank of the National Registry. The questions are normally phrased in such a way that you have to read them very carefully.

The test includes six major categories: Airway and Breathing, Cardiology and Resuscitation, Medical, Trauma, Obstetrics/Gynecology; and EMS Operations. Each of the sections has its own terminology and learning it is a daunting task. It is of the utmost importance to be able to recognize symptoms and know to respond to them.

Practice makes perfect they say. Your best chance of success is not only to study but also to practice before taking the actual test. You need guidance from someone who has worked in the field for many years and contributed to the tests and study guide of the National Registry. Firefighter and paramedic Forrest Munden has set up two websites providing the necessary tools for people interesting in taking the test.

Visit id44.com and MundenInteractive.com to find the necessary study material and take some practice tests on the Munden Interactive NREMT simulator.

This simulator determines how well you understand the material. It will make you aware of your strengths and weaknesses giving you the opportunity to concentrate on problem areas before you take the test. Another plus is that It is mimics the registry’s grading practices

To be the best you have to learn from the best in the best way possible. Sometime, somewhere in the future lives will depend on you. Make sure that you can rise to the challenge.