What will I do in this job?

People’s lives often depend on the quick reaction and competent care of Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and Paramedics. Incidents as varied as automobile accidents, heart attacks, drowning, childbirth, and gunshot wounds all require immediate medical attention. If you choose to be an EMT or Paramedic, you will provide this vital attention to these victims as they are transferred to a medical facility.

EMTs and Paramedics usually:

• work with police and fire department personnel
• are dispatched to the scene by a 911 operator
• determine the nature and extent of the patient’s condition while trying to determine whether the patient has a previous medical problem
• follow strict procedures
• give appropriate emergency care
• transport the patient to the hospital

EMTs and Paramedics may use special equipment to immobilize patients before placing them on stretchers and securing them in the ambulance for transport to a hospital. Some, who work for hospital trauma centers which use helicopters to transport critically ill or injured patients, are part of the flight crew.

Specific responsibilities depend on your level of qualification and training. There are four levels of Emergency Medical Technician: First Responder, EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate, and EMT-Paramedic.

First Responders:

• trained to provide basic emergency medical care
• Firefighters, police officers, and other emergency workers have this level of training.

EMT-Basics (EMT-B):

• trained to care for patients at accident scenes and on transport by ambulance to the hospital
• learn skills to assess a patient’s condition and manage respiratory, cardiac, and trauma emergencies

EMT-Intermediates (EMT-1):

• have more advanced training that allows administration of intravenous fluids
• use manual defibrillators to give lifesaving shocks to a stopped heart
• use advanced airway techniques and equipment and administration of certain medications

EMT-Paramedics:

• provide the most extensive pre-hospital care
• administer drugs orally and intravenously
• interpret EKGs
• perform endotrachael intubations
• use monitors and other complex equipment

Do I need a special license?

You must have a state certification, re-licensed every 4 years, and meet State EMS requirements for continuing education.

What type of education do I need?

You will need to complete an approved EMT training program, and must pass State approved written and practical examination. The Paramedic Technology program is usually 2 years and results in an Associate’s Degree in applied science.

Will I find a job?

Employment of emergency medical technicians and paramedics is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2012.

How much money will I make?

Median Salary: $24,030 (Ranges from $15,500- $42,000)
(2003-2004)