EMT Jobs Info

EMT jobs involve a vast array of duties. An emergency medical technician–EMT–is the person who administers medical care to an ill or injured individual before he or she arrives at a hospital or other health care facility. EMTs typically work with paramedics–EMTs who have undergone medical training of a more extensive nature. A minimum of two EMTs must travel in an ambulance, one of whom is usually a paramedic. In many cases, a team of three or more is called to an accident scene or other emergency. One person drives the vehicle, and the other EMTs monitor the sick or injured individual during transport.

Those employed in EMT jobs will perform various duties, depending on the nature of the patient’s illness or injury. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics states that a large percentage of the emergencies to which EMTs respond include motor vehicle accidents, heart attacks, and gun shot wounds or other crime related injuries. However, the various scenarios where emergency medical care may be required are quite diversified.

Additional Facts About EMT Jobs

EMT jobs also come with the added responsibility of deciding which medical facility is most suitable for the patient. For example, in a situation where someone may have accidentally ingested a poisonous substance, an EMT may decide to transport the patient to a poison control facility if one exists close by. In addition, EMTs frequently work with fire fighters, police officers and other professionals.

Although they are not medical doctors, EMTs and paramedics can administer oxygen to patients who have stopped breathing, or perform cardio-pulmonary resuscitation–CPR–if a patient’s heart has stopped beating. It may also be necessary to use an automatic defibrillator in order to save a patient’s life. EMTs can administer medication at the scene of an emergency, which may be necessary to keep the patient alive until he or she can be treated by a medical doctor. All paramedics and most EMTS are also trained to control bleeding, and set broken bones. Additionally, EMTs are expected to check for medical alert necklaces or bracelets, and also discover if a person is on any type of medication.

Transport

EMTs are responsible for keeping the emergency dispatcher informed of the patient’s condition, and the ambulance’s estimated time of arrival. Often, a paramedic or EMT will request additional help, or the dispatch of a special rescue unit, such as a helicopter to transport a critically ill or injured individual who is running out of time. After the team arrives at the hospital, they must inform the medical staff of the care that was provided at the scene of the emergency and during transport. The entire event from start to finish must be documented in writing by the EMT or paramedic on the scene. After the hospital staff has taken charge of the sick or ill individual, the emergency team must take inventory and replace any used supplies. They must also check the ambulance’s equipment in order to ensure it is ready for the next run. In certain cases, the inside of the ambulance may have to be sterilized.

Training and Education Requirements

Those who are interested in EMT jobs must obtain a certain level of education and training before being allowed to work in such a capacity. If a young person is certain that he or she is interested in pursuing such work, it is wise for the student to take specific courses while still in high school. Such courses include health, chemistry, biology, and of course driver’s education as without a valid license one cannot obtain work driving an ambulance.

It is also wise to pursue volunteer work with a local rescue squad. Not only does this show future prospective employers that one’s interest in EMT jobs is genuine, it will also provide valuable hands-on experience. Additionally, numerous volunteer units provide free training in CPR and first aid.

Enrolling in a standard EMT training program is the next step one must take. Such programs typically include 12 hours of clinical internship, and 120 hours of classroom training. Curriculum varies somewhat, depending on the area of the country where the student lives; however, all 50 states require participation in a training program before one can become certified as an EMT. Training programs are provided by health departments, fire stations, and municipal police departments.

State Examination and Certification

Once the aforementioned training has been completed, one must pass the basic EMT written examination in the state where he or she plans to work. When this exam has been passed, the individual is qualified to become certified by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.

After certification has been obtained, one will discover that EMT jobs are not difficult to find. A person can choose to work as a basic EMT, or pursue additional training and education to advance to the next level in the field, which is that of an intermediate EMT.

A person who wishes to pursue his or her career even further, and subsequently have the option of applying for all types of EMT jobs, may wish to consider becoming a registered EMT paramedic. Training requirements for this position include a challenging program of 700 to 2,000 hours of classroom training and internship, after which the National Registry’s EMT paramedic’s exam must be passed.

EMT Jobs Salary Information

The salaries associated with EMT jobs vary from state to state; however, the average salary for an EMT working in the United States as of 2010 was $37,000 per year. The state currently offering the highest salary for this position is Hawaii, where EMTs make an average of $46,500 annually. Alaska took second place with an average yearly EMT salary of $44,630. Washington and Oregon ranked third and fourth at $41,830 and $40, 090 respectively. Those who participate in advanced training, and those who work in urban areas will typically find the highest number of opportunities. In addition, The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a nine percent increase in EMT job openings by 2016.