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Congratulations on choosing the rewarding career of an EMT!

The demand for EMT’s right now is huge so your chance of fulfilling this dream is better than ever!

EMT training, certification and licensure varies from state to state.  Please choose your state below to read the requirements so you can get started right away!

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What Is An EMT?

An EMT or emergency medical technician is a health care professional who works in a pre-hospital environment. An EMT is also known as an ambulance technician, which basically means that they provide emergency care to patients being taken to the hospital for further treatment. They also provide emergency care to victims on the scene of an accident or when they get an emergency call. Basically, an EMT provides emergency medical care, attends to emergency calls, and takes the patient to the hospital for specialized medical care.

An EMT assesses the condition of the patient, gets their medical history, and performs emergency medical procedures such as keeping the patient breathing properly, preventing shock, and splinting bone fractures until they get to the hospital where advanced, specialized medical care is given. An EMT can also carry out other medical procedures as ordered by a physician when transporting the patient to a hospital.

EMT Job Description

Although EMT’s have different roles and responsibilities, they’re usually responsible for arriving at the scene (where an accident, illness or injury has been reported), assisting patient(s) who need medical assistance, and finding the quickest and shortest route to move the patient(s) to hospital.

EMT’s must have the ability to stay calm and work effectively under pressure because the lives of people often depend on their quick reactions during stressful situations.

EMT’s perform procedures such as:

  • Spinal immobilization
  • Management of cardiac arrest/AED
  • Patient assessment as well as management of medical and patient traumas
  • Joint dislocation immobilization
  • Bag-valve-mask ventilation of an apneic patient
  • Immobilization of long bone fracture
  • Tractor splinting
  • Shock management/bleeding control
  • Upper airway suction and adjuncts
  • Mouth-to-mouth ventilation using supplemental oxygen
  • Administration of supplemental oxygen to breathing patients

EMTs are restricted to non-invasive medical processes. To learn more about what a typical day is like for an EMT check out our detailed EMT job description page here.

EMT Training

EMT training typically involves 3 stages-basic, intermediate and paramedic. The first level (basic) prepares one to become an emergency medical technician (EMT) responder whose job is to give medical care to a patient in a critical situation. EMT classes at this stage prepare trainees to manage traumatic incidents, respond to cardiac cases, and provide respiratory care. Students will also be trained how to clear airways, use splints and deliver a child under harsh conditions. EMT’s are taught these and other basic skills before moving on to the other levels.

EMT responders then move to the next stage called intermediate training. During this stage, students are taught how to administer intravenous fluids and medications, among many other skill sets. Students will also learn how to operate different machines and equipment. After getting all the knowledge required at this stage they can move on to the third and final stage to become paramedics.

Paramedics are highly-trained professionals and are often the senior ranking personnel at the scene of an accident. Because they are normally licensed, they are allowed to administer some medications to save people’s lives. They usually have enough experience to deal with different medical situations. Since they are highly trained professionals, they can be able to administer medical treatment in most medical situations.

EMT training is offered in hours, with the total number of training hours varying according to the scope of certain programs or states requirements. Most programs take at least 30 training hours. Some programs may require students to take even 350 hours of coursework. Programs can be completed within 2 weeks or up to 2 years. EMT classes are typically offered at technical schools and community colleges. Trainees who complete training at community colleges can earn an associate’s degree upon graduation. Check out our detailed look at the different EMT types for a better understanding.

Finding An EMT Job

As a certified EMT, one can find work in ambulance services in hospitals, police and fire department, or rescue teams. They can either volunteer to the services or get paid.

In the past there were no EMT’s. Thus, transportation and emergency medical care was carried out by police and fire departments, or morgues with little equipment and training. As technology kept improving and new knowledge came about, EMT’s that were highly trained as well as specialized emerged. They provide patients with emergency medical care in critical situations.

Becoming an EMT can be a rewarding and satisfying career. It can enable you to earn a great salary and enjoy helping people in your community. If you want to join this field, we are here for you! If you’re ready to start looking for a job, heck out our jobs board to find a career in your area! If you’re looking to start your training, then choose your state above and get started on the right foot!

For more information check out Wikipedia.