An EMT, or Emergency Medical Technician, responds to emergency situations while working with police, firefighters, or for an ambulance service. EMTs may also work in the emergency room of larger city hospitals. They have the opportunity to help save lives with basic training in CPR, first aid, and knowledge of medical equipment.
The only educational prerequisite to EMT training is a High School diploma or GED. But in most states you will also need a clean driving record and no criminal history.
Education and Training
Becoming an EMT requires specialized training and licensing. Dependent upon which state you are in, the training can take from 30-350 hours for an EMT-1 certification. The hours are divided between classroom work and hands-on practice.
Many Fire Departments offer free EMT training, and some will pay you while you train. The same is true for some large, urban hospitals. Most community colleges conduct EMT certification classes, and if you enroll in a Paramedic program you can sit for the EMT exam after the first few weeks of classes.
Classroom work and hands-on practice for the basic level EMT will focus on:
- Patient assessment
- Basic CPR and life support
- Using and maintaining emergency equipment (backboards, oxygen, stretchers, splints, bandages)
- Managing cardiac, respiratory, and bleeding emergencies
- Emergency childbirth techniques
- Therapeutic communication
For testing and certification most states use the NREMT (National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians), some use a state mandated certification test, and others use both. All tests for certification require written test scores and hands-on practicum to demonstrate knowledge.
Students who achieve the more advanced Intermediate Level EMT certification will be skilled in the use of IV devices, advanced airway management, and emergency medications.
Titles and advancement levels also vary by state.
Job Duties
EMT’s respond to emergency calls for help, and communicate with other medical personnel. These calls may involve car accidents, heart attacks, violence related injuries such as gun shots or stabbings, fall related injuries, or the transport of patients to a more specialized hospital setting.
This career move will also involve you in the rescue of flood, earthquake, and tornado victims. This is an exciting career that requires a cool head and a strong body. You must be able to lift, bend, crawl, swim, and kneel, sometimes for extended periods.
Every responder’s first duty is to make sure the area that you must access to give aid is secure and safe before entering.
An ambulance is usually staffed with two to three responders, with at least one having the advanced Paramedic license. One responder drives, while another stays with the patient, monitors their condition, and reports to the emergency room physician.
Maintaining Licensure
All EMTs must renew their license every two to three years (depending on the state that is issuing the license). Continuing Education Credits are required, usually at about 24 credits per year. Proof of educational credits must be submitted when your renewal is requested.
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