Career: EMT (emergency medical technicians)

Job Description:  EMT's  job is to rush to the scene of an emergency, provide immediate medical care, and get the patient to the hospital.  When EMTs arrive at the scene, their first job is to figure out what kind of injury the patient has and how serious it is. At the same time, they must try to determine if the patient has any pre-existing medical conditions, such as epilepsy or diabetes, or is taking any medication that may cause complications. Working quickly, they give the patient whatever care and treatment they can, until they reach the hospital. This could mean anything from assisting the patient’s breathing to bandaging wounds. In some cases, they confer with doctors over the radio. Once they get to the hospital, paramedics brief emergency staff on the patient’s situation and medical history, and help with pre-admittance treatment.

Education/ Training Needed:  Formal training is necessary to become an EMT or paramedic. Programs are offered by police, fire, and health departments, hospitals, and 2-year colleges. Although requirements vary, applicants must generally be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or the equivalent, a driver’s license, and CPR certification. EMT-Basic training provides the first level of skills required to work in the emergency medical system. EMT-Basic requires the student to complete a program that includes between 100 and 150 hours of classroom work, depending on the state. A period of on-the-job training in an ambulance or hospital emergency room must also be completed. After completing an EMT basic training program, graduates must pass a written and practical exam administered by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) or their state certifying body. EMT-Intermediate training requirements vary from state to state. Training commonly includes 35 to 55 hours of additional classroom instruction, beyond EMT-Basic coursework, and covers patient assessment, as well as the use of advanced airway devices and administering intravenous fluids.

Wages: EMTs are normally paid on an hourly basis, anywhere from about $10 to $26 an hour. The median annual earnings for all EMTs are about $31,000, with most earning between $20,000 and $53,000 a year. 



Source: https://www2.careercruising.com/careers/profile-at-a-glance/318