How to become An Emergency Medical Technician

• Emergency Medical Technician-Basic
• EMT
• EMT-B

What do Emergency Medical Technicians do?

An Emergency Medical Technician would typically need to:

• Respond to emergency calls; give Emergency Medical assistance in a prehospital setting and en route to the most appropriate medical facility while transporting patients safely in an ambulance
• Collaborate with other Emergency Medical Personnel to arrange for the reception of patients at the medical facility; stabilize them on arrival
• Examine and evaluate patients to determine necessary care and provide first-aid treatment or life support care to sick or injured patients
• Manage respiratory, cardiac, and trauma injuries, give cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), control bleeding, and administer oxygen
• Deliver babies, subdue people displaying violent behavior, treat allergic reactions, apply splints and antishock suits, and treat wounds
• Communicate with the appropriate medical team for advice and guidance if the assessment shows it to be essential
• Radio the dispatcher for additional help or special rescue and utility services, if necessary
• Report directly to the emergency department or communications center of the medical facility all pertinent information regarding the patient/s
• Transfer patients to the emergency department of a hospital or other healthcare facility; document the medical care provided to them
• Guard patient confidentiality and perform all care with respect for patient rights; maintain a professional manner and appearance
• Report their observations and treatment to physicians, nurses, or other healthcare facility staff
• Decontaminate the ambulance’s interior if a patient has a contagious disease and report the case to the proper authorities
• Stock up on the inventory; replace and clean supplies and equipment after use
• Mitigate incidents by helping to control crowds, protecting valuables, and performing other relevant duties
• Attend crew meetings and training events; assist other Emergency Medical Personnel with administering Advanced Life Support
• Maintain and operate emergency vehicles, emergency stations, and communication & medical equipment
• Comply with applicable policies and procedures, SOPs (Standard Operating Procedure), and medical protocols

The operator from the emergency number provided to residents in a particular location, region, or country sends EMTs to the scene of an emergency, where they often work with police and firefighters. Emergency Medical Technicians work both indoors and outdoors, in all types of weather. Some Emergency Medical Technicians work as part of a helicopter’s flight crew to transport critically ill or injured patients to a hospital.

Emergency Medical Technicians use special equipment, including restraints and backboards, to keep patients safe and secure while they are transported to the hospital. They must arrive quickly at the scene of a crisis, diagnose the problem, and decide how it should be treated. Some EMTs in major cities ride bicycles to avoid delays caused by traffic.

The dress code would vary depending on the kind of job and the type of medical facility you work. Patients prefer their health care providers to wear white coats rather than scrubs or dress clothes. A uniform that is taken care of and fits right, closed-toe shoes, short or secured hair, subtle and mild scents go a long way in establishing patient confidence in you.

Most paid Emergency Medical Technicians to work full time. Some work more than forty hours per week. Some EMTs work on rotating shifts, working a 24-hour shift followed by two days off. Others work a single shift each day, totaling anywhere from 40 to more than 55 hours per week. Night and weekend work is often required, and many EMTs are on call for emergencies.

Volunteer EMTs have variable work schedules. For example, they may work only a few days per week.

Individuals should check with their local police or fire department for jobs or apply directly to the local first aid squad, hospitals, and private ambulance services.

Emergency Medical Technicians are generally employed by:

• Fire & Police Departments
• Hospitals
• Private & Public Ambulance Services

Professional associations and organizations are a crucial resource for Emergency Medical Technicians interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more looks excellent on your resume to bolster your credentials and qualifications as an Emergency Medical Technician.

• Demanding and unpredictable work situations
• One of the highest rates of illnesses due to possible exposure to contagious diseases and viruses, such as hepatitis B and HIV, and also one of the highest rates of injuries likely to be caused by combative patients
• Physically strenuous workday requiring considerable kneeling, bending, and lifting while caring for and moving patients
• Emotionally taxing due to the need to deal with possible life-or-death situations

Interested individuals can find out if they are suited to the job by volunteering. To volunteer, candidates must take the training courses and pass the tests. However, at least one year of experience in an emergency care setting and a satisfactory driving record will help you land an excellent job as an Emergency Medical Technician.

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) typically complete a postsecondary educational program. Most of these programs are non-degree award programs that require less than a year to complete; others last up to two years.

Programs in Emergency Medical Technology are offered by technical institutes, community colleges, universities, and facilities that specialize in emergency care training. Fire departments and colleges offer most of the EMT courses available. Formal courses include about 150 hours of specialized instruction, and some instruction may take place in a hospital or ambulance setting.

At the EMT level, programs include instruction in assessing patients’ conditions, dealing with trauma and cardiac emergencies, clearing obstructed airways, using field equipment, and handling emergencies.

In addition to being at least 18 years old and being CPR-certified, Emergency Medical Technicians must have a valid EMT and a CEVO (Certified Emergency Vehicle Operator) ambulance certification. EMTs are certified after completing an EMT course, a knowledge exam and a skills exam. Some locations have EMT positions that do not require national certification. These positions typically require state certification.

All locations require EMTs to be licensed; requirements may vary. In most locations, an accredited EMT certification qualifies for licensure; in others, passing an equivalent state exam is required. Most professional certifying bodies require background checks and may not give a license to an applicant with a criminal history.

Although some Emergency Medical services hire separate drivers, most EMTs take a course requiring about eight hours of instruction before driving an ambulance. Most employers prefer a valid driving license.

Emergency Medical Technicians may advance into other related healthcare occupations, such as Physician’s Assistants and Medical Assistants, and administrative positions in various healthcare settings, such as ambulatory care companies or hospitals.

Competent EMTs can advance fairly quickly to the paramedic level if they are willing to meet training requirements mandated by their states.

Job opportunities should be excellent because the growing population will require more emergency services generally. There will also be a need to replace workers who leave the occupation due to the job’s high-stress nature or to seek job opportunities in other healthcare occupations.

Stay familiar with specialized equipment used by the service and attend continuing education and refresher training programs as required by employers, medical control, licensing, or certifying agencies.

Programs at the Advanced Emergency Medical Technician level typically require about 400 hours of instruction. At this level, candidates learn EMT-level skills and more advanced ones, such as using complex airway devices, intravenous fluids, and some medications.

Providing Immediate Aid

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) offer immediate aid to victims of accidents or critical illnesses. Usually, an EMT's first contact with a victim is at the scene of the crisis. EMTs work on-call and are dispatched to an emergency site when needed. In many cases, they must instantly treat the victim if their lives are to be saved.

The specific responsibilities of EMTs depend on their level of certification and the location they work. When transporting a patient in an ambulance, one EMT may drive the ambulance while another monitors the patient’s vital signs and gives additional care.

Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs)

Emergency Medical Responders, or EMRs, are trained to provide primary medical care with minimal equipment. These workers may provide immediate lifesaving interventions while waiting for other Emergency Medical Services (EMS) resources to arrive.

Advanced & Volunteer EMTs

An Advanced EMT has completed the requirements for the EMT level and instruction in more advanced medical procedures, such as administering intravenous fluids and some medications. Volunteer EMTs share many of the same duties as paid EMTs. They volunteer for fire departments, providers of emergency medical services, or hospitals. They may respond to only a few calls per month.

Risk Reduction

Possible risks of injuries and exposure to contagious diseases can be reduced by following proper safety procedures, such as waiting for police to clear an area in violent situations or wearing gloves while working with a patient.

Emergency Medical Services is responsible for the care and rapid treatment of about 25 to 30 million patients annually, with professionals roles including medical occupations, ambulance drivers, and helicopter pilots.

Next to creating life, the most beautiful thing a human being can do is to save one. In an emergency, the quick reaction and competent care of EMTs at the scene can mean the difference between life and death to the injured.

The caring for patients in the EMS environment is like riding a motorcycle: the moment you get comfortable and think you've seen everything, you become dangerous.