Emergency Medical Technician & Paramedics
Alt Names: EMT, Ambulance Technician, Certified EMT, EMT-Paramedic, EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate, EMT-1
Career Description
Paramedics and EMTs provide emergency medical help to patients needing immediate attention and assistance. A major difference between an EMT and a Paramedic is the training requirement. Where EMTs usually receive 120-160 hours of training, Paramedics receive anywhere between 1,200-1,800 hours of rigorous training.
Job Responsibilities
Respond to emergency calls
Help transfer patients to designated areas (ambulance, hospital room, etc)
Perform CPR or bandage wounds when necessary
Document patient health and provide information to appropriate personnel
Keep inventory of medical supplies
Organize and sterilize medical equipment
Education & Training
Post-secondary school certificate is required
+100 hours worth of training (hours vary upon EMT level and state of certification)
Paramedic training may take up to 2 years, with +1,300 hours for paramedic certification program – Often, 2 year degrees may be given by accredited program
Important Courses & Info:
Volunteering with rescue teams or fire departments can give future EMTs an up close look at emergency teams. You do not have to do this but it would give great insight into the occupation.
License and/or Certification
Individuals may apply for license at age of 18 and older
License and certification requirements vary upon state but is required in order to work
May be required to earn license to drive ambulance
Must earn CPR certification
Background check prior to license may be required
Salary
2010 Median Salary: $30,360 per year [Source:BLS.Gov]
Valuable Skills & Qualities
This occupation is good for people who are:
- Empathetic
Good communicators
Helpful
Patient
Self-motivated
Adaptable
Work Environment/ Setting
These professionals work wherever medical attention is needed. Whether it indoors or outdoors, this occupations work setting is not static
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