DECEMBER HEALTH OCCUPATION OF THE MONTH
Emergency Medical Technician-EMT
by Melissa Niemann
December 05, 2006
- An EMT provides basic life support care to ill or injured persons at the scene of an accident and while transporting to a hospital. The technician reports the extent of the illness or injury to the medical center. The EMT is trained in basic emergency skills. Some basic emergency skills are opening airways , giving artificial respiration, cardiac resuscitation, administering oxygen, controlling bleeding, treating shock, and bandaging.
-They are also trained in rescue techniques. EMT's can also receive additional training in advanced life support so they can start IV's, administer medication, cardiac care, and carry out treatments ordered by the physician.
- 25% of all EMT's work in hospitals, 30% works for the police, fire or rescue squads, and 40% hold jobs with private ambulance services. Some paramedics are unpaid volunteers, and irregular hours are typical.
Different Levels
- EMT- Basic(EMT-1):
- This level has the least amount of training.
- Performs basic life support skills.
- Uses equipment such as stretchers, backboards,
oxygen devices, and splints.
- EMT- Intermediate(EMT-3)
- Can perform the same basic tasks as EMT- B.
- Skilled in more advanced treatment such as administering
IV fluids, and the use of defibrillators.
- EMT- Paramedics(EMT-4)
- Administers most advanced emergency care.
- Additional procedures include administering oral and
IV drugs, electrocardiogram interpretation, performing
endotracheal intubations, and using complex monitors
and equipment.
- Allowed to treat patients on the scene in lieu of taking
them to the hospital.
Requirements
-EMT- Basic:
-140 hours of classroom exercises
- 10 internship hours in a hospital emergency room
-must pass written and practical examination at the
state or national level
- EMT-Intermediates:
- 120 hours of additional training
- must pass the EMT-3 examination
- EMT- Paramedic:
-750 - 2,000 hours of training beyond the EMT-
Basic hours
-current status of an EMT- B
- completion of the training program for EMT-Ps
- ample field and clinical work
- passing the written and practical exam
Lifestyle
- Work is done both indoors and outdoors, this does not
depend on the weather. A lot of bending, kneeling and
heavy lifting is involved. Many safety precautions have
to be taken to prevent against infectious diseases.
Job hours are often irregular and many EMT's work 50
hours a week. Some that work for the fire and police
department may be on call for extended periods of time.
Future Outlook
- The salary for this job is $22,460 to 37,000+. Employment
rates for EMT's are expected to increase in the next ten years.
Some causes for this increase is the increased number of elderly,
and the range of duties of the EMT. If a person would like to
advance to the EMT-P level, they may seek employment at an
administrative level as a supervisor or director of emergency
services. Many may also want to continue their education in the
medical field.
Related Careers
- Surgical Technologist
- Nurse
- Nurse Anesthetist
- Nurse Midwife
- Respiratory Therapist
- Perfusionist (Cardiopulmonary technician)
- Physician Assistant
Additional Information
- One can find additional information about this career:
-National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, P.O. Box 1400, Clinton, MS 39060-1400. Internet:http://www.naemt.org
-National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, Rocco V. Morando Bldg., 6610 Busch Blvd., P.O. Box 29233, Columbus, OH 43229. Internet: http://www.nremt.org
-National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, EMS Division, 400 7th St. SW., NTS-14, Washington, DC 20590. Internet http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov
