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It's not the kind of call that anyone wants to receive. People are hurt. People are dying. People are in need of emergency assistance. Every day Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) receive dispatches to go to the scene of an accident to help someone in need. It could be as simple as a sick elderly woman or a life-and-death struggle resulting from massive trauma. It's a day in the life of an EMT.
For EMTs, no day on the job is ever ordinary. There's no such thing as routine. Not every call is as dramatic as the medical television shows make it out to be, though. It can be hours of boredom followed by an emergency call that gets the heart pumping. In every case, though, it's an EMT's job to assess a patient's situation and transport that person to a medical facility for proper care.
Upon arrival at the scene, an EMT must evaluate the patient to establish priorities. The first goal is to stabilize the patient. Is the patient having trouble breathing? Is he bleeding? Is he unconscious? Emergency medical care may be required, including controlling hemorrhage, treating shock, bandaging wounds or immobilizing broken limbs.
EMT training will dictate what the EMT can do for the patient. A person with EMT-Basic training will not have the same skills as someone with EMT-Paramedic training. Even so, a person with EMT-Basic training will still be responsible for life-saving procedures. EMTs may assist in childbirths; manage respiratory, cardiac, diabetic, allergic, behavioral and environmental emergencies; or treat suspected poisonings. They must obtain a patient's medical history and be aware of any medications that the patient is taking.
An EMT must be intelligent, confident, coordinated and strong. Heavy lifting and kneeling are requirements for the job. The work is physically demanding, certainly, but it also takes its toll emotionally.
There are also risks, not only from physical strain, but also of violence and risk. Not every call is going to require an EMT to go into a hazardous area or into bad weather, but it happens. EMTs must deal with all types of people and problems, from drug addicts to mental patients. As with any job in medicine, there are risks of infection. Following established safety measures, however, will help minimize any risk.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, EMTs earned between $21,290 and $35,210 in May 2006. The highest 10% earned more than $45,280. The EMT's salary reflects differences in skill, experience and level of responsibility. Those in emergency medical services who are part of fire or police departments receive the same benefits as firefighters or police officers.
Salary Range:
$16,460 — $74,390
Education Level (minimum):
Associate degree
Growth Outlook (2002 – 2012):
21 – 35%
