Emergency medical technicians play a vital role in saving peoples life in times of emergency. Administering of first aid treatments and transporting the sick or injured person is the main duty of EMT’s. They should possess quick response time in order to save peoples lives. The level of competence should be high. EMT’s and paramedics work closely with police and firefighters in emergencies. They handle and determine the conditions of patients or victims. They should provide emergency transport for the injured and sick in accordance to the protocols and guidelines. EMT’s operates within an emergency with direct and constant communications with a physician. They must apply first aid in order to prevent the aggravation of injuries and diseases.
Emergency Medical Technicians should possessed high knowledge on emergency equipments such as backboards in order to transport the patient effectively. They work closely as a team. Others paramedics provide care and monitor patient’s vital sign, while the other member drives the ambulance or emergency vehicle to a medical facility. Some may even be part of a helicopter crew for quick transport of patients. The duties of an EMT or paramedic will be dependent on the level of skills and education acquired. Schools provide a progressive level of training. Formal courses are given to further improve the knowledge and skills of aspiring EMT student. The first level of education is the EMT Basic. This level emphasizes on emergency level skills and first aid. Students will learn on how to use emergency equipments, managing trauma, cardiac emergencies and other basic treatment while in emergency. Intermediate level will learn more advance skills for emergency handling while the paramedic level learns more advance medical skills. Aspiring students need to pass a written and oral exam in order to acquire a certification for the different levels. Upon completion of training, EMT’s need to pass a licensure exam in order to practice since most state requires a license for EMT’s. Passing the licensure exam would make you more credible and marketable. Some states even require EMT’s to renew their license every two to three years.
The salary for EMT may range from $25,000 to $40,000 depending on skills and level of education. EMT- paramedic earn more compared to EMT-Basic. Its much better to pursue a higher level of education in order to earn more paycheck. The highest paid EMT’s are those assigned in fire and police departments. They also enjoy the same benefits as firefighters and police. Acquiring a more advance skill would also increase your chance of being employed in these offices.
This career path requires emotional stability, physical coordination, dexterity, agility and other qualities to effectively operate during emergency. You should have these qualities to be able to perform well and save peoples life. You should also have the passion to help and nurse the needy. Prepare for the worst, think and act quickly to save life. You would feel the gratitude from the people you have saved. Put your heart and mind in doing this job and you will succeed in the end.
