Emergency Medical Technician

Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) provide on-site medical care at many types of emergencies, including automobile accidents, heart attacks, childbirth, and gunshot wounds. A 911 operator dispatches them to the accident scene where they perform their duties. Some EMTs crew helicopters that transport critically ill patients. More typically, however, they work as ambulance crews.

Emergency medical technicians must be emotionally table and relatively resistant to stress. An Emergency medical technician must have adequate strength and stamina to lift or otherwise assist patients, excellent communication skills and a well-developed bedside manner, color vision and good eyesight (corrective lenses can be used)

Education and Credentials Required
Most states require EMTs to be trained and registered with the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). Training is available at 4 progressive levels: EMT-Basic (EMT-1), EMT-Intermediate (EMT-2 and EMT-3), and EMT-Paramedic (EMT-4). EMT-basic involves passing a written test, and the student can also be trained as an EMT-Shock Trauma or EMT-Cardiac, although this requires 35 to 55 hours of additional instruction beyond EMT-Basic as well as clinical experience. EMT-Paramedic is the most advanced EMT training, and the program lasts two years, involves extensive study and field practice, and awards an associate degree in applied science.

Future Prospects
Employment opportunities for emergency medical technicians are expected to rise faster than average. The ageing of the baby boomers drives the increase in demand, along with the tendency for patients to prefer non-radiologic procedures. The best opportunities will be found in private ambulance services. Advanced certifications, such as EMT-Intermediate or EMT-paramedic will also help.

Salary Range
The median salary, as of 2002, for emergency medical technicians was $24,030. Experience, location, skill, reputation, hours worked and other factors impact income. Emergency medical technicians rarely pay for their own health benefits and retirement benefits, as they are rarely self-employed.