Emergency Medical Technician

An emergency medical technician (EMT) is a person who delivers the initial medical treatment to persons in crisis situations. Traditionally, EMTs are part of the medical team that travels by ambulance or helicopter to the site of the emergency situation. The most common medical crises to which EMTs are called include: injuries acquired during automobile accidents and roadway and home births; sudden myocardial infarctions (heart attacks); and wounds re­sulting from interpersonal violence (such as gun shots and stab wounds).

Emergency medical technicians must be trained and certified. There are five levels of EMT training, from First Responders, who are certified in ba­sic emergency medical care, to EMT-4 (paramedics), who are certified to administer drugs, read electrocardiograms, and use other advanced equip­ment in providing prehospital care. The training process is progressive, start­ing with EMT 1 (which includes First Responder training), requiring approximately 120 hours of training, through the paramedic level, requir­ing up to two years of training. Hospitals, trauma centers, private ambu­lance companies, and fire and police departments employ emergency medical technicians. In fact, many firefighters are also certified EMTs.

In order to be well prepared for EMT training, a strong background in the sciences is important. High school courses such as biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics are essential prerequisites for EMT training. A good driver’s education class is crucial as well; since many EMTs are also ambulance drivers who must negotiate challenging roadway situations in or­der to reach the crisis scene quickly and safely.

A career in emergency medicine can be very challenging. EMTs must maintain the difficult balance between compassion and emotional fortitude. Strong leadership and interpersonal skills are a must for an emergency med­ical technician. However, despite the challenges, it is very rewarding to help people and save lives daily.

References

New York Department of Labor. CareerZone. <http://www.explore.cornell.edu/ newcareerzone/profile.asp?onet=32508&cluster=4>.

U.S. Department of Labor. “Occupational Outlook Handbook.” Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, annually. <http://stats.bls.gov/oco/ocos101.htm>.