The future of Emergency Medical Technicians?

Answer 1

An emergency medical technician, EMT, is responsible for providing medical treatment to patients outside of a hospital. An EMT must have, at a minimum, the emergency medical technician basic level certification. There are additional certifications an EMT can acquire, such as first responder, intermediate/85, intermediate/99, and paramedic certificates.

The requirements for becoming an EMT with a basic level certification are being at least 18 years of age, having a high school diploma, CPR certified, and successfully completing a state approved EMT basic level education program.

The medical field continues to grow even during uncertain economic times and this applies to EMTs as well. This is an exciting, fast paced profession in which EMTs make a difference in people’s lives every day. The training an EMT receives at the basic level is focused on emergency skills in the areas of trauma, respiratory, and cardiac issues. Once the basic EMT training has been completed, there is a state written and practical exam that must be passed. The requirements for EMTs vary widely from state to state, therefore it is important to know what your state requires for all levels of EMTs. The intermediate training is longer and far more intense than the basic EMT certification training. This is because intermediate certified EMTs are trained in medications, IV fluids, and the use of advanced medical devices. The highest EMT certification is paramedic and is usually trained for at a community college and can be applied to an associates degree. This training includes human anatomy and phyisiology in addition to more advanced medical procedures.

EMTs typically work for a local fire department; however, they can also work for a private ambulance service or hospital. Obviously the higher certification an EMT has, the larger number of opportunities available. The job opportunities for EMTs are expected to have strong growth over the next two decades due to the growing older population and expansion of cities into once rural areas. Many fire departments are combining and replacing volunteers with paid EMTs to be able to cover the larger areas. Certified EMTs are valuable assets in any environment and will continue to make a difference in their communities.