The future of Emergency Medical Technicians?
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.