EMT’s are health care professionals who work on ambulances and respond to 911 calls. EMT’s can treat life issues, such as gunshot wounds, cardiac arrests, twisted ankles, difficulty breathing, major bleeding, etc. They can determine major health problems through a careful physical exam. Are you interested in becoming an emergency medical technician? All you have to do is enroll in an EMT-Basic training course and get into the growing world of healthcare. Here are some frequently asked questions about what it’s like to be an emergency medical technician.
EMT Course Overview
An emergency medical technician is the first answer to medical emergencies such as car accidents, heart attacks, hiking accidents, etc. EMT’s help patients to be transported to the hospital where they report to the doctor. They must enroll in a basic training program in order to obtain an EMT certificate. Wondering what you might learn at the courses? Since they are entry-level employees, they are not trained to offer extensive medical care to anyone. Here are some common topics explored in EMT training: Pharmacology, EMS system communication, trauma care, disease transmission, bandaging, hemorrhage control, emergency childbirth, patient assessment, managing medical emergencies, fracture, and spinal stabilization, utilizing basic life support equipment, etc. These programs are offered at many colleges, universities, and hospitals, and they take up to 180 hours to be completed.
The Job Outlook for EMT – Basic
Job opportunities for EMTs have been increasing significantly and employment for these positions will grow faster until 2022. Job opportunities are predicted to be good, especially in big cities, such as New York City and with private ambulance services. Most people wonder if education is required. Both a high school diploma CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation certificate is required for entry into educational programs in EMT.
Employment of emergency medical technicians is expected to grow by 23% until 2022, which is quicker than the average for all occupations. Unpaid volunteers will be replaced by full-time paid EMTs, so, as a result, emergency medical technicians will be needed. The demand will increase for emergency medical technicians, and also, EMT’s in rural areas are also in high demand.
How Much Does an EMT-Basic Earn?
That depends on many factors, such as the area in which they work, the agency that they choose to work with, whether they are hired in a public or private sector, their level of experience, etc. According to the statistics, an EMT-basic can earn between $32,500 – $54,000 yearly. Including overtime and benefits, is expected to earn even more.
For example, emergency medical technicians in New York earn a typical of 17.8% more than the national average. The lowest salary can be found in Chicago, Illinois with an average of 11.6% less, and Orlando, Florida with less than 10.9%.
Do I Need a High School Diploma/Driver’s License to Enroll?
You are qualified to enroll in an EMT – Basic course if: you are 17 years old, you can communicate, write, and read in English because all classes are given in English. You are not required to have a high school diploma, GED, US citizenship, or driver’s license. However, these factors may affect your hiring potential.
How Long Does It Take to Become an Emergency Medical Technician?
Each course involves 180 hours of training and depending on the type of EMT you want to become, you’ll get a different degree of EMT training. Attendance requirements may take up to 45 sessions, and the complete duration of the course may be from 3 to 5 months. In order to provide more advanced medical care, you have to complete many certification levels.
How Much Does the Course Cost?
Unlocking new career opportunities is great, but how much do you have to pay for an EMT course? Fortunately, not a lot. Although there are variations between providers, you can expect to spend around $1,500 for a complete course that already includes all the medical equipment you need. Most providers allow you to pay this fee in several installments if that’s more convenient for you, but know that there are usually discounts if you pay the whole fee upfront.
What Qualities Make a Good Emergency Medical Technician?
EMTs need to be physically fit to endure the wear and tear on their bodies. They work physically demanding tasks, needing them to lift weights, spend a lot of time on their knees or on their feet and contort their bodies to reach injured persons.
They also need to be problem-solvers. They need to think quickly, make rapid decisions based on limited information. These skills must be used when deciding how to best help a patient.
Communication is key to an EMT because they interact with different types of persons every day, and it’s necessary that they communicate effectively with them, especially in demanding situations. They also must be clever and communicate information to hospitals and explain difficult procedures to patients.
So, what are the duties of an EMT? Assess patients in need and determine the care needed, provides life-saving interventions and emergency care to hurt patients, monitors the condition of the ambulance to make sure it’s provided with working equipment and proper supplies, etc. An EMT has a lot of duties, it is not an easy, nor boring job. Also, emergency medical technicians will often work night shifts, weekends, and holidays. Those who want to combine many working hours can enjoy a few days off.
Emergency personnel will always be in need in case of emergencies, such as accidents, health emergencies, and natural disasters. EMT’s are in high demand all over the country. Most of them are working on an ambulance or at the hospital, but there are many other types of de places that need someone with these kinds of quick response life support skills. If all the information above sounds interesting to you, wait no more and enroll in EMT’s courses and start a new path in your life.
