Emergency Medical Technicians
What is an Emergency Medical Technician?
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are vital healthcare professionals who respond to emergency situations and provide critical pre-hospital care to patients. They are trained to evaluate the medical needs of patients at the scene of accidents or medical emergencies, administer basic life support, and transport individuals to medical facilities for further treatment. EMTs often work on ambulances, but they can also be found in emergency rooms, fire departments, and other healthcare settings.
EMTs are equipped to handle a range of medical issues, from trauma and cardiac emergencies to respiratory distress and obstetric emergencies. Their training typically includes performing CPR, using automated external defibrillators (AEDs), controlling bleeding, bandaging wounds, and managing shock. In addition to technical skills, EMTs must possess strong communication abilities, physical stamina, and the ability to work under pressure in chaotic environments.
The career of an EMT is demanding yet rewarding, as they play a crucial role in saving lives and providing support during times of crisis. They often face unpredictable situations requiring quick thinking and sound judgment, making their role essential in the healthcare system.
Tasks
- Administer first aid treatment or life support care to sick or injured persons in prehospital settings.
- Assess nature and extent of illness or injury to establish and prioritize medical procedures.
- Attend training classes to maintain certification licensure, keep abreast of new developments in the field, or maintain existing knowledge.
- Comfort and reassure patients.
- Communicate with dispatchers or treatment center personnel to provide information about situation, to arrange reception of survivors, or to receive instructions for further treatment.
Technology Skills
- Medical software
- Presentation software
- Information retrieval or search software
- Spreadsheet software
- Office suite software
Tools Used
- Intubation laryngoscopes
- Mobile medical services spine boards
- Mobile medical services litter
- Orthopedic splint systems
- Medical oxygen masks or parts
Detailed Work Activities
- Inform medical professionals regarding patient conditions and care.
- Treat medical emergencies.
- Analyze patient data to determine patient needs or treatment goals.
- Collaborate with healthcare professionals to plan or provide treatment.
- Drive vehicles to transport individuals or equipment.
Work Interests
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Social
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$29910.0 - $59390.0
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.