Paramedic Jobs | EMT Jobs | Emergency Medical Technician Jobs
Paramedic Jobs - What is the Job of a Emergency Medical Technician? What does a Paramedic Career Involve?
Emergency medical technicians are the primary front defence in preventing deaths from automobile accidents, heart attacks, slips, and childbirth, among many other immediate medical emergencies. Emergency medical technicians are responsible for transporting the sick and injured to a hospital, where they can be treated by a medical professional.
Paramedics and emergency medical technicians receive a call from a 911 dispatcher, and when they arrive, they will assess the extent of the patients injuries or illness and tried to a provide emergency care while these individuals are en route to a hospital. Paramedics may treat minor injuries, and will use backboards to immobilize patients, placing them on stretchers and securing them for transport to a hospital. One paramedic will drive the ambulance, while the other paramedic monitors the patients health, and some emergency medical technicians will work in helicopter teams in order to transport the critically ill to the nearest hospital in an emergency.
After emergency medical technicians bring a patient to a hospital, they will go directly to the emergency room, notifying the doctor on call of any history of the patient, and what their preliminary findings are. After delivering the patient, paramedics will then decontaminate the inside of the ambulance and report any events to the appropriate authorities.
While most of their work is in an emergency capacity, EMTs will also provide transportation for those who are critically ill, and may work for private ambulance services. The responsibilities of an emergency medical technician will depend on the level of their training and certification.
These levels include EMT basic, first responder, EMT intermediate, and paramedic. EMT basic represents the first stage of emergency medical technician training, and these emergency medical care workers are trained in the basics of how to handle patients on the scene.
EMT intermediate has various duties depending on the state, and EMT paramedics offer the most extensive care for patients available, having the role of administering drugs, and interpreting EKG’s. But paramedics may also apply endotrachael intubations and utilize monitors and other equipment.
Working Conditions for Emergency Medical Technician Jobs - How is the Working Environment for Emergency Services Jobs?
The working environment of paramedics and emergency medical technician jobs involves a considerable amount of work strain, such as bending and heavy lifting. In addition, the noise in ambulances can be very loud, and hearing loss can result from the sirens. Emergency medical technicians may also be exposed to dangerous illnesses and disease such as hepatitis and AIDS, as well as dangerous situations.
Emergency medical technicians and paramedic jobs typically involve a 50 hours a week work schedule. Those EMT’s working for private ambulance services may work less hours a week, but in most instances emergency care is needed 24 hours a day.
Paramedic Training Education - How to Become a Paramedic - How to Receive Your EMT Basic Training
A high school diploma is sufficient to begin paramedic training or a emergency medical technician job, but most EMTs have more advanced educational training. EMT education is mostly based on the three levels of training, which are EMT basic, EMT paramedic, and EMT intermediate.
The EMT basic level utilizes training in emergency skills, such as administering treatment for heart attacks and assessing patients. EMT basic will also provide instruction in dealing with emergency childbirths and obstructions in the airway. Common emergency medical equipment rating is also offered, and to be approved, EMT basic technicians must pass an examination, offer by the state.
The EMT intermediate level of training has varying training requirements depending on the state, as EMT intermediates will practice in advanced level of Medical Care. 30 to 350 hours of professional training is required in order to learn advanced paramedic skills such as administering IVs and medications.
The emergency medical technician paramedic has the greatest responsibility of all emergency care workers. Paramedic training usually requires two years of training in order to receive an associate’s degree, which will culminate in an EMS exam and practical experience testing related to the field of emergency work.
Paramedic Certification - How to Receive Your EMT Certification
As of 2008, all 50 states and America require emergency medical technicians certification. Some states offer their own paramedic examination certifications, while others have reciprocal agreements or accept national test results. Emergency medical technicians and paramedics are responsible for recertifying their EMT licenses every two years. It is not uncommon for emergency medical technicians to receive additional continuing education in excess of what is required by the state.
Paramedics must be able to live with life and death situations and tragedies, and have good physical coordination and be strong in order to lift victims.
Outlook for EMS Jobs - What is the Future of Paramedic Careers?
Over the next decade, the field of emergency medical technicians and paramedic careers should grow by about 19%, a very rapid pace. Increasing emphasis is placed on hiring the paramedics, as opposed to unpaid volunteers, due to the rate of turnover. An increasing age in the American population average, results in an increased need for emergency medical care, especially as a result of heart attacks and strokes.
Overall, professional emergency medical technicians and paramedics should have no problem finding work with ambulance services.
Paramedic Salary Pay Scale - How Much Do Emergency Medical Services Jobs Earn?
In 2006, the median earnings for emergency medical technicians and paramedics came to $27,070, with those working in hospitals earning $23,250, and those an ambulance services $20,350.
Emergency medical care workers hired by fire and police departments receive the highest rate of pay, in addition to excellent benefits, and the ability to retire in as few as 20 years of service.