An EMT (emergency medical technician) provides medical care outside a hospital.
EMTs respond to emergencies by traveling to the patient’s location to stabilize or improve their injury, illness, or condition.
They also transport patients to a local hospital/emergency department for advanced medical care.
EMTs have basic medical and first aid training.
As a result, they can provide standardized care but have a limited scope of practice.
EMTs work with paramedics, physicians, registered nurses, and other staff to ensure patients receive proper treatment.
However, paramedics, physicians, and RNs only accompany EMTs outside a hospital during specific emergencies.
EMTs also liaise between the patient and the healthcare facility staff.
They ensure that hospital staff is up to date on the patient’s condition, the cause of the situation, and the treatment the patient received until they reach the facility.
They also contribute other pertinent information that may be useful for the patient’s recovery.
EMT Job Responsibilities
EMTs provide offsite emergency care (outside of a hospital) to patients suffering from trauma, illness, or medical emergencies.
In many cases, EMTs assess a patient’s condition and perform non-invasive medical treatments based on the injury or illness.
EMTs perform non-invasive treatments to improve/stabilize their condition until they reach an emergency care facility.
Some treatments include applying splints, performing airway management, delivering CPR and AED to non-responsive patients, administering medications, and checking/monitoring vitals.
EMT Interventions Include:
- Respond to 911 calls
- Conduct patient assessments
- Perform airway management treatment
- Provide CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)
- Usie AEDs (automated external defibrillators)
- Administering medications (aspirin, glucose, etc.)
- Monitoring patient vital signs
An EMTs training is limited and focuses mainly on essential life support and condition stabilization.
As a result, they cannot perform invasive procedures or use treatments that break the skin, with a few exceptions.
EMT Work Schedule
Emergency operators dispatch EMTs over the radio to respond to nearby emergencies.
Because emergencies happen anytime, EMTs work morning, evening, and night shifts.
Most EMTs work 8, 10, or 12-hour shifts Monday through Sunday.
However, some facilities may require EMTs to work 24 – 46 hour shifts.
EMTs sleep at their work facility during long overnight or extended shifts.
Whether an EMT works an extended shift depends on the department/institution.
That said, EMTs in rural areas are likelier to work longer shifts than those in busy settings.
It helps the EMTs recover adequately based on call volume and the number of emergencies they routinely attend.
Career Advancement
EMTs who aspire to seek advanced careers may pursue additional education.
Advanced training and education allow EMTs to become advanced emergency medical technicians (AEMT) or paramedics.
Preparation for these positions requires significantly more training and education.
However, individuals who advance in their careers can perform advanced medical procedures.
They can also lead or supervise other members and receive work benefits like a higher income.
Finally, some EMTs pursue roles in other healthcare domains, including registered nursing.
Because nursing is very different, EMTs must return to school and participate in a nursing program.
EMT work isn’t compatible with being. Nursing, physician, or physician assistant.
As a result, they need to take the same route as any other students to transition into another healthcare specialization.
EMT Work Setting
EMTs work in various settings to provide aid to patients experiencing medical emergencies.
It includes hospitals, urgent care centers, emergency departments, fire stations, and private facilities.
An EMT will arrive at locations like a patient’s home, workplace, accident scene, or public environment.
As a result, they operate outside of a hospital or healthcare setting.
EMTs perform their medical duties from an ambulatory vehicle, allowing them to remain mobile in emergencies.
The ambulance EMTs utilize contains emergency medical equipment and gear.
It allows them to provide immediate onsite medical treatments to patients to improve and stabilize their condition.
With that said, ambulances have limited medical resources, and EMTs have a limited scope of medical practice.
As a result, patients may require transportation to an emergency facility for advanced care during emergencies.
The importance of EMTs
EMTs are essential to the healthcare system and respond to countless dispatch calls yearly.
In many cases, EMTs work at hospitals, healthcare centers, emergency facilities, and fire departments.
They accommodate other first responders like firefighters, police officers, and other qualified professionals to save lives.
EMTs also act as intermediaries for patients, first responders, and medical staff during medical emergencies.
They provide site life-saving emergency care and transport to healthcare facilities.
EMTs also ensure that patients who cannot reach a medical facility independently get the treatment they need to survive.
As a result, they’re responsible for saving thousands of lives a year by resolving medical emergencies or prolonging a patient’s life until they receive advanced medical care.
Without EMTs, it would be much more difficult for individuals in their home, work, or public setting to receive professional medical care.
A mobile medical team that works 24/7 around local neighborhoods and businesses ensures everyone receives timely medical aid when needed.
EMTs provide life-saving pre-hospital care wherever there’s an emergency and support various medical professionals.
How to Become an EMT
Before entering the EMT program, aspiring trainees must possess a diploma, G.E.D.or equivalent.
EMTs can complete training in as little as three weeks in accelerated courses.
However, those who join a regular program or attend part-time can expect the program to last up to 12 weeks.
During the program, students learn to assess medical situations, perform airway management, conduct CPR, operate AEDs, apply splints, and monitor patient vital signs.
They also learn other non-invasive medical procedures, practices, and limitations to perform their jobs effectively/
Besides that, students must complete clinical training before receiving their certification.
Students who complete their EMT training must pass a mandatory state licensure exam to gain approval and operate as emergency medical technicians.
After becoming an EMT, they may choose to advance their career as one of several ambulatory medical providers.
Advancement Opportunities
- EMT-I or EMT-intermediate
- AEMT or advanced emergency medical technician
- Paramedic
Each advanced position requires additional training and certification.
However, it offers more significant possibilities for career progression and increased pay.
It also gives EMTs the ability to improve their knowledge and work qualifications.
Finally, EMTs who pursue further education may work in distinct and diverse settings.
It includes operating as flight paramedics or on cruise ships, large boats, and other exciting environments.