EMTs, or Emergency Medical Technicians are those who respond to emergencies such as drowning, strokes, car accidents, falls, heart attacks, violent assaults, natural disasters and other situations requiring emergency medical attention. EMTS are accredited with saving many lives as they are normally the first respondents when there is an emergency and it is their training and quick actions which are so crucial at this time.

EMTs and Paramedics are typically dispatched to a scene by a 911 operator and very often work with fire department personnel and police on the scene. EMT personnel determine the condition of the patient, the nature of the emergency, and ascertain whether they have any pre-existing medical conditions. Appropriate emergency care is rendered, according to strict rules and guidelines, and where necessary the patient is transported to a medical facility.

Characteristics For An EMT Career

Because being an emergency medical technician is a job in which one is constantly faced with life and death situations and irregular and long hours, it takes a special kind of person to become one. There are very specific skills and abilities which one requires, apart from the training which one undergoes:

Abilities:

Deductive Reasoning – The ability to reason from cause to effect. An EMT must be able to apply general rules to particular problems and arrive at logical solutions which make sense.

Inductive Reasoning – The ability to reason from detailed facts to general principles. An EMT must be able to combine separate bits of information or particular answers to problems in order to format general codes of conduct or determinations. This includes being able to deduce and logically explain why seemingly unrelated events occur together.

Oral Comprehension – The ability to understand ideas and information delivered via spoken words and sentences.

Oral Expression – The ability to convey ideas and information through speech in a way that is easily understood by others.

Problem Sensitivity – An EMT needs to be able to recognize when there is a problem or when a problem is likely to occur. This does not include solving the problem, just the recognition that there is one.

Skills:

Active Listening – This ability to listen to what others are saying and ask questions where appropriate is a crucial skill for an EMT.

Coordination – An EMT needs to be able to quickly adjust their own actions in relation to another’s actions.

Critical Thinking – An EMT must be able to apply logical thinking and analysis in order to identify the strengths and weaknesses inherent in different approaches.

Equipment Selection – AN EMT needs to be able to quickly determine which equipment is needed in a particular situation.

Speaking – Effectively being able to convey information to others by means of speech.
Apart from all of the above, those who perform EMT jobs will have to perform very physical tasks such as bending, kneeling, and heavy lifting. This means that an EMT needs to be physically strong and fit in order to perform their duties to the best of their ability. Emergency Medical Technician jobs require strength, dexterity, agility and good physical coordination. They must also be able to carry heavy loads and need to have color vision and excellent eyesight although they may wear corrective lenses.

EMT Career – Education and training

The specific responsibilities that come with an EMT job depend on the level of qualification and training. Training for an EMT career starts with acquiring a high-school diploma and then following a progressive program of study. EMT job training is offered through Colleges, Community Colleges, Universities, Technical Schools, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Academies and Hospitals.

It is important that you do your training at an accredited institution in order to get certified. Programs can last between six months and four years, depending on the level of qualification. Graduates of Community College training programs receive associates degrees, and those who graduate from a four-year program receive a Bachelor Degree in Emergency Medical Technology. There are three basic levels:

1. EMT Jobs – EMT Basic

• The EMT-Basic level course covers emergency skills such as patient assessment and managing trauma, respiratory, and cardiac emergencies.
• Basic – EMT jobs training often includes practical training in a hospital emergency department or an ambulance, as part of their clinical training; clinical requirements vary by state.
• Instruction and practical training in handling airway obstruction, cardiac arrest, emergency childbirth, and in dealing with bleeding and fractures also forms part of the EMT-Basic level course.
• Trainees are also taught how to handle emergency equipment such as splints, suction devices, oxygen delivery systems, backboards, and stretchers.
• EMT Basic training requires 120 hours of classroom work and 180 hours of field work.
• Graduates must take a written exam administered by the NREMT or the State Licensing Agency.

2. EMT Jobs – EMT Intermediate

• EMT Intermediate training requires between 30 and 350 hours of field training. This is based on the scope of practice in the state in which the EMT-I wants to get certified.
• EMT-I students learn more advanced life-saving techniques such as administering intravenous fluids, clearing the airway with the use of sophisticated equipment, and how to use a defibrillator.
• The skills taught on EMT-I programs vary greatly from state to state.

3. Paramedic Training

• Paramedic training is the most advanced training that emergency professionals can do.
• Paramedic training is offered at community colleges and technical schools, and is either 12 months or 24 months duration and could result in an associate’s degree.
• Training is very advanced and includes formal instruction in physiology and anatomy and advanced medical skills.
• Paramedic training requires 1,000 or more hours of field training.

Emergency Medical Technician Job Responsibilities

EMT jobs are very important to all of us because these are the people who may hold our lives in their hands one day if we ever find ourselves in an emergency situation. EMT personnel are usually the first to arrive on the scene of an accident or another type of emergency such as a fire or drowning. The basic EMT duties are as follows:

1. Basic Life Support

• Life support – EMTs are trained in Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation.
• Heart Attacks – EMTs are also trained to offer support to someone who has suffered from a heart attack.
• Bleeding – control and staunching of excessive bleeding to prevent further damage or death.
• Shock – most people who suffer a trauma will go into shock, and EMTs are trained to deal with this phenomenon.
• Poisoning – time is of the essence when someone has been poisoned and EMTs are trained to deal with cases of poisoning.
• Bandaging wounds – intravenous insertion and administering emergency medication is also within the scope of EMTs.

2. Non-Life-Threatening Care

• Sports injuries – many of these types of injuries are non life-threatening but nevertheless require immediate emergency attention.
• Splints – broken bones need to be taken care of until the patient reaches a hospital, and the EMT will do this by applying a splint.
• Equipment – such as backboards, stretchers and neck braces are all part of the EMT arsenal.
• Cuts and Abrasions – and burns also form part of emergency treatment which an EMT will perform.
• Birthing – one of the EMT jobs that are always a pleasure is delivering a newborn. EMTs are skilled in delivery and newborn care.

3. Non-Medical

• Communication – Verbal and written communication skills are vital for those doing EMT jobs. They need to be able to communicate effectively with a patient who is in trauma, and relay information to other emergency personnel.
• Protocol – it is important that an EMT stick to the communication and dispatch protocol at all times.
• Driving – all EMTs are trained in emergency and defensive driving techniques.
• Legal Aspects – an important aspect to every EMT job is the knowledge of legal aspect of emergency treatment and knowing whether to provide or withhold treatment.
• Ambulance – once a patient has been delivered to the hospital, the EMT needs to ensure that the ambulance is prepared for the next call. They need to ensure that it is cleaned up if necessary and that supplies are replenished.

EMT Jobs – Scope Of Practice

According to the National Scope of Practice for EMTs there are four levels of EMS licensure:

• Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Advanced EMT (AEMT), and Paramedic.
• Each level represents a unique set of skills, knowledge-base and role.
• Basic EMTs handle the basic non-life threatening tasks but may not administer medications.
• The National EMS Education Standards and the National EMS Scope of Practice Model ensure that there is a strong interdependent system which assures the competency of emergency medical personnel in the United States.

EMT Jobs – Work Environment

Emergency Medical personnel work in teams and the nature of their work takes them to all kinds of scenes, indoors and outdoors. They usually work in teams of two, with one driving the ambulance and the other keeping the patient stable in the back. They have a lot to deal with in the discharge of their duties and it takes a special type of person to enter into an EMT career.

Things to note when deciding to study to be an EMT:

• EMT jobs are tough on emergency medical personnel, and the trauma they constantly deal with places a great deal of stress on them.
• Working in all kinds of weather conditions and working long and irregular hours are added stressors.
• Exposure to constant sirens can affect the hearing and even lead to hearing-loss.
• EMT jobs also expose emergency personnel to contactable diseases such as Hepatitis-B and AIDS.
• Dealing with violent drug-users is also dangerous and stressful.
• Medical emergencies happen 24/7, which means that EMT jobs are not 9-5 jobs; EMTs and paramedics often work odd hours and long shifts.
• Emergency Medical personnel who work on private ambulances usually work between 45-50 hours per week; those working in fire-departments average approximately 50 hours per week and those in hospital service work 45 to 60 hours per week.

Emergency Medical Technician Job Prospects

Job prospects in an EMT career are good because people are living longer these days due to medical advances and innovative technology. This also means, however, that there are more people who need emergency medical treatment. EMT services are largely moving away from volunteer services to paid EMT jobs, and job growth is projected to grow at a minimum of 12% per annum.

EMT jobs also open up due to older EMTs retiring or leaving to follow careers in other fields or in EMT education. More private ambulance services will also offer opportunities for Emergency Medical Technician jobs, as will local fire-departments and police departments. There may still be a need for volunteer EMT personnel in the rural areas as they do not have enough emergencies to support paying for full-time EMTs.

As a large segment of the older population, the one-time “baby-boomers” get older, there will be more need for emergency services, and hence the demand for Emergency Medical Technicians and paramedics will grow accordingly. There will also be more EMT jobs created due the fact that the time that EMTs spend with patients is increasing due to the emergency departments in many hospitals experiencing overcrowding; this means that the transfer of the patient form the ambulance to the hospital takes longer, and the EMT must remain with the patient during this time. Some hospitals cannot help at all and divert ambulances to other hospitals who can handle the emergency sooner. All of this means that ambulances may have to drive farther to deliver their patient into the hands of hospital personnel, which means that the amount of time they have to spend with a patient whilst in transit is dramatically increased.

Another reason why there is set to be an increase in EMT jobs is the fact that many hospitals are now specializing in treating specific illnesses or injuries. This means that more patients need to be transferred to the hospital which is best suited to their treatment, and not just the nearest hospital. As patients need to be monitored whilst en route, the demand for transfers between hospitals is set to grow and with that the need for more EMTs and paramedics.

The post More Detail On EMT Jobs And The Requirements appeared first on Healthcare Careers Guide.

What To Include In Your EMT Resume

Personal Details – This is basic information including your name, address, telephone numbers and email address. It will also have your date of birth, place of birth and driving licence that you hold.

Your Objectives – This should be at the beginning of your resume, it should be brief and to the point. It would include all your relevant work experience. It should also include the reason for applying for the position, such as skills that you can offer to the institute offering the position.

Your Summary of Qualifications – This is where you will list all your qualifications that you have gained. Again, you should keep this brief. List your latest work experience, your educational qualifications in the emergency medical technician field, any extra certificates or diplomas that you have obtained to further your knowledge in the emergency services field. You could also mention skills such as time management, client relationship and computer skills.

Professional Skills – List all the relevant skills you have that are relevant to the position you are applying for. This could include your proven ability to respond immediately and confidently during emergencies. Your dedication to provide excellent medical assistance in stabilizing a patient’s condition when need be. Also list specialist skills you have performed on patients that could be advantageous for your application.

Professional Experience – List your latest work of employ first. You will need to supply the name and address of the employer. Also give the dates from when you started working there till when, and what position you held. You also will need to give a brief description of your duties you performed. If you worked in an emergency department you could state such things as providing direct care to all incoming emergency department patients. Your initiation of providing patients with appropriate treatments, staying within established guidelines and current level of EMT training. You can also briefly mention your observation of patients and documenting and updating emergency department personnel as warranted. If you assisted or helped train new members of staff, state so, as well as if you volunteered for any extra duties out of the normal. After listing your most recent position you will carry on with previous employment history.

Education – List your advanced educational qualifications, where you studied and what your results were.

Certification/ Licensure – List all your certification that you have obtained in the medical field. For a stand out emergency medical technician resume list everything possible that is relevant to the post you are applying for. This should include your EMT paramedic qualification. It will hopefully also include specialist skills and courses that you have completed which could include courses such as an advanced cardiac life support certification, cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification as well as any other subject you have qualified in. It could also list skills such as advanced driving courses that you have completed, especially if applying for an ambulance driver position.

Affiliations – List any associations that you belong to. These can be professional or charity organisations that you belong to.

References – Provide details of your previous employers that you have worked for and that will be able to give you a good reference. If you have no previous employment history then you could put your school or college teacher who could vouch for your character. Try to give at least two references and make sure you provide their contact details as well.

These are all the basic requirements that an EMT resume should reflect. It will hopefully show your personality, as well as your skills and work history. Try your best to promote your special qualities that you posses, there is nothing more frustrating for a future employer to just receive a boring resume that will be the same as ninety-five percent of the other applications they receive. Choose to state qualities on how you calm patients down or state that you want to study further to enable the well-being of patients that you treat. Employers like to hear people who are keen to improve their knowledge. Everyone has something special to offer, so make sure you mention what particular skills you feel you have that could be the difference of getting the job or not on your resume.

Newly Qualified EMT’s

It can be far more difficult for newly certified EMT’s to offer a stand out resume due to the lack of any relevant work experience. If you have only just qualified as an EMT list any work experience that you have, even if it is not relevant to the post being offered. To show that you had a job for a period of time and were punctual and reliable are still great traits to offer a future employer. If you are recently out of school, list the qualifications that you gained and any extra courses that you went on.

If you have done volunteer work, be sure to list it. An employer will deem this to show your energy and will to succeed in life. Just remember that we all have to start somewhere, and there are many junior positions on offer, after all you would not be applying for a position that requires ten years of experience, so you have nothing to fear about. By stating what goals you want to achieve in your life and career can go a long way towards getting the position you are applying for. If it is your first position that you are applying for since qualifying as a EMT try to seek a position that can offer you the greatest diversity of experience.

An example could be a position working for a hospital ambulance service or emergency room that will offer you this diverse experience, rather than working for a private ambulance service that only transports patients between facilities which would not be as interesting or gain you many new skills. Look out for the various positions that are offered and try to apply for the one that best suits you, if you enjoy working with children try to find a position that is connected to a children’s specialty hospital.

Provide A Strong Cover Letter

When submitting your EMT resume for applying for a position it is just as important to send a cover letter supporting your application. This letter will be a document that introduces you to the potential employers. It should provide specific information that is relevant for the job post and how you feel you could fit the role perfectly. You would want to thank them for taking the time to read through your resume and cover letter, stating how serious you are about applying for the particular position available. Tell them what you can offer them in the way of relevant experience as well as how your personality would suit the position. You would finish the letter asking them to consider your application and hope to be able to meet the employer for an interview in the very near future. Keep this letter as brief and to the point as possible without mentioning irrelevant information. This letter can persuade the employer to consider your application as much as your EMT resume.

Your EMT resume along with your cover letter are the first contact when applying for a position you have seen advertised. So be sure that your resume looks professional and that you use correct grammar. Do not be afraid to blow your own trumpet, if you have years of experience, or have been on many extra courses to boost your knowledge, let them know it. Try to make your resume stand out from the rest of the applicants. A boring resume will not stand out, so include things will catch their eyes. If you have done charity or volunteer work, make sure you tell them about it. By offering yourself without any remuneration is an excellent way to show your personality. By giving people less fortunate than you something, whether it is your experience or time without asking or expecting anything in return will be looked at in a very good light. When you are sending your EMT resume through to the employer seeking to fill a position, do not forget to include a strong cover letter. This letter could be the difference whether you would be selected for an interview or not. Remember that there are usually many applicants applying for the position that you are applying for, so a strong, to the point EMT resume that stands out from the rest is what you are trying to achieve.

Setting Up An EMT Resume – Sample Resume

Some of the aspects, which you might want to include in your resume are a Summary of Qualifications, your Professional Skills, your Professional Experience and your Education.

Johnn Preston
242 Willow Bay Dr
Myrtle Beach, SC 29575
(123) 456 7890
johnnpreston@email.com

Objective:
To obtain an Emergency Medical Technician position

Summary of Qualifications:
Your summary of qualifications would include your experience in this field. Even as a trainee EMT, you would have done volunteer work or have been able to assist in the field and have gained some practical experiences. Hence, you would want to add these experiences to your resume. Some of these you need to include are:

• Your years of experience, which will cover all work experience, especially the experience related to the EMT field.
• The type of person you are in terms of dedication to the task, time-management and compassion.
• Communication skills, which should reflect your ability to deal with clients.
• Interpersonal skills that deal with your interaction with the people you work with.
• Organizational skills such as report writing, evaluations and the ability to manage projects.
• Your development as a professional is extremely important as you need to show your willingness for further advancement to assist your abilities as an EMT.
• Your computer expertise, which needs to be listed with the ability or expertise you have in each program.
• Your skills in general such as your ability to work under pressure, creativity in making on-the-spot calls and the ability to work optimally at all times.

Other aspects to include are that you should not be guilty of drug abuse at all and that includes tobacco. You should be in good standing with the authorities at all levels. That is, there should be no criminal records, DUI records or any speeding fines against your name. You need to include your physical ability, as you need this as an EMT. Driving skills are also a necessity. What this also means is that your summary should state how you bring these elements together in your work situation.

Professional Skills:
These skills, which you should include in your EMT resume, should relate to your practical experiences. These are vital, as there should be clear indication of what your capabilities are. You should therefore include the following:

• The first inclusion here is that you should have the proven ability to respond to emergency situations immediately, calmly, collected and confidently.
• You should include the emergency expertise you have in being able to assist victims in any given situation. You could include examples of this if need be.

Some of the expertise you need to include, as an EMT, are:

• C.P.R technique
• The Heimlich Resuscitation Method
• The skills in different types of dressing applications including burns and wounds
• How to treat gunshot wounds, and shock
• In-depth knowledge for tourniquets, IVs and oxygen application
• The ability to offer emergency medical care for rape victims
• To stabilize patients
• You should be able to include the fact that you have performed two successful needle thoracostomies in the field.

These aspects are included in the training you receive, but it is important that you have these as practical experiences in order for you to be considered for a position as an EMT. You need to demonstrate, in your EMT resume, an excellent knowledge of the streets and routes, the ability to read maps as well as the ability to gather ideas instinctively regarding directions.

Professional Experience:
When you put together your EMT resume, you need to include your professional experiences as well. This is as important as all the aspects mentioned thus far. It will allow the reviewer to see what you have been doing in the field and how it was executed. If you have been working in the field for a while, you should have a list of roles you have played and positions you have filled. As an EMT, you should be able to include some of these in your resume:

• The business name for whom you have worked. The list would be according to the duration dates of your employment.
• You would then add the position you have filled at the given organization.
• Under each business position, you would add the role you have played in those organizations. This means that you have to list all the duties you have performed or are currently performing.
• Each of the positions you list would have a different set of roles and duties that you have performed.

It is best to ensure that you do not just list each of the roles under the position, but to give a detailed description of the roles you have performed. This would also indicate what your in-service experiences are as an EMT. It is also important to give details of the tasks you have performed.

Education:
You have to add your education to your EMT resume. It is a given that you would have the education to apply for the position, but it is necessary to include a section where you will state what your education is. This would include:

• Your EMT – Basic Training: You could include the courses and duration of the courses here.
• If you have done any additional training or courses you could add this here, especially if it relates to your application as an EMT.
• Your ongoing development training certification is also a necessary addition to this section. Thus, your specialization such as Certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Certified in Pre-hospital Trauma Life Support and any other certification needs to be added under the education section of your resume.
• You could also add any certification here such as your computer competency and certification.

You could add other categories to your resume, but the ones mentioned here are the major categories to add to your EMT resume.

Licensure/Certification:

• Registered with the NREMT
• Certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support
• Certified in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
• Certified in Pediatric Advanced Life Support
• Certified in Pre-hospital Trauma Life Support
• Have received E.M.T. License and Certification from Atlanta General Hospital, 2005
• Have received License no. 4530987 from State of Atlanta, 2005
• Have received Recertification credits from Atlanta General Hospital, 2009

References:

• Available Upon Request

Make sure you cover everything in your resume you possibly need to line up those interviews. Your resume is you ticket to a successful career.

The post How To Set Up Your EMT Resume Correctly appeared first on Healthcare Careers Guide.

So clearly we’re in perilous danger as we speak, and we all know of how clumsy even the best of us can be – evidently the equation is not stacked in our favor. All we seem to know how to do is cope with whatever comes our way, and if that may be a serious accident or health and medical emergency, then there are paramedics on standby to aid the cause. Now usually you’d look to the doctors for this type of assistance, but the people who get us to the doctors’ examining rooms and tables is invariably the Emergency Medical Technician or Paramedic. Emergencies are, what they are, and by that definition it obviously requires some expediency and simultaneous assistance.

In countless instances it is these people who do the actual saving of lives because it’s on their immediate actions, instincts and training that people depend on most, so often; thus requiring a special skill set and a very particular type of person. Needless to say that apart from doctors, virtually everyone else in the medical fraternity is underpaid; EMT’s and Paramedics are no different. These public servants are on the virtual medical front lines, often putting their own lives in danger to save the stricken person but one would be hard pressed to find a EMT salary to match this kind of commitment and sacrifice.

EMT And Paramedic Workload Expectations

Considering the salary of an average EMT or paramedic, one has to look at the very sort of the work being done and what is required of them. Paramedics often encounter things such as:

• All sorts of accidents (including household and motorcar)
• Typical emergency health problems like heart attacks and seizures
• Childbirth
• Gunshot and stab wounds

The treatment of all this and more is performed to ensure that the patient is transported safely to the particular medical facility for further specialized treatment. Very often they work together or at least side by side with police and firemen and on many occasions have to perform medical procedures on site to stabilize the patient before transportation.

The role of the EMT or paramedic is also to transport the patient into the hospital or clinic and report their findings to the serving doctor, including vital signs and the extent of the wound/wounds as well as what procedures were already carried out prior to that point. All this expedites the process from initial emergency response to specialist care and treatment, resulting in more lives being saved. So, the EMT has to work with all types of people both civilian (patients) and professionals (doctors, firemen, police).

The Office Conditions And Working Times

Most are familiar with EMT’s and paramedics due to the number of medical shows on television, so it’s easy to decipher the type of working environment that the typical paramedic will work in; in or outdoors, through rain, snow or sunshine and any time of day or night. EMT’s work odd hours as it’s a 24 hour job, though between emergencies, it is known to be a tad boring in some places as they’re inevitably waiting for that accident to happen, thus all this presents its own kind of challenges with customary stresses too. One also tends to forget or underestimate the amount that EMT’s see, and the traumatic experiences that their job presents.

With all these requirements and duties, what training is needed to be done?
A simple high school diploma is required to enroll into a Paramedic training program and the subjects on offer usually include treatments for:

• Bleeding
• Fractures
• Obstructions in the airway
• Cardiac arrest
• Emergency childbirth

They’re also trained in operating certain medical equipment and instruments like suction devices, splints, oxygen supply systems, and stretchers. There are written and practical examinations that aspiring emergency medical technicians will be required to pass under state law – such is the basic EMT training.

What Is The Emergency Medical Technician Salary?

The EMT salary mostly depends on the area or specific location of their work, and of course their level of training and experience. The average paramedic and EMT salary and hourly wages were around $14 almost 4 years ago. The annual salary in the USA for emergency medical technicians and paramedics is just under $30 000, equating to $2500 a month. It’s then up to the individual to decide whether or not that salary is worth the sacrifice of every paramedic; nevertheless the earnings would undoubtedly increase with more experience and a higher level of training. Of course there’s plenty of overtime opportunities where the EMT salary ranges between $14 and $32, with an added and similar bonus incentive.

Average EMT Salary:

Potential Job Growth Opportunities

Generally the growth expectation in this job sector is regarded to be the same as all other jobs in terms of job availability and demand, though if the health sector does get its act together as it begrudgingly looks to be doing, then those job opportunities could increase over time with an already aging population. Countries with a good healthcare sector should hence have a higher mortality rate, meaning the population is more likely to grow, and thus have a higher propensity for emergencies.

Recently though, hospitals have experienced an increase in ‘traffic’ hence they’ve been more busy and in many instances have turned ambulances onto different hospitals due to overcrowding. This is a general problem across the board and has resulted in a slowing of the treatment process time. What this means is that it takes longer for the afflicted patient to get from wherever they were to the hospital for treatment, meaning they spend, on average, a longer time with the paramedics and/or EMT’s. So with this general increase in time spent with the paramedics, it also means that there are effectively more, or a higher statistical percentage of ‘occupied’ ambulances driving around, requiring more ambulances and hence, more EMT’s and paramedics.

Furthermore many EMT’s eventually move to associate fields or use the EMT program to prepare them for careers in nursing or any other medical role. Others too may deviate toward the medical assistant or even teaching and training jobs.

States With The Highest Employment Level:

EMT Salary Prospects

So, what can we expect to see in the way of increases in earnings for paid paramedics? Well as we’ve seen, the job is a very taxing one, with long and unpredictable hours as well as potentially traumatic challenges, so it undoubtedly takes its toll; for this reason there’s been a downturn in volunteers, thus paid EMT’s have become something of a sought after commodity. Of course this gives them much more leverage in terms of higher salaries as the demand for emergency medical technicians and paramedics will only increase with time.

Industries With The Highest Paying Wages:

States With The Highest Paying Wages:

The Value Of A Paramedic

Not many will be able to put a price on a paramedic but as we’ve seen they can often be looked down upon by others in the medical fraternity, despite this, the general consensus is that they are indispensable. The need for both paid and volunteer EMT’s and paramedics will increase and so too, logically, should the salary, though most wouldn’t hold out for too much. The emergency medical technician salary is mostly determined by their medical knowledge, as is everyone’s in the medical sector, hence doctors get paid the most because they are the most knowledgeable in their field. Although with the unpredictable nature of the work and unique challenges that so often presents itself on the front lines for medical response units, they are certainly candidates for a risk and service versus reward (salary) review. If the situation is not looked at, and especially since we’re in a recession, more and more EMT’s and paramedics will seek employment in other fields, continuing to drain this one, putting a further strain on the industry and fraternity.

The post What Can You Earn As A Certified EMT appeared first on Healthcare Careers Guide.

What Is An EMT Clinical?

An EMT is a health care specialist who is trained to respond to medical emergencies and provide hands-on care at the scene. Consequently it is necessary that they complete a large portion of clinical work during their training. This is mandatory and you will not be able to become an EMT if you do not complete the EMT clinical requirements.

A clinical will usually take place in a real-world healthcare setting under the supervision of a preceptor. Your preceptor may be one of the following:

• A nurse
• A paramedic
• Another EMT of a level higher than the level for which you are training

In cases where your training course is not being offered at a facility where you will have the opportunity to receive real-world training, you will be informed by your instructor of facilities that have policies in place allowing for trainee EMTs to work there in order to complete the clinical portion of their course. If you are at the basic level of training, you will complete approximately 24 hours of clinicals in the emergency department through which you have been told to complete your EMT clinical work and training. A sensible EMT trainee will take any opportunities offered to gain real-world experience.

Surviving EMT Clinicals

One of the biggest challenges for new EMTs is that the nurses or doctors who are in charge of their EMT clinical are far from happy to be there and are, at the very best, unhelpful. This is very difficult to cope with, especially as you are turning to those experts for guidance in your career. Although many trainee EMTs are matched with preceptors that are more than willing to give all help necessary, this is not the norm and you cannot assume that you will receive all of the guidance that you would like. Try to stay close to those nurses and paramedics that seem friendly and willing to help you. If you have a preceptor who repeatedly tells you to take your own initiative and just get involved, you must be careful. As a trainee there is a limit to what you are allowed to do in a health care setting. You have to be supervised, and you should raise any instances where you feel as though are given work that you are unprepared for or that you feel uncomfortable about doing. There are liability issues involved here. If you feel that you are not being challenged during your EMT clinical experience, or that you are not learning through the clinical, you should raise this worry with a supervisor or instructor.

Tips

You Are There To Learn

You are there to learn valuable skills for your career as an EMT, not to do all of the grunt work and function as a kind of slave for your preceptor or supervisor. If you feel that you are not learning anything or that your learning experience is being curtailed in some way, take it up with your course instructor. However this does not mean that you should get ideas above your station. If your supervisor or preceptor tells you to do some of the grunt work, do it with a good attitude, and bring it up later. You will, after all, need to know how to do the basic cleanup operations as well as how to provide primary care to your patient at the scene of a medical emergency. Only make an issue if grunt work forms the main part of your EMT clinical.

Offer Help

There are a number of reasons why you should offer to help your preceptors in your EMT clinical:

• It will make them remember you as a ‘good’ student

• It will provide you with opportunities to practice that the other EMT trainees may not have access to

Consequently two of the most important questions that you should ask during an EMT clinical are:

• “What can I do to help you?”
• “Can I help you with that?”

In addition, if your preceptor asks you to do something, you should automatically say yes (in most cases) and complete the task with a smile on your face. However, there are exceptions to this in cases where you asked opt do something that is outside the boundaries of what you are allowed to do as an EMT trainee.

No Guesses Allowed

If you are in a situation in your EMT clinical where you do not know what to do, or where you are not sure of how to proceed with a test or treatment, ask for help. Do not guess about what you should do next. This could lead to a fatal error. Do not make claims that are not true. If you claim to be able to perform a task as an EMT, but you are not in fact as skilled as you make out to be, you may end up jeopardizing the life of the patient. If you make a mistake do not lie about it and do not cover it up. You must start to think from the point of view of a real EMT, and that point of view always puts the patient first above your own needs and priorities.

Additional Tips

There are a number of additional tips which you can keep in mind:

• Remember that you are not there to watch, you are there to learn and practice your skills. After some initial watching you should try to get involved in the proceedings.

• Your preceptor is in charge, so you must do what he or she says, provided it is within the scope of what you are allowed to do.

• Sometimes your supervisor may try to test you in fairly subtle ways, so be on your feet. For example a preceptor may give you the opportunity to practice a skill on a patient that does not need that service performed. You should, in this case, point out that the patient does not need the skill, and decline the opportunity.

• During your training you must not do anything that is outside of your skill set. Even if you have learned some of the more advanced skills in your previous EMT clinical or theory training, do not perform those skills unless you are specifically instructed to do so by your preceptor.

• An important tip to keep in mind is that it is wise to use “three-way communication”: When the preceptor asks you to do something, repeat it back to the preceptor and wait for a yes/no response before proceeding. This will guarantee that you are all on the same page.

• If you have a weak spot, or aren’t confident in a specific skill, ask your preceptor to help you with it. They may have a different approach that makes it fall into place for you. They’re there to help you succeed, but they can’t help you if you won’t help yourself by telling them what you need. Your preceptor is there to help you and it is your responsibility to ask them for that help when the need arises.

• Even if you feel that you are an expert in a particular skill, don’t brag about it. It is better to show your abilities through actions rather than through words. This will go down much better with your preceptor.

• If there is nothing for you to do in your EMT clinical setting, you should take that opportunity to study some of your theory work – this will look good in the eyes of your instructors who will be evaluating you and will give you a chance to brush up on some of the skills that you may need.

• Last but not least you should look for opportunities to help at all times as this will allow you to gain practice and to stand out in the eyes of your preceptor.

You will, most likely, be rather nervous during your first EMT clinical, but it is important that you do your best to keep your focus and to do the work to the best of your ability. The tips mentioned above are just a starting point for you to refer to in order to make your clinical go a whole lot more smoothly than you expect it to, and many of the tips can be carried forward into your next clinicals as well.

The post All About Your EMT Clinicals Rotations appeared first on Healthcare Careers Guide.

What Is An EMT?

An EMT, or emergency medical technician, is essentially the person who is first on the scene when a medical emergency occurs. Their responsibility is to provide immediate care to the patient and stabilize them for transport to a medical facility if they deem that the patient needs advanced medical attention and cannot be treated on the scene. In addition the EMT is required to determine whether or not the patient has any preexisting medical conditions. This could help explain the medical emergency in question, but this task is also essential in ensuring that the patient is not given any medications or treatments that could conflict with their condition or with the medications that they are already taking for that condition. To a certain degree the most the EMT can do in this case is to look for medical alert jewelry. There are several other EMT related occupations that you could consider joining that are similar to this one. Some require further training and education while others simply require you to have an EMT qualification or similar degree of medical expertise and knowledge.

911 Dispatcher

911 dispatchers are in charge of ensuring that medical (and other) assistance is given when necessary. Consequently the two major roles of a 911 dispatcher are the following:

• Dispatching police, fire and ambulance personnel to emergency situations.

• Monitoring the location of emergency workers from their desk and can relay messages between emergency officials if needed.

Holding an EMT qualification could make it easier for you to begin a career as a 911 dispatcher as you will have a working understanding of what medical situations will require an EMT or another medical professional onsite and which can simply be referred to a hospital. In addition you will be able to accurately relay information when required regarding the patient’s condition and the instructions and observations provided by the EMT onsite. You will most likely be required to undergo additional training in order to become familiar with the specific vocabulary used in emergency dispatch services and in order to ascertain if you have the right personality to handle the job. For example, you will need to be a level-headed person who does not panic in an emergency.

Lifeguard

Another line of work related to being an EMT in that you provide medical attention in an emergency situation is that of a lifeguard. Lifeguards are trained to keep their eyes open near large bodies of water and to assist anyone in need of help while swimming or diving. In order to become a lifeguard you will need some special certifications, namely:

• Certified in CPR/AED
• Certified in blood pathogens
• Certified in first aid
• Certified in oxygen supplement

As an EMT you will already have knowledge of these skills. Being a lifeguard is generally not considered to be a career, but it is something that you could choose to do on a part time basis when you are not on duty as an EMT in your usual place of employ. There is a great need to ensure that people, especially children, do not hurt themselves or drown while swimming, and consequently medical professionals with the ability to provide basic medical training are needed onsite in order to provide care in the few situations where it is required.

Flight Medic

In many situations a patient will have to be transported from the scene of the medical emergency to a facility where they can be properly cared for. In many cases this can only happen by transporting the patient on a plane or helicopter. This is a situation that wilderness EMTs may encounter regularly. Wilderness EMTs work in parts of the country where there is no immediate access to hospital facilities available. Consequently the patient needs to be stabilized and then, if possible, flown to a medical facility. In some cases a patient may need to be transported to a different state or even out of the country. A flight medic is an EMT who is trained in providing the same basic care that other EMTs provide. In addition to this they are trained in how to deal with any additional medical emergencies that may occur once the patient is on board. In mid flight there is not much you can do for a patient other than to stabilize them until the destination is reached.

EMS Recordkeeping

If you have trained to be an EMT but have come to the conclusion that it is not, in fact, the best line of work for you to be in, there are other EMT related professions that you could try instead. If the actual medical situations are too much for you, there is an administrative position that you could train for, namely EMS record keeping. Paperwork is a very important part of keeping the emergency medical services running smoothly. In this line of work you will deal with the following paperwork:

• Billing procedures
• Medical records
• Federal and state guidelines governing Medicaid
• Medicare
• Worker’s compensation
• Private insurance as it relates to emergency medical services

This is an extremely important part of the medical profession. It is a behind-the-scenes occupation and you will not receive recognition for it form the general public, but this does not make it any less important. Generally you will need to receive some basic administration training, but the fact that you already have a basic knowledge of medical terminology and so on will help you a great deal.

Ambulance Drivers & Attendants (non-EMT workers)

An ambulance driver could be said to have an EMT related occupation in that they are required to drive sick or injured individuals from the scene where the medical emergency occurred to a hospital or similar place of safety. In addition they are often required to help the MET lift and move the patient and n many EMS services the ambulance driver will also be an EMT. The following skills and abilities are required in this job:

• To do this job it will be helpful if you are an active listener who can understand and follow directions quickly and easily.

• You will also need the basic skills required to maintain the equipment that is used on the ambulance.

• In addition you will be required to monitor the machinery in the ambulance and ensure that it is working as it should.

• You will need to have coordination in that the ability to adjust your actions according to the reactions of others will be invaluable.

• Reading comprehension will also be required in order to fully comprehend the tasks expected of you.

• The ability to identify that there is a problem is very important, although the actual problem solving skills will generally lie with someone else.

• The ability to communicate your ideas and observations clearly and unambiguously is essential.

• In addition you will need to be able to easily understand the verbal communication that comes from others.

• A very practical skill that you will need is the ability to keep your hands and arms steady while working.

College Instructors – Medicine & Health Specialties

Another EMT related occupation lies in the realm of education. Generally speaking you will need to have a qualification in the medical sphere in order to teach various medical topics. In comparison to most other MET related occupations, however, this one requires a high degree of skill and educational abilities. You will need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in order to be a college instructor, while a master’s degree is often preferred by employers. In additional you will receive very little to no on the job training for a position such as this with the assumption that you already possess all of the relevant knowledge and skills.

Search And Rescue/Fire And Rescue

Search and rescue is generally considered to be a separate part of the EMS industry, but these organizations frequently hire METs or other medical professionals. Consequently, if you live in an area near mountains or wilderness you will have the opportunity to work in the field of search and rescue with your EMT qualification. You will:

• Use your emergency medical training,
• Work with helicopter crews
• Work with law enforcement
• Work with military personnel
• Receive training in avalanche and crevasse rescue
• Receive training in high- and low-angle rope rescue
• Receive training in whitewater/swift water rescue
• Administer treatment
• Stabilize victims for transport to medical facilities

Another job that is related to rescuing those in danger and that can be considered to be similar to the EMT profession in several ways is that of fire rescue. Fire fighters are first on the scene when a fire occurs and have basic medical training in CPR and other areas, allowing them to give basic medical aid until medical professionals arrive.

Emergency Room Triage

Triage is a process for sorting injured people into groups based on their need for or likely benefit from immediate medical treatment. Often EMTs are employed in these situations to assist other medical professionals and in order to maintain order in the emergency room, something which is not always easy to achieve with limited staff. In this setting you could, with an EMT qualification, do the following:

• Record patients’ vital signs
• Help doctors and nurses with emergency medical treatment
• Keep organized notes and records of procedures

This EMT related occupation is one of the most popular options for EMTs. Quite a large portion of EMTs are employed in hospital emergency rooms for the above mentioned purposes. One of the main benefits to working in this setting is that it allows you to develop an idea of whether or not you want to pursue your medical career further by becoming a nurse or perhaps even a doctor. The exposure that you receive will be invaluable in helping you make this life-altering decision.

Medical Tents At Sporting Events

In many cases EMTs will be able to find additional employment outside of their regular job if they need extra money or simply if they want to help others in as many ways as possible. One of the areas where an EMT could be employed while not on active duty elsewhere is in the medical tent at a sporting event. Such sporting events can be held by schools or professional sporting organizations. Sporting injuries occur frequently in these settings and a medical expert will be needed on site in the event that such an injury occurs.  You will:

• Assess fatigue
• Assess hypothermia
• Assess dehydration
• Assess hyponatremia
• Assess sunstroke
• Assess heat-related illnesses
• Assess traumatic injuries

You will be able to provide the same immediate and basic care as you would in any other medical setting where EMTs are employed. In addition you will be responsible for determining the extent of the illness or injury in question and deciding whether or not advanced medical care a medical facility such as a hospital will be required.

In addition to the above the following, according to www.myplan.com, can be considered to be “Somewhat” related to the being an EMT:

• Biological Technicians
• Bus Drivers – School
• Bus Drivers – Transit & Intercity
• Chiropractors
• College Instructors – Nursing
• Dentists – General
• Fish & Game Wardens
• Lifeguards, Ski Patrol & Recreational Protective Service
• Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technologists
• Nursing Aides, Orderlies & Attendants
• Pharmacists
• Radiation Therapists
• Taxi Drivers & Chauffeurs
• Tour Guides & Escorts
• Travel Guides
• Veterinarians

However the relation between being an EMT and having one of the following occupations is very loose. The most that can be said is that similar medical skills may occasionally be required.

The post Looking Closely At EMT Related Occupations appeared first on Healthcare Careers Guide.

How To Become A Volunteer EMT

Step # 1: First Aid CPR Certification

Obviously to be an EM, even as a volunteer, you will need to have certain basic skills related to the health care field. To be a volunteer EMT you need to get your basic first aid and CPR certification. If you are unable to perform such basic tasks at the scene of a medical emergency you will be unlikely to be able to help the patient in any meaningful way. You can get this training from the American Red Cross or a local training organization. First aid training will include:

• Knowing how to perform CPR
• Knowing how to clear an airway obstruction
• Knowing how to respond to anaphylactic shock
• Knowing how to splint a broken bone
• Knowing how to control severe bleeding

Although CPR is often included in first aid training you will need to seek separate and additional certification in CPR to become a volunteer EMT.

Step # 2: Training

Once you have completed your basic courses in CPR and in first aid you will need to complete an EMT training course that will properly prepare you for the job and that will allow you to become certified in the career. These courses can vary in length substantially. Longer courses tend to be more comprehensive and offer a better grounding for those who want to begin their voluntary work with a firm understanding of what the job entails. These courses will cost money. This means that at some point along the way you will need to decide whether or not becoming a volunteer EMT is worth the time and money that you will need to put into the career. These courses are offered most frequently by community colleges. There are three main different levels in the EMT field:

• EMT-basic
• EMT-intermediate
• EMT-paramedic

EMT-basic is all you really need to be a volunteer EMT, but if you have a more advanced qualification you will be better equipped to help others as well as better equipped to find a good volunteer position.

Step # 3: Exam

Just because you are employed as a volunteer does not mean that you do not need to meet national standards and have the skills required by the government of all EMTs. Consequently you will be required to pass the EMT examination regardless of whether or not you are planning to work in a volunteer position or in a paid position once you are certified. This exam is offered by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.  There are usually fees involved in applying to write this examination.

Note: If at this point you are beginning to feel that you are not sure whether being a volunteer EMT is worth all of the training and effort, remember that you can always apply for paid positions in addition to the volunteer work that you plan to do. Many volunteer EMTs have a regular EMT job in addition to which they volunteer with and organization or society which is underserved and which needs additional EMTs on a part-time and voluntary basis in order to function properly. Very few people only volunteer as EMTs as they also have ‘day jobs’.

Step # 4: Certification/Licensure

The next step involves becoming licensed as an EMT. Most states require that volunteer EMTs have a license. The application process varies from state to state, but the supervisor of your volunteer EMT organization should be able to provide you with information on what you need to do to get your license. It will, however, still be mostly up to you to determine what requirements you will need to meet for your specific state before applying for licensure. The U.S. Department of Labor says that all 50 states require some type of certification, but specifics vary based on location. In most states you will need to go through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians in order to become certified. All of the information about this will be provided by your course convener. If it does not form part of the classroom discussion, you will still be able to ask your course convener after the lesson about what requirements you will need to meet in your particular state in order to become certified or licensed and begin working as a volunteer EMT.

Step # 5: Agencies

This step involves finding out what agencies in your area could use a volunteer EMT and what you will need to do in order to apply for a position as a volunteer at that agency. You can search for positions at:

• Your local fire department
• Your local hospitals
• Your local ambulance companies
• You can also search online through websites such as Volunteer Match

The best way to go about selecting a position is by contacting each of the facilities in your area where you may be able to work as a volunteer. Find out, firstly, if they do, in fact, need volunteers. Then go on to ask them about what hours you will need to work in order to be a volunteer there, as well as the shifts. Specific procedures and protocols followed at that particular facility also play a role, so ask about these as well. In this regard it will be helpful to decide before looking for a volunteer position how many hours a week you will be able to commit to voluntary work so that you can narrow down your options more quickly.

Step # 6: Application

Fill out an application at the agencies that are compatible with your personal schedule and needs. Remember that there may be slightly different application criteria that you will need to meet for each different facility that you are interested in volunteering at. Consequently you need to have a clear idea of what those criteria are as well as of your ability o adhere to them or not.  If you apply to multiple agencies and are accepted by more than one, you can either choose the one that works best for you or do some volunteer work at both. It is recommended that you apply to at least three different agencies. This will help you to keep your options open. Often your first choice will not accept you simply because they do not need any volunteer EMTs at that point in time. You will then have to start the application process all over again at a different facility. To speed things up, apply to several agencies and then choose from among those that accept your application.

Example Of Entry Requirements And Application Process

Although there may be different requirements and procedures for becoming a volunteer EMT in different states and with different organizations, the following are usually true. Minimum requirements include:

• Being 18 years of age at time of appointment
• Being a United States Citizen
• Passing a written and physical ability test
• Passing a background check
• Passing a Medical exam and drug screen

In addition you will have to abide by certain procedures, including many of the following:

• You will have to return a completed Member Application
• You will have to return a completed Authorization for Release of Information
• You will have to submit a current five year driving abstract (available from the Dept. of Licensing)
• You will have to submit a copy of your unexpired drivers’ license
• You will have to successfully complete a written exam
• You will have to successfully complete a physical ability test
• You will have to successfully complete a New Member Interview
• You will have to successfully complete a medical exam
• You will have to successfully complete a drug screen

It must be noted that these procedures may not automatically hold true in all states and for all organizations and that it is your own personal responsibility to find out what requirements you will need to meet to be a volunteer EMT in your area.

Becoming a volunteer EMT is a very noble calling to pursue, but it is suggested that you think very carefully before committing to this line of work. Being an EMT is intensive and, once you have committed to be a volunteer, you will need to fulfill your duties and complete the number of volunteer hours that you promised you would. One advantage is that it can help you decide whether you want to study to be a full-time paramedic or EMT.

The post Being A Volunteer EMT appeared first on Healthcare Careers Guide.

NREMT Mission Statement

According to the NREMT website, the mission statement of the registry is as follows:

“To serve as the National EMS Certification organization by providing a valid, uniform process to assess the knowledge and skills required for competent practice by EMS professionals throughout their careers and by maintaining a registry of certification status”.

In effect this is an organization that aims to monitor and control the EMT profession by maintaining records of EMTs that are allowed to practice. In addition the procedures and standards that the national registry puts into place are aimed at ensuring that the quality of EMT professionals who are allowed to practice in the field is high and that everyone falling under the control of the organization behaves appropriately.

History And Milestones

History up until the NREMT was established:

• 1969: Highway Traffic Safety suggests that uniform standards for EMS be put into place
• 1970: The first meeting of the Task Force in charge of achieving the above was held January 21, 1970
• 1971: Rocco V. Morando is selected as NREMT’s founding Executive Director, first exam administered
• 1973: The first re-certification of a Nationally Registered EMT was processed
• 1974: Development of initial EMT training guidelines
• 1975: Continuing education and re-certification requirements established and the National Association of Emergency Medical Technician formed
• 1976-1977: Exams tested, curriculum was developed nationally and advanced training packages were introduced
• 1978: The first exam is given and the he Registry becomes a member of the National Commission for Health Certifying Agencies

Most recent history and milestones:

• 2000: The Board of Directors adopts a Strategic Plan to help guide the direction of the organization
• 2001: The NREMT examination is used in 43 states as the primary or only means of certification
• 2002: First increase in NREMT membership fees since 1973
• 2003: The NREMT implements a Research Program for the betterment of NREMT programs and to contribute to the EMS community, and receives accreditation of all five levels of exams from the National Commission for Certifying Agencies, a certification accrediting agency sponsored by the National Organization for Competency Assurance.
• 2005: The NREMT exams are now used by 46 states and territories as the sole basis for certification at one or more levels.
• 2007: The NREMT begins the process to transition from pencil-and-paper based exams to computer based testing

General Facts

The NREMT is a non-profit organization that exists to ensure quality on the EMT profession. Before this body was established there were no certification procedures for individuals working in the emergency medical services and no standards were in place. The NREMT stepped forward to address this shortcoming. Over 1 million EMTs have been certified through this body. In order to qualify for certification as an EMT through the NREMT you need to:

• Completing a state-approved EMS education course
• Passing the NREMT written and practical examinations

Board Of Directors

The board of directors for the NREMT consists of 21 individuals. These individuals are experts and prominent and important figures from various segments of the emergency medical services. In addition a certain proportion of the board consists of members of the public who, too, are prominent and important figures. The high level of quality of the board of directors serves to indicate that the NREMT is dedicated to the goals expressed in its mission statement. The point of the board of directors is to ensure that the NREMT is properly governed and well organized and that all of its members are monitored and kept in check. The board of directors is:

• Committed to public protection
• Committed to quality patient care

Exam Development

There are five levels of certification that can be received by writing NREMT examinations. These include:

• First Responder
• Basic EMT
• Intermediate/85 EMT
• Intermediate/99 EMT
• Paramedic

These exam questions are formalized and written by experts in the field. These tests consist of a number of different items. In order to ensure that each item on the test is of the best quality and relevant, they each take 1 year and $1000 to create. The process includes a testing phase.  According to the website of the NREMT “Each of the item banks for the five levels of certification has thousands of questions that are calibrated to entry level competency, and lead to certification that is legally defensible and psychometrically sound”.

How Entry Level Competency Is Determined

The NREMT sets the standards that determine whether or not an individual is allowed to work as an EMT. If you receive certification from the NREMT it means that you meet these requirements. However it is not the same as receiving a license to work as an EMT. Once you have received certification form the NREMT you will still be required to receive a license from your state in order to be allowed to work in that state as an EMT. You will need to go through the NREMT to receive your certification as examinations are based on practice through data obtained from the NREMT Practice Analysis. The psychomotor competency tests involved are also carefully developed and monitored.

How States Use The NREMT

There are a number of benefits for states who use the NREMT in order to certify their EMT workers. The 46 states that currently use the NREMT for this purpose have the following advantages:

• The EMT standards are the same across these states. The states that do not use the NREMT are inconsistent with each other and those states that do, making regulation difficult and statistical analysis a problem.

• States that you the NREMT standards can exchange EMT workers, while those that do not must develop and defend their own certification procedures. These certification procedures may not be recognized by other states, making it difficult for EMTs training there to move from state to another.

Why Re-certification Is Important

In order to continue working as an EMT in states that use the NREMT’s procedures you will need to seek re-certification every two years. The main reason for this is to ensure that the level of quality of the NREMT profession is kept high and that all employees in the profession are adhering to the same standards. To receive re-certification it is necessary to provide proof of continuing education. In addition you will have to demonstrate your competency in various areas of the EMT profession before you will be granted re-certification status by the NREMT. States that do not use NREMT procedures will also require re-certification, but the rules will differ and you will need to investigate the specific procedures required in your state.

Research Development

The NREMT has implemented a research program which exists specifically for the following purposes:

• To improve the medical emergency services in the USA
• To improve the functioning and procedures of the NREMT

Every year the Longitudinal Emergency Medical Technician Attributes and Demographics Study (LEADS) is conducted. The point of this survey is to describe the employees currently working as EMTs across the country. It basically serves a statistical purpose.  This survey provides useful information regarding the makeup of the EMT profession, including:

• Salary statistics of EMTs
• Job satisfaction statistics of EMTs
• Gender statistics of EMTs
• Age statistics of EMTs
• Work experience statistics of EMTs
• Ethnicity statistics of EMTs

Professional Accreditation

According to the NREMT website:

“The NREMT is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), the accreditation body of the National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA). The NCCA’s mission is to help ensure the health, welfare, and safety of the public through the accreditation of a variety of certification programs/organizations that assess professional competency. The NREMT is also affiliated with the Commission on the Accreditation of Allied Health Educational Programs (CAAHEP)”.

States that do not adhere to NREMT policies have to defend their own accreditation standards and these may not be recognized across the entire country.

The NREMT is a very well organized organization which is dedicated to the goals that it plans to pursue. Any EMTs who are in doubt about a procedure or policy simply need to refer to the NREMT website for clarity on the issue. In addition there are a number of resources provided to assist EMTs in their jobs and prospective EMTs in their path to becoming certified. The NREMT is the certifying agency for EMT workers and is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

The post The National Registry Of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) appeared first on Healthcare Careers Guide.

The EMT Oath

This is the oath for the EMT profession:

Be it pledged as an Emergency Medical Technician, I will honor the physical and judicial laws of God and man. I will follow that regimen which, according to my ability and judgment, I consider for the benefit of patients and abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous, nor shall I suggest any such counsel. Into whatever homes I enter, I will go into them for the benefit of only the sick and injured, never revealing what I see or hear in the lives of men unless required by law.

I shall also share my medical knowledge with those who may benefit from what I have learned. I will serve unselfishly and continuously in order to help make a better world for all mankind.

While I continue to keep this oath unviolated, may it be granted to me to enjoy life, and the practice of the art, respected by all men, in all times. Should I trespass or violate this oath, may the reverse be my lot.

So help me God.

If you feel unable to abide by this oath an alternative line of work should be considered.

The EMT Code Of Ethics

The EMT code of conduct or code of ethics is longer and includes the following ideas:

• Preserve life
• Do no harm
• Treat everyone with dignity
• Do not discriminate against patients for any reason
• Use the knowledge gained as an EMT in the best interests of the public and never in a way that will be detrimental
• Maintain confidentiality (there are very specific rules regarding this aspect of the ethical code)
• Maintain your level of competence and observe the competence of others
• Define and uphold professional standards
• Assume responsibility for your own actions

A more comprehensive account of the EMT Oath and Code of Conduct can be found by going to www.naemt.org.

Summary Of The EMT Oath And Code Of Conduct

Promote Health And Avoid Harm

The two main aspects, as mentioned in regard to the code of ethics above, of an EMTs job are:

• Promote health in a patient as far as is possible given the nature of the situation and the skills of the attending EMT
• Not causing any harm to a patient or to anyone else

All members of the medical profession are required to state that they will do no harm. There is no way in which you will be an effective medical professional if you cannot understand the need for protecting your patients by no harming them and, an extension of that principle, protecting them within the bounds of your job form incurring further harm. Two other principles involved here are:

• The fact that an EMT must treat anyone, regardless of age or race, and regardless of their own personal prejudices.

• The fact that an EMT must work with other professionals when necessary to preserve the life of the patient.

Paramedics And The Law

There are a number of aspects of the law that relate directly to paramedics and EMTs:

• As private citizens EMTs are expected to uphold the law at all times.

• In addition, as medical professionals, EMTs must engage in any legislative procedures that may arise as part of the profession. This could include things such as reporting unethical or illegal behavior on the part of a colleague. This also includes the stipulation that EMTs may not use their professional skills for illegal or immoral purposes.

When health care professionals break the law they struggle to recover from the resulting bad image that is created. It is highly likely that paramedics that do not yield to these stipulations will lose their jobs and may even be banned from seeking further employment in the EMT industry either for a set period of time or for the rest of their working lives. A firm understanding of the law and how it relates to you as an EMT is therefore an essential aspect of the EMT Oath and Code of Conduct.

Professionalism

EMTs and paramedics are professionals. This means that they are required to uphold a certain degree of professionalism in their daily dealing. Essentially EMTs and paramedics are required to:

• Maintain competence
• Uphold the highest standards of emergency care

If, for example, an EMT asks a bystander to help with a procedure, especially in cases where the task in question is one that legally has to be performed by a paramedic or EMT, that EMT is contravening both of the above stipulations. Firstly, by having a bystander help, the EMT is indicating to all present that he or she is not competent enough to perform the required tasks on his or her own. In addition this could compromise the level of care that the patient receives as the bystander will most likely have no medical knowledge or experience and therefore it cannot be guaranteed that they will provide the care accurately.

Scope Of Practice

There are several different levels of EMTs. Each of those levels carries with it a specific scope of practice. The scope of practice is basically a set of rules and regulations regarding what you may and may not do as an EMT at your level of qualification. The scope of practice could vary from state to state and EMTs who may perform certain tasks in one state may be unable to perform them in another. Consequently it is extremely important that you have a thorough knowledge of the particular scope of practice required in your state before beginning your career. EMT training programs always cover the scope of practice and make it very clear what an EMT can and cannot do. If you do not follow your scope of practice strictly it is similar to breaking the law. You may not perform a task that belongs to a professional at a higher level than yourself and you may not overstep your bounds for any reason.

Standard Of Care

An EMT is expected to perform actions that “conform with the reasonable level of skill, prudence, caution, and competence that could be expected under the circumstances.” In order to determine this, the EMT’s behavior will be compared to the behavior of other EMTs to see if there is a match. A large component of this aspect of expected ethical behavior is the question of whether or not the ERMT provided care in good faith and to the best of his or her ability. There are several situations where this will need to be determined:

• In cases where the EMT is the subject of a review for some or other reasons and the care that that EMT provides needs to be established as either being appropriate and in line with standards or inappropriate.

• In addition EMTs may be involved in legal proceedings, often as the result of a death of a  patient, and in those cases their standard of care will also need to be analyzed.

Duty To Act

This is one of the more ambiguous stipulations for EMTs. The basic idea is that the EMT is obligated to act and assist in any medical emergency whether they are on duty in their capacity as an EMT or not. Clearly failure to act while on duty as an EMT is a punishable offense and illegal. However failing to act when you are off duty and the witness to an emergency is often interpreted as being more of a matter of morality than of law. In these situations there is a very fine line between the two and if the situation goes to court you will most likely be treated as a lawbreaker even though you were not at that time on duty as an EMT. A natural affinity to help others is a personality requirement for the job, so you should not have much trouble acting when necessary.

To a large degree the ethical code outlined above is an obvious one for a profession such as emergency medical services. There is a certain code of conduct that we expect our medical professionals to follow instinctively, and people who are drawn to the EMT profession are generally those who already have a natural affinity for the ethical behavior listed above. However a set standard, in this case the EMT Oath and Code of Conduct, is required in order to be certain that everyone is sure of where the line is drawn in terms of what you can and cannot do as an EMT.

The post EMT Oath And Code Of Conduct appeared first on Healthcare Careers Guide.

The History Of The EMT Profession

The history of the EMT profession is a fairly long one, but at the same time it can be said that this profession has not been around for a very long time, at least in comparison to some of the other professions that are out there. The main aim of the EMT profession, which can be inferred from the EMT history, as well as the EMS profession in general is to reduce unnecessary injuries and deaths. There is a huge demand for professionals in this line of work. In fact there are more job openings than professional EMTs to fill them. As a result many EMT training programs offered at the moment are not as comprehensive as they once were on the basis that the courses have to be cut short to get more professionals into the field more quickly.

Early Years Of EMT History

In the early years of EMT history (before the 1960s) there were two major leaps forward in the area of emergency medical services:

• Initially hearses were used in order to transport sick people to hospitals or to their homes simply on the basis that the cars were long enough for the stretchers. The funeral workers had no medical training but this did point out the need for special vehicles for the purpose.

• The Second World War resulted in another leap forward as rescue teams began to crop up in various places. However there were no standards in place and pre-hospital care, as it was known at the time, consisted well-intentioned but uncoordinated efforts. Coordinated efforts to provided emergency medical services were not established until the 1960s.

Emergency Care In The 1960s

By the 1960s there were come standards in place. However these standards for emergency medical care only existed in six different states and, like with all things related to the medical field in the US, each of these states had subtly different standards by which it expected its EMTs to function. There were still two major problems at this point:

• Ambulances were not yet suitable for transporting patients effectively and safely and could not accommodate all of the equipment necessary.

• Only a few ambulances at the time had radio access, making it difficult to communicate with hospitals regarding EMS care.

Perhaps the biggest problem at this stage was the fact that a large number of EMTs working in the emergency medical services during this time period had no medical training at all. Even those who had training were not what you could call experts.

1966 Milestones

In 1966 a number of important milestones for the EMT profession were reached which changed the way emergencies were dealt with from thereon out. The first event which occurred in 1966 was a report published by the National Academy of Sciences recommending extensive regulations and methodologies aimed at improving the nation’s ambulance system. This was largely in response to the fact that, the year before the report was published, more people died as the result of car accidents (mainly due to not receiving medical aid quickly enough) than had died in the Vietnam War. The second even that occurred in 1966 was the creation of the U.S. Department of Transportation which aimed to implement training standards for emergency responders as well as advanced education regimes for emergency medical technicians and other emergency respondents.

Continued Developments

After that there were a number of important developments in EMT history that made a substantial difference to how the profession operated and was viewed:

• 1967: The first authoritative textbook for emergency personnel (“Emergency Care and Transportation of the Sick and Injured”) was written by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.

• 1973 (1997 for official registration): the EMT symbol, the Star of Life, was designed (this symbolizes detection, reporting, response, on-scene care, in-transit care and “transfer to definitive care)

• 1973: The EMS System Act was enacted, funding 300 regional EMS systems

All of these changes show a gradual shift towards viewing the EMT profession as a separate career path and a separate discipline that needed its own rules and its own symbolism. As you can see many of the major changes in EMT history happened fairly recently.

National Standards

Three important events took place in 1975 which have a huge bearing on EMT history. Firstly the American Medical Association acknowledged emergency medicine as a specialty, secondly the University of Pittsburgh established the first EMT training course, and last but not least an association for the profession was founded. This association was known as the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians. These three precipitating events gradually led to the standardization of practice procedures in emergency medical settings and the profession gradually became formalized with its own set of rules to follow.

• 1977: The National Association of EMS Educators was created
• 1978: The Journal of Emergency Medical Services began publication
• 1978: The American Ambulance Association was formed
• 1982: EMS funding and authority was placed in the hands of states and local government (and still does today)

Modern Paramedics

The paramedic profession today has take the role of the EMT one step further in that they are allowed to provide care other than that which is required in emergency medical situations. The actual role of a modern paramedic differs from state to state, but it is generally accepted that they have greater standing and more authority than the average EMT. If, however, the history of the EMT profession is anything to go by we can expect further developments to take place. In the future EMTs may have the same training and standing as paramedics have today and paramedics themselves may be required to receive advanced medical training that will put them on the same level as nurses or perhaps even doctors. The important thing to note it that EMT history is in the making today and there is plenty of room for growth in the industry.

The History Of The Emergency Medical Service

We rely heavily on the emergency medical services provided for us in this country and we expect to be able to get hold of an emergency response team by simply pushing a few buttons on our phone and making a call. However this service is something that only came into being relatively recently. The end of the 18^th century saw the first major moves towards a cohesive medical emergency response system while the services that we take for granted today have only been around since the 20^th century. The history of the emergency medical services is a brief one, but it is nonetheless extremely interesting despite its brevity. As with EMT history, we can expect to see further advances in EMS history as time passes and better technology is developed globally.

Origins

There are a number of events in history that show that for most of our existence human beings have been concerned with caring for patients who suffer medical emergencies. Let’s look at two main examples:

• In biblical times a story is told of the Good Samaritan who helps an injured man and takes him to an inn, leaving instructions for his care.

• In 1090 (the Middle Ages) the Order of St. John was created by a group of knights who later became known as the Knights Hospitaller. These knights dedicated themselves to treating injuries on the battlefield.

However these are examples of isolated events that did not represent coordinated action to establish a standardized system for assisting people in medical emergencies. This was not to develop for many years after the Knights Hospitaller made their mark on the world.

First Ambulance

Let’s turn now to the first official ambulance that was created and used for the purpose of emergency medical response services. Technically speaking this is not what we think of when we hear the word ambulance today. The first vehicle used for the transport of injured or ill people to a place where they could be treated (which matches out modern day understanding of the term ‘ambulance’) was used during the Napoleonic wars. Dominique-Jean Larrey, Napoleon Bonaparte’s most trusted physician, created the “flying ambulance” that was a horse-drawn carriage that carried soldiers who had been wounded or who had fallen ill to a place where they could be treated for their injuries or illnesses. Although this is still far removed from we see as an ambulance today the idea did lay the groundwork for the invention of modern day ambulances.

Ambulances At Turn Of 20th Century

Slowly but surely ambulances as we know them today began to emerge. Generally speaking ambulances are owned and supplied by each individual hospital. The following is a list of hospitals in the US that began the trend of owning vehicles specifically for the transport of injured and ill individuals:

• The Commercial Hospital (now the Cincinnati General Hospital), Cincinnati, Ohio: In 1865 this hospital employed its first exclusive vehicle for patient transportation.

• Bellevue Hospital, New York City: The first hospital believed to carry its own medical equipment in the vehicle used for patient transportation.

• Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, and New York City hospitals: These hospitals introduced the first motorized ambulances that ran on electricity at the beginning of the 20th century.

As a result of this ambulances became the norm and eventually developed into the state of the art vehicles we have today.

“The White Paper”

The National Academy of Sciences released a report entitled: “Accidental Death and Disability: The Neglected Disease of Modern Society” which basically did a very good job of highlighting everything that was wrong with the medical emergency services at the time. And there was plenty wrong. The main problem that was highlighted as a theme throughout the document was that people were dying unnecessarily simply because they were not receiving help fast enough. The report, written in 1966 and known as the “White Paper” among EMT professionals prompted a revolution in terms of how the emergency medical services were run. Stronger standards were put into place and more training for EMTs and paramedics became required. Through the changes instigated by this report emergency medical services slowly started to transform into the system that we have today.

Emergency Medical Services Today

Emergency medical services as we know them today are based on a widely accepted and global standard of emergency care. Care is offered through EMS on three levels:

• Standard care
• Basic life support
• Advanced life support

EMTs and paramedics are the main workers in EMS and nurses and doctors usually have contact with the EMS system. Their contact is, however, minimal and involves taking over patients that have been delivered from the scene of the accident or other medical emergency. The EMS system cannot be taken for granted. Only a very short while ago people in this country did not have access to the care that we accept as a norm. EMTs are important members of the medical profession.

EMT history is interesting to those who have a genuine passion for this line of work. In addition it is often a requirement that you know a certain amount about the history of the EMT profession in order to pass your EMT examination. The history of the emergency medical system is also an important one to know in order to have a full appreciation for what EMTs do and what their purpose and overall position in society is. Studying EMT history may not be the most important part of being an EMT, but many believe it to be necessary in order to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the profession.

The post Looking Closely Into The EMT History appeared first on Healthcare Careers Guide.

Training for the various EMT levels is offered by community colleges, vocational schools and various other institutions of learning such as universities and technical institutes. The minimal qualification needed in order to study to become an emergency medical technician is a high school pass with at least one science subject. Applicants for EMT courses must also be in possession of a driver’s licence, be physically fit,  and not have a criminal record.

EMT Responsibilities

Emergency Medical Technicians are responsible for the lives of those to whom they attend at the scenes of accidents or tragedies, and they must be able to perform the duties required as per their EMT levels.

In order to do this they must be able to:

• Drive an ambulance swiftly yet carefully
• Assess a patient’s condition and administer the necessary medical assistance
• Work quickly and efficiently
• Maintain calm and composure
• Protect the scene where someone has died as a result of an accident or crime
• Determine to which hospital a patient should be transported
• Notify the medical facility for immediate action and advise them of the patient’s condition upon arrival
• Provide a record of the patient’s first assessment, condition whilst being transported and condition upon arrival at the medical facility
• They must clean and disinfect the ambulance after delivering the patient and do a quick inventory, replacing supplies used, and change the blankets
• Administer medication as required and as per their level

Emergency Medical Technicians must have good eyesight, be able to read a map, have good communication skills, be physically fit and be aware of and abide by medical ethics and procedures.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) – Basic

An EMT-Basic is a member of the emergency response team who has completed the first of the EMT levels, the approved basic EMT course, which is typically around 150 hours in length and has passed certification and registered with the NREMT.

EMT-Basics are often the first on the scene and they provide the most basic form of emergency care to patients. They are often exposed to stressful, sometimes dangerous situations, disease, life-or-death situations, and even combative patients sometimes.

EMT-Basic Education Requirements

Applicants should have a high school diploma or equivalent and many programs also require the applicant to complete a preliminary emergency medical course and to have a valid cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification.

EMT-Basic Certification

In order to gain National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians certification at this level, the program must comply with the EMT-Basic National Standard Curriculum as detailed by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Courses generally offer both academic (classroom) training and hands-on training in a medical facility.

The programs for Basic EMT levels are generally one semester long and consist of training in the following:

• Anatomy
• Ambulance operations
• Cardiac emergency care
• Hazardous material management
• Human biology
• Medical terminology
• Patient assessment
• Patient transport techniques
• Pediatric emergency care
• Trauma injury treatment procedures

Once they have completed the course, EMT-Basics must pass the NREMT examination in order to get licensure.

EMT – Basic Duties

EMT-Basics respond to emergencies and assess the conditions of patients on the scene. They are trained to assist with basic life-support and also possess the skills to treat trauma, poisonings, respiratory problems, diabetic problems, and behavioral problems, environmental, allergic and cardiac emergencies. They are also trained in childbirth techniques and can transport patients from an emergency scene to a medical facility and transport patients between medical facilities.

EMT-Basics usually work in pairs; one drives whilst the other sits in the back with the patient and monitors their vital signs and provides any ongoing treatment whist on the way to the medical facility. They keep accurate records and provide vital information to the staff at the medical facility when delivering the patient.

EMT-Basic Employment Outlook And Salary

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for all EMT levels should grow by around 9% in the 2008-2018 decade. Employment in local governments and independent rescue agencies is highly sought after for the great incentives they offer.

According to May 2010 BLS statistics, the annual median salary of EMT-Basics is $24,070. The lowest 10% earned an annual salary of $19,710 and the highest 10% earned $36,370 per annum.

EMT – Basic Continuing Education

EMT-Basic is the lowest of the EMT levels and is generally the prerequisite for the higher levels which are EMT-Intermediate and Paramedic. Some schools offer associate degree programs at the paramedic level.

EMT-basic re-certification requires 72 hours of continuing education; there is also an exam option. EMTs must complete 24 hours of the 24 hour DOT National Standard EMT-Basic Refresher and 48 hours of additional continuing education.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) – Intermediate

The second of the EMT levels is the Intermediate EMT, sometimes referred to as EMT- Advanced. The Intermediate EMT is an individual who has usually completed both the EMT-Basic course as well as an advanced course, which is approximately 250 hours long and has gained certification and registered with the NREMT.

As the designation suggests, the EMT-Intermediates provide a higher level of care and as such are trained in more techniques.

EMT – Intermediate Education Requirements

One must have finished the EMT-Basic level, have a CPR certification and be licensed by NREMT in order to be admitted into the intermediate training.

EMT- Intermediate Certification

The intermediate level is the only one of the EMT levels which is divided into two levels; the EMT-Intermediate 85 and the EMT-Intermediate 99. Intermediate courses include classroom instruction, labs and clinical experience.

The intermediate course builds on the knowledge gained in the basic training and includes additional training in specialized techniques:

• Advanced life support
• Advanced airway care
• Handling and maintenance of ECG machines
• Medication administration
• More advanced skills in the use of intravenous fluids
• Patient assessment
• Patient transport and fluid therapy
• Specialized training in intravenous therapy

Once you have completed the course you will need to pass the NREMT examination in order to get licensure.

EMT- Intermediate Duties

The EMT-Intermediate performs some of the same duties as the EMT-Basic, but they also perform more advanced medical and emergency interventions. They are trained in the use of manual and automatic defibrillators, CPR, splinting, non-visualized airways, the administration of nitro-glycerine, bandaging, epinephrine with an Epi-Pen, aspirin, and activated charcoal, oxygen administration, intravenous access (IV), emergency childbirth, and cardiac monitoring.

EMT- Intermediate Employment Outlook and Salary

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the growth rate for all EMT levels is set to rise in the next decade due to an increasing call volume by the country’s aging population.

The average salary of an EMT-Intermediate ranges from $25,000 to $39,500. The median annual salary for an intermediate EMT is $34,000. Salaries vary according to geographic location, experience and certifications.

EMT- Intermediate Continuing Education

EMT-Intermediate re-certification requires 72 hours of continuing education, which needs to consist of 36 hours of approved refresher courses and 36 hours in of continuing education in airway, trauma, medical emergencies, pediatrics, breathing, cardiology, and operational tasks. Applicants for re-certification may opt to take a cognitive competency exam, but they may only take this once and must complete it six months prior to certification expiration.

Emergency Medical Technician – Paramedic

A Paramedic is the highest of the EMT levels, and is the designation awarded to an individual who has completed an approved EMT Course plus a Paramedic Course which is typically around 1,500 hours. Paramedics are at the forefront of just about each and every medical emergency, big and small, constantly making life-and-death decisions that impact the lives of thousands of people annually.

EMT- Paramedic Education Requirements

The leap to the top tier of the EMT levels is substantial. Paramedics get an education that provides them with a broad-spectrum of knowledge and skills in pre-hospital emergency care principles.

In order to enroll in a paramedic course individuals are required to have completed their studies in EMT-basic or intermediate, or both.

EMT- Paramedic Certification

Paramedic courses consist of lectures, hands-on skills training and clinical and/or field internships; they can be between 1,200 to 1,800 hours and generally take between 18-24 months to complete.

Paramedics are trained in all of the BLS skills and in advanced skills such as:

• Advanced airway management, including surgical airways
• CPAP and Rapid Sequence Induction
• Intravenous access
• Intraosseous access, which involves placing a needle in a bone and using the bone marrow as a fluid and medication route
• Pharmacology (LifeMed’s paramedics have access to close to 40 medications)
• Pleural decompression – a treatment to re-inflate collapsed lungs
• The use of manual defibrillation
• Transcutaneous cardiac pacing
• The use of 12 lead ECGs

Once training is finished you will need to pass either the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians-Paramedic exam or a state specific exam in order to get certified and gain licensure. Paramedics typically receive certification in pre-hospital trauma, advanced cardiac life support, and pediatrics.

EMT- Paramedic Duties

Paramedics can and often do perform all of the same tasks as the other two EMT levels do, but are also trained and licensed to perform more invasive tasks as well.

Typically, a paramedic’s duties may include:

• Administering oral and intravenous medications as required
• Administer cardio pulmonary resuscitation
• Administering and interpreting electrocardiograms (EKGs)
• Assessing the nature of a patient’s illness or injuries on site
• Utilizing specialized equipment to immobilize a patient before transporting him or her to a medical facility for further medical treatment
• Checking a patient’s vital signs
• Driving an ambulance
• Monitoring a patient’s vital signs and administering care and medication on the way to the medical facility
• Reporting observations about a patient to hospital emergency room personnel on arrival at the facility
• Performing endotracheal intubations

EMT- Paramedic Employment Outlook and Salary

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an employment growth of all EMT levels of approximately 33.3 % between 2010 and 2020, which will add another 75,400 more professionals to the 226,500 positions currently held in this field.

According to May 2010 BLS statistics, the annual median salary of EMT-Paramedic is $39,764. The lowest 10% earned an annual salary of $34,931 and the highest 10% earned $51,370 per annum. Salary does depend a lot on geographic location though, as is demonstrated by the fact that the annual median wage of a paramedic in Tacoma Washington is $65,880, and a paramedic in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho is $62,070.

Paramedics often study further and eventually become dispatchers, supervisors, operations managers, or administrative director or executive director of emergency services. Some paramedics even become physician’s assistants or decide to share their many years of experience and vast knowledge by becoming instructors.

EMT- Paramedic Re-certification

Re-certification as a paramedic requires the completion of 72 continuing education hours which must include 24 hours of continuing EMS-related education as well as 48 hours of DOT National Standard Paramedic Refresher.

Individuals at this, the highest of the EMT levels, also have the opportunity of taking an exam in lieu of completion of the re-certification report documenting continuing education hours.

In order to work in any of these EMT levels, one needs to be licensed. Licensure requirements do differ somewhat by state, so it is imperative that you enquire as to the licensing requirements in the state in which you intend to work. Most states require all EMT levels to pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians exam. Licenses generally have to be renewed every two or three years.

The post Facts About The Different EMT Levels appeared first on Healthcare Careers Guide.