Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics provide pre-hospital emergency medical care and services to those who have been victimized by all manner of traumatic events, such as auto accidents, heart attacks, slip and fall incidents, victims of criminal activities or gunshots, poisonings, fires, unscheduled childbirths, and countless more.

In most cases they are dispatched by 911 operators to the scene of the accident where they work with other responders such as police and firefighters. The primary aim of the EMT upon arrival is to assess the physical damage, identify pre-existing conditions, and then follow CPR and first aid guidelines, emergency care and transport to the nearest medical facility. They typically operate in an ambulance or other emergency transport vehicle under the direction of a physician.

Equipment used by EMTs and paramedics typically consists of stretchers and backboards for carrying and transporting patients to the ambulance, along with other emergency medical service supplies. They generally work as a team with one EMT charged with driving the vehicle and another monitoring vital signs and the condition of the patient. Some EMTs are members of a helicopter flight crew responsible for quickly transporting patients to emergency trauma centers.

Once they arrive at the medical facility, EMTs and paramedics help usher the patient to the emergency room or department while informing the hospital staff on the condition of the patient. At this point they may be needed for additional care. In some cases, EMTs may be required to transport patients from one facility to another, as would be the case if the patient needs special or extended care.

As can be imagined, EMTs are required to work at all hours of the day or night since emergency services operate around the clock. They also work both indoors and out, and in any weather conditions. The job is demanding both physically and mentally as it is somewhat stressful dealing with possibly violent or combative patients, often during life or death situations.

EMTs and paramedics differ in qualification and training primarily – as there are several levels within the EMT profession. In most states all levels are generally referred to as EMTs, while only the most highly trained and credentialed are given the title of “paramedic”.

As stated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) certifies emergency medical service providers at five levels: First Responder; EMT-Basic; EMT-Intermediate (which has two levels called I/85 and I/99) and Paramedic. Some States, however, have their own certification programs and use distinct names and titles.

Here are the five EMT levels along with a brief explanation of each below:

• EMT First Responder – This is the entry level EMT whose responsibilities include responding to medical calls, composing medical and activity reports, controlling access to the accident scene and performing other duties as required.
• EMT Basic – This level is the first response of the emergency medical system is trained to care for accident victims at the scene, and then transport them by ambulance to the hospital under the direction of a senior medical professional. They can assess and monitor a patient’s respiratory and cardiac condition.
• EMT Intermediate – This level of EMT training is more advanced than Basic, but the general job description is very similar. The specific duties and responsibilities vary greatly, depending on the state. There are actually two intermediate categories labeled I/85 and I/99, which makes a total of five EMT levels as stated above.
• Paramedic – Paramedics are the most highly trained within the EMT profession and are responsible for carrying out the functions of the previous levels, with the added function of administering medications, interpreting electrocardiograms (EKGs), and handling other sophisticated medical equipment.

As of 2008, EMTs and paramedics occupied 210,700 jobs in the US, mostly centered in large metropolitan areas. Most EMTs and paramedics are volunteers in rural areas with small towns and only respond to a few emergencies per month. The majority of EMTs and paramedics are employed by three groups – 45% by ambulance services, 29 percent in local government and 20 percent work in hospitals.

The EMT and paramedic profession can be extremely rewarding for the kind of person who enjoys an exciting and rewarding career, along with the incomparable satisfaction of helping save lives.

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