A vocation as Paramedic or EMT - Emergency Medical Technician for the right person can be rewarding and full of excitement. They are responsible for saving people daily people respect and admire them. It's a job that requires one to be quick on his/her feet and think fast in stressful situations. Because of the importance this career holds it requires a lot of training in order to become a EMT or paramedic.

EMTs and Paramedics are called upon to attend to victims of accidents, drownings, childbirth and violence.. Paramedics work in conjunction with fire departments or emergency 911 dispatchers. When arriving at the scene they assess the situation and the extent of injury or illness. They determine if transporting the patient to the medical facility or treating them is the best option. Should the victim require emergency room treatment and transport, the Emergency Medical Technician then transfer patients to the emergency room, report the situation to the emergency room staff, provides any other necessary emergency treatment.

The Paramedic specialization has differing levels, but all must have the skills to evaluate the emergency scene, perform basic life support skills, assist with childbirth, administer oxygen and perform CPR. Although a GED or high school diploma is needed to begin the process, after that a student can complete a certified Emergency Medical Technician program, usually a 6-month to 2-year certificate, diploma or online associate degree program depending on the level of certification. EMT Basic is the first level of the Emergency Medical Technician system. Physical examinations, assessing trauma, administering oxygen, airway maintenance is covered in the Basic EMT course of study with practical experience as well.

The EMT Intermediate (EMT II and EMT III) cover more sophisticated education and thus have more responsibilities. These levels of certification allow an EMT to use a defibrillator, use advanced airway intervention to assist in breathing, as well as give IV treatments. Paramedics (EMT-paramedic) with the most training more procedures and treatments can be given by these EMTs
EMTs of all levels must have good physical strength and skills. Good vision and emotional stability are important. Adverse weather conditions will not affect the work of an EMT and kneeling, heavy lifting and bending are also part of the job. EMTs employed by fire departments work 40-50 hours per week; those employed by hospitals frequently work between 40-60 hours per week; and those employed by private ambulance services work between 45-50 hours per week.

The US Department of Labor predicts career opportunities for EMTs will grow faster than average through the year 2014. With population growth and more people living in cities the need for paid EMTs is increasing. EMTs can be employed by ambulance services, clinics, hospitals and fire departments as well as hospitals. The highest pay and most demand will be for the hopeful with the more advanced EMT certifications.

Paramedic Wages

The AMA states that average EMT pay is between $40,000-$46,000 per anum.