 |
To
be a successful EMT you should:
- Have the ability to understand and follow instruction.
- Have the ability to drive under adverse conditions.
- Have the ability to work in a stressful environment.
- Have the ability to make good decisions and use personal
judgment.
- Have the ability to apply interpersonal and patient
skills with all age groups, including pediatric and
geriatric patients as well as bystanders.
- Have excellent listening skills.
- Have the ability to lift, move, and secure patients.
|
| What
type of education and/or training do I need?
Formal training and certification is needed to become
an EMT or EMT-Intermediate. Training is offered at progressive
levels: EMT-Basic, Intermediate, or Paramedic. EMT-Basic
represents the first level of skills required to work
in the emergency medical system. EMT-Intermediate training
requirements vary from state to state. Basic EMT education
requires 140 hours of training along with 20+ hours of
clinical observation time on ambulances and in local emergency
rooms. |
| Do
I need a license or certification for this career?
Certification is required in the State of Connecticut.
Prerequisite: Conecticut requires US DOT, EMT-B training
program; State practical and written exam. |
| Where
can I get more information? National Association
of Emergency Medical Technicians
PO Box 1400
Clinton, MS 39056
(800) 34-NAEMT
www.naemt.org
National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians
PO Box 29233
Columbus, OH 43229
(614) 888-4484 www.nremt.org |
| What
is the salary for this career? $24,960-$37,440
(Source: 2003 Connecticut Hospital Association
Compensation Survey) |
|
| What
will my job be like? Emergency Medical Technicians
(EMTs) respond to health care crises such as heart attacks,
unexpected childbirth, car accidents, and fires. EMTs
use their knowledge and skills to provide basic and advanced
life support to seriously ill or injured patients before
these patients reach the hospital. Under the direction
of a physician, EMTs are told how to proceed with medical
care. They perform CPR, control bleeding, place splints
on broken bones, and check pulse and respiration.
The EMT-Intermediate has more advanced training that
allows administration of intravenous fluids, and use of
advanced airway techniques and equipment to assist patients
experiencing respiratory emergencies.
Workplace settings:
- Ambulance Companies
- Rescue or Aeromedical Services
- Hospital Emergency Rooms
- Private Industry
- Educational Institutions
- Government Agencies
|
| Where
could I work? EMTs and EMT-Intermediates work
both indoors and outdoors, in all types of weather. EMTs
work 40+ hours per week. Some of these workers, especially
those in police and fire departments, are on call for
extended periods. Because emergency services function
24 hours a day, EMTs have irregular working hours that
require a significant time commitment.
The EMT's work is not only physically strenuous, but
may also be stressful, involving life-or-death situations
and suffering patients. Nonetheless, many people find
the work exciting and challenging, and enjoy the opportunity
to help others. |
| What
is the future of this career? Employment of
EMTs is expected to grow faster than average through 2008.
Much of this growth will occur as positions change from
volunteer to paid and as the population grows. Most opportunities
for EMTs and paramedics are expected to arise in hospitals
and private ambulance services. |
Where
can I get the education and/or training?
- Capital Community College, Hartford
- Naugatuck Valley Community College, Naugatuck
- Norwalk Community College, Norwalk
- Three Rivers Community College, Norwich
|
|
