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To
be a successful Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic
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.
- Be willing to learn and continue to learn.
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| What
type of education and/or training do I need?
Formal training and certification is needed to become
an EMT -Basic, Intermediate, or Paramedic.
The most advanced level of training for this occupation
is EMT-Paramedic. The Paramedic Technology program usually
lasts 1400 hours. Extensive related coursework and clinical
and field experience is required. |
| Do
I need a license or certification for this career?
Licensure is required in the State of Connecticut. Prerequisite:
Connecitcut requires US DOT EMT-Intermediate Training
Program. |
| 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
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| What
is the salary for this career? $31,200 -
$47,840 (Source: 2003 Connecticut Hospital
Association Compensation Survey) |
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| What
will my job be like? EMT-Paramedics respond
to health care crises such as heart attacks, unexpected
childbirth, car accidents, and fires. Paramedics 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, EMT-Paramedics are told how to proceed with
medical care. They perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation),
control bleeding, place splints on broken bones, and check
pulse and respiration.
EMT-Paramedics provide the most extensive pre-hospital
care. In addition to performing the procedures already
described, paramedics may administer drugs orally and
intravenously, interpret electrocardiograms (EKGs), perform
endotracheal intubations, and use monitors and other complex
equipment. |
| Where
could I work? EMT-Paramedics work both indoors
and outdoors, in all types of weather. EMTs and paramedics
work 40+ hours per week. Some of these workers, especially
those in volunteer departments, are on call for extended
periods. Because emergency services function 24 hours
a day, EMTs and paramedics have irregular working hours
that add to job stress.
EMT and paramedic 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, challenging and enjoy the opportunity
to help others.
Workplace settings:
- Ambulance, Rescue or Aeromedical
- Hospital Emergency Rooms
- Private Industry
- Educational Institutions
- Government Agencies
- Fire Departments
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| What
is the future of this career? Employment of
EMT-Paramedics 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
- St. Francis Hospital, Hartford
- St. Vincent's College, Bridgeport
- Three Rivers Community College, Norwich
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