Emergency Medical Technician

To be a successful Emergency Medical Technician 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

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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.

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.

Other workplace settings:

• Ambulance Companies
• Rescue or Aeromedical Services
• Hospital Emergency Rooms
• Private Industry
• Educational Institutions
• Government Agencies

What is the average annual salary?

$44,780

What is the future of this career?

Overall employment of EMTs and paramedics is projected to grow 6 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 19,200 openings for EMTs and paramedics are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

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.

Where can I get the education and/or training?

• CT State Asnuntuck
• CT State Manchester
• CT State Middlesex
• CT State Northwestern
• CT State Norwalk
• CT State Quinebaug Valley
• CT State Tunxis
• Yale New Haven Hospital

Do I need a license or certification for this career?

Certification is required in the state of Connecticut. Prerequisite: Connecticut requires U.S. D.O.T., EMT-B training program; State practical and written exam.

Please visit the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health website for more information.

Where can I get more information?