Paramedic

To be a successful 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 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.

Other workplace settings:

• Ambulance, Rescue or Aeromedical
• Educational Institutions
• Hospital Emergency Rooms
• Government Agencies
• Private Industry
• Fire Departments

What is the average annual salary?

$36,700

What is the future of this career?

According to the BLS, employment of EMTs and paramedics is projected to grow 11 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 20,700 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 -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.

Where can I get the education and/or training?

• Capital Community College, Hartford
• Norwalk Community College, Norwalk
• University of New Haven, West Haven
• Yale University, New Haven

Do I need a license or certification for this career?

Licensure is required in the state of Connecticut. Prerequisite: Connecticut requires U.S. D.O.T. EMT-Intermediate Training Program, and pass two assessments.

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

Where can I get more information?

National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians
PO Box 772000
Detroit, MI  48277
(614) 888-8920
www.nremt.org

National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians
PO Box 1400
Clinton, MS  39056
800-34-NAEMT
www.naemt.org