F ew professions are as physically demanding and stressful—or as rewarding—as that of an emergency medical technician.

EMTs usually work in teams of two in specially designed ambulances that are dispatched to the scene of emergencies. Once there, EMTs stabilize, then transport, the victim as quickly as possible to a hospital.

To become an EMT, students must go through a three-tiered certification process. With each subsequent level, the EMT gains additional responsibilities.

• EMT-Basics may open airways, restore breathing, control bleeding, and provide basic life-support care.
  
• EMT-Intermediates may administer intravenous fluids, use manual defibrillators to give lifesaving shocks to a stopped heart, and provide other intensive-care procedures.
  
• EMT-Paramedics are trained to provide the most extensive emergency care. They may administer drugs, interpret electrocardiograms, and use monitors and other complex equipment to save lives.

Typically, students have a high-school diploma and are at least 18 years old to be eligible to become an EMT. Training prerequisites typically include driver’s education and health/science courses. The EMT-Basic certification requires 110-120 hours of classroom work plus 10 hours of internship in a hospital emergency room. The EMT-Intermediate classification typically includes 35-55 hours of additional instruction beyond the basic training. EMT-Paramedics. Once EMTs are certified, they must be recertified every two years for national certification.

Working as an EMT is very stressful—not surprising, given the “life or death” nature of the work. Many EMTs eventually leave field work and become supervisors, operations managers, or administrative directors. Some EMTs become instructors, firefighters, or dispatchers. Others return to school to become registered nurses, physicians, physician assistants, or other health-care workers.

Career outlook The employment outlook for EMTs is very good. EMTs held about 191,000 jobs in 2004 (the most recent year for which statistics are available). EMT positions, once mostly volunteer, are now becoming paid, professional positions in most cities and towns.

About four out of 10 emergency medical professionals work for private ambulance services. About three out of 10 work for fire departments, public ambulance services, and EMS. Another two out of 10 work in hospitals, responding to calls in ambulances or helicopter transports. The remainder worked in various industries providing emergency services.

An expanding population, particularly in older age groups that are the greatest users of medical services, is also contributing to growth opportunities in this field. In 2003, the average annual salary for an EMT-Basic was approximately $22,460, while the annual salary for an EMT-Paramedic averaged $37,760.

If you’re looking for a job in the health professions that’s high in excitement and responsibility, investigate becoming an EMT.

For more information, contact the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, 132 A East Northside Drive, Clinton, MS 39060, 800-346-2368; you can also visit their website at www.naemt.org or the Emergency Medical Services office for your state.

Article courtesy of www.careersandcolleges.com