*Job
Description:
Paramedics and EMT's (Emergency Medical
Technician) along with Fire Fighters
are one of the first
response emergency units at vehicle accidents, victims of heart
attacks, shootings, etc and their quick response and emergency medical
services training can save lives on the scene that wouldn't have made
it to the hospital emergency room.
Paramedics and EMT's
determine the seriousness of the patients situation and give proper
emergency care. Those with minor injuries may be treated by a paramedic
at the location without having to transport them to the hospital. More
serious problems can be carried out under the guidance of a doctor via
radio.
There are generally two EMT's
or Paramedics that work as a team as one drives and the other keeps
check on the patients vital signs. They will help transport the patient
into the emergency room and give the emergency staff workers the
details; what they observed and what procedures they performed on the
patient. After the EMT's and Paramedics restock their supply and check
their equipment they're back out on call.
There are 4
levels EMT's and Paramedics are qualified and trained at. 1st
responder: Trained to give basic emergency medical care. EMT-1: Trained to care for patients at the scene of an
accident and while transporting patients to the hospital. They are also
trained in cardiac arrest and trauma emergencies. EMT- 2 and 3: They
have more advanced training that permits them to administer intravenous
fluids, the use of manual defibrillator to give shocks to a stopped
heart and apply airway procedures to help patients experiencing
breathing emergencies. EMT- 4: They have the most advanced training of
EMT's and Paramedics. They are trained in all 4 levels of emergency
care including administering drugs, reading EKG monitors and performs
endotracheal intubation.
*Education/Training:
A high
school diploma is usually required. Then some formal training and
certification is needed to become an EMT or Paramedic. Basic training
generally focuses on respiratory therapy, trauma and cardiac
emergencies. The training is often combined with time in an emergency room or ambulance. The most advanced level
of training is EMT-Paramedic. At this level they will have an associate
degree in applied science. They will receive additional training and
learn more advanced skills as new technology and procedures grow. They
will have to re-register usually every 2 years and be working as an EMT
or Paramedic.
*Job
Outlook:
Employment of EMT and
Paramedic opportunities is projected to grow 27% and higher through
2014. These medical emergency jobs will be in high demand.
*Working
Conditions:
The job of EMTs and Paramedics
is often grueling and backbreaking work. They're working in all types
of weather and being exposed to diseases such as Hepatitis-B and Aids;
dealing with all types of people-drug addicts and mentally unstable
patients. EMTs and Paramedics have irregular working hours because of
emergency situations occurring 24 hours a day. They often work between
45 and 60 hours a week.
*Estimated
Average Annual Earnings:
$25,310. A
paramedics salary depend on area location as well as how much training
and experience one has.
