EMT

Last updated 10/11/10 Elizabeth

**__JOB DESCRIPTION__**

EMT’s provide vital service as they treat, care for, and transport the sick or injured to a medical facility. They are normally dispatched by a 911 operator on the scene where they work with various workers such as firefighters and policemen. Upon arrival, an EMT must evaluate the patient’s severity. After determining whether or not the patient has any previous medical conditions, the EMT follows protocol and guidelines as they transport them to a medical facility.

**__BEST PART OF JOB__**

Many EMT’s find the work exciting and challenging and enjoy the opportunity to help others.

**__WORST PART OF JOB__**

Many EMT’s, at one time or another, will be exposed to communicable diseases, such as hepatitis-B and AIDS, as well as to violence from mentally unstable or combative patients. The work is not only physically strenuous but can be stressful, sometimes involving life-or-death situations and suffering patients.

__**SALARY RANGE**__:

The average annual salary for EMTs at all levels of training was $31,980 in 2008, and the median salary was $29,330, says the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

**__EDUCATION__**

A high school diploma is usually required to enter a formal emergency medical technician training program. Training is offered at progressive levels: EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate, and Paramedic. Top schools for an EMT in New York are CUNY Borough of Manhatten Community College where 19,259 are enrolled, Monroe Community College where 17,482 are enrolled, and CUNY LaGuardia Community College where 15,159 are enrolled.

**__FOR MORE INFORMATION__**

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**__SOURCES__** "Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics." //U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics//. Ed. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 17 Dec. 2009. Web. 11 Oct. 2010. . "New York EMT And Paramedics: Schools and Careers." //City Town Info - U.S. Cities, Jobs and Careers, and College Search//. Ed. Accredited Business. CTICareerSearch, 2010. Web. 11 Oct. 2010. .

**__INTERVIEW__**

__**Name and title of Individual Interviewed, Date of Interview,**__ Wendy Emmett EMT 11/07/2010

__**Occupation/Employer of Individual**__ EMT, Northern Dutchess Paramedics

__**Recommended Educational/Training path**__ EMT basic class (approx 4 month class), extensive continuing education classes along with keeping up to date on the newest tecnology and changes to the medical profession. CPR training.

Great communication skills and extensive medical terminology and clinical skills along with the ability to be compassionate and sympathetic to the people you treat and interact with.
 * __Most Valuable Skill for the Job__**

__**Outlook for this Profession for the Future**__ The outlook for this profession is great. The medical profession is a very stable job choice. There will always be people in need on medical treatment especially in the area of emergency medical treatment. With the deline in volunteer service in the fire departments and rescue squads there is a greater need for private ems companies. Emergency medical services is the first line of treatment in the care of patients outside the hospital setting, were time is the essence there is great need for adequate personnel so that the response time to an emergency is immediate.