EMT stands for an emergency medical technician. EMTs are trained to think and respond quickly in emergency medical situations – specifically traumatic injuries and accident scenes. Many EMTs are found working in an ambulance and are often employed by private ambulance services, governments, hospitals, fire departments, and police departments. Many people are firefighters/EMTs or police officers/EMTs. EMTs most likely will be supervised by a medical director or a physician.
Job Overview
On average, EMTs make around $15 per hour
There are three levels of training for EMTs
With training, emergency medical technicians can become paramedics.
What do EMTs do?
Many people can go their entire career without making a life-or-death decision at work. Most EMTs can’t spend a single day without making one.
Emergency medical technicians are primary responders in times of medical emergencies. They respond to all medical emergencies, but the most regular are violent traumas, car accidents, childbirth, accidents and heart attacks.
EMTs are usually dispatched by emergency operators. After arriving on the scene, they coordinate with other emergency personnel (police and firefighters) to stabilize and transport patients to hospitals well equipped to treat them.
How much do EMTs make?
Careers in the US:
The average pay for all emergency medical technicians is around $15 per hour. EMTs with more experience or in areas with high demand can earn up to $24 per hour.
The median pay for emergency medical technicians is $17.65 per hour, or $36,750 annually, as reported by the BLS in May 2020. This means that half of the EMTs make less than that, and half earn more. Paramedics can make as much as $31.26 per hour, or $65,500, annually. EMTs can make an additional income by working on special events or holidays. The states with the highest pay for emergency medical technicians and paramedics include Maryland, Nevada, Washington, Alaska and Delaware.
Careers in Europe:
General EMTs make in the range of £21,578 and £27,905. Team EMTs, who have more education and skills have more responsibility, are paid between £25,785 and £34,535.
Careers in Asia:
The salary level will also vary depending on what organization or company you choose to work for as well. The monthly salaries will vary between $1,856 and $2,485 (Singapore). The more precise skillset that you are equipped with, the more money you will get paid on a monthly basis.
What are the qualifications to be an EMT?
To be an emergency medical technician, you’ll need a GED or high school diploma and formal emergency training. There are three levels of EMT training. The EMT-basic covers a variety of multiple tasks, including dealing with fractures, bleeding, cardiac emergencies and respiratory emergencies. To complete the necessary coursework you’ll need to pass the state written and practical exam.
The EMT-intermediate training requires basic training and the addition of 35 to 360 training hours. You’ll also learn to administer some medications, intravenous fluids, and manage more advanced equipment.
The paramedic is the highest level of training. Paramedics are trained, usually at community centres/ colleges, in physiology and anatomy and. In some instances, paramedics are awarded associates degrees for their training and finish the program prepared to take their National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT)to be a licensed paramedic.
Career paths for EMTs
Many EMTs choose to stay in their roles for extended periods, but advancement opportunities do exist. Some emergency Medical Technicians decide to become administrative directors and managers, while others pursue careers in teaching. Those who grow fatigued of the demanding field can become physician assistants or dispatchers. Many people also work as Emergency Medical Technicians as a first step into healthcare jobs such as doctors or registered nurses.
[ Read: Steps to Become a Physicians Assistant ]
The future of EMTs
The BLS expects an increase in emergency medical technician positions over the 2020-2030 decade. The increased need for EMTs is primarily due to ageing baby boomers. In addition to higher call volume, emergency medical technicians also have to spend longer with every patient once they reach the emergency cabin due to insurance paperwork and overcrowding. The longer each emergency medical technician spends with each patient, the more need there is for additional personnel to manage subsequent calls(1).
[ Read: How to Become an EMT? ]
Years of Experience
The practical nature of an emergency medical technician or paramedic position means that experience builds seasoned skills and confidence. Emergency medical technicians often go on to become paramedics. Similarly, it’s common for paramedics to become registered nurses specializing in emergency room care.
Job Growth Trend
The growth pattern for EMTs and paramedics is expected to be fifteen percent from 2016 to 2026, more than the average growth for other occupations.
