Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) are healthcare heroes who can be relied on in case of emergencies. They get respect for their coolness and competence in the face of a crisis. This is a highly rewarding entry-level healthcare career. It also serves as a stepping stone to more responsible positions in emergency response or medicine.
If you’re looking to make a career as an EMT then keep reading. This guide will explain everything about what an EMT is, what they do, and how to become one.
Role of EMTs
EMTs are entry-level healthcare providers. They respond to life-threatening medical emergencies. EMTs are usually the first to arrive on the scene and treat patients who have injuries or issues caused by age or illness. They provide basic life-saving care. But they are responsible for transporting individuals to hospitals or other medical facilities where they can receive advanced care, in addition to providing.
EMTs work to stabilize patients until they can be taken to the hospital. It includes:
- Wrapping wounds
- Performing CPR
- Stabilizing broken bones or injuries related to head or neck
- Administering medications
- Dealing with and preventing shock
- Administering oxygen
7 main responsibilities of EMTs
The job of an EMT is both physically and emotionally demanding. They work full-time and are always on duty for private ambulance companies, hospitals, or fire departments. Usually, their shifts run around the clock. They are commonly required to be always on-call. Their 7 main responsibilities are:
- Operating and driving emergency vehicles to and from accidents and locations where people have been injured or ill, and also from one facility to another.
- Determining the seriousness of an emergency and whether additional assistance is required on the scene.
- Checking patients’ condition and responsiveness.
- Mitigating incidents through crowd control and other similar tasks designed and performed to restore calm and safety.
- Helping other first responders and emergency medical personnel.
- Organizing patient reception at medical treatment facilities.
- Completing patient care reports and other paperwork.
Become an EMT with these 5 steps
This section answers your question about how to get EMT certified. Here are the 5 five steps to becoming a certified EMT:
Step 1: Get a diploma in GED or high school.
To become an EMT, you must have a high school diploma or your General Education Development (GED) certificate. Though the job is critical and necessitates extensive knowledge and training, it does not necessitate a college degree.
Step 2: Learn CPR and earn your CPR certification.
Not all EMT training programs require applicants to pass a CPR certification exam before admission. But it is a good idea to have completed a training program before applying. CPR training programs are widely available.
American HealthCare Academy offers high-quality online and blended CPR courses. The program is designed and conducted by OSHA-certified industry experts. The course is free to take, and you also get a free mailed in-wallet card. You can also obtain a certification after passing the test with the required score. You just have to pay a nominal fee to get your certificate which is valid for 2 years. After 2 years, you can take the recertification as well.
Step 3: Select an EMT Program.
Finding a state-approved certification program is the next step in becoming an EMT. Community colleges, trade schools, and emergency care training academies all offer these classes. To ensure that the program you choose provides the necessary training and preparation, make sure it is listed on the website of the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
Step 4: Enroll in and complete an EMT program.
Expect to spend approximately six months in a certified EMT program learning the essential skills and information required to perform all EMT duties and safety procedures.
Step 5: Clear the EMT Certification Exams.
Aspiring EMTs must pass two tests after completing the program:
– A 2-hour cognitive exam conducted by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.
– A psychomotor exam conducted by the state’s emergency management services training program.
What’s the Difference Between an EMT and a Paramedic?
One of the most significant differences between EMTs and paramedics is their level of education and training. For example, to become a paramedic, you must have at least six months of work experience in emergency care. EMTs, on the other hand, do not require any prior medical experience to find work.
Conclusion
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the demand for emergency medical technicians will increase by 6% over the next ten years. Because there will always be a demand for skilled professionals who can respond to emergencies, this is a stable career with good job prospects. Learn CPR and jumpstart your journey toward your desired career. Register with American HealthCare Academy today!
