EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIANS

Nature of the Work

Automobile accident injuries, heart attacks, near drownings, unscheduled childbirths, poisonings, and gunshot wounds all demand urgent medical attention.  Emergency medical technicians (EMT's) give immediate care and then transport the sick or injured to medical facilities.

Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement

Formal training is needed to become an EMT.  EMT-Basic training is 100 to 120 hours of classroom work plus 10 hours of internship in a hospital emergency room.  Training is available in 50 States and the District of Columbia, and is offered by police, fire, and health departments; in hospitals; and as a nondegree course in colleges and universities.

EMT-Intermediate training varies from State to State, but includes 35-55 hours of additional instruction in patient assessment as well as the use of esophageal airways, intravenous fluids, and antishock garments.  Training programs for EMT-Paramedics generally last between 750 and 2,000 hours.  Refresher courses and continuing education are available for EMT's at all levels.

Job Outlook

Employment of EMT's is expected to grow faster than average for all occupations through the year 2005.  Driving the growth will be an expanding population.  Also, the number of older people, who are more likely to need emergency services, is increasing rapidly.

Opportunities for EMT's are expected to be excellent in hospitals and private ambulance services, where pay and benefits usually are low.  Competition for jobs will be keen in fire, police, and rescue squad departments because of attractive pay and benefits and good job security.

Earnings

Earnings of EMT's depend on the employment setting and geographic location as well as the individual's training and experience.  According to a survey conducted by the Journal of Emergency Medical Services (JEMS), average starting salaries in 1993 were $20,092 for EMT-Ambulance or Basic, $19,530 for EMT-Intermediate, and $24,390 for EMT-Paramedic.  EMT's working in fire departments command the highest salaries.

Sources of Additional Information

Information concerning training courses, registration, and job opportunities for EMT's can be obtained by writing to the State Emergency Medical Service Director.

General information about EMT's is available from:

National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, 9140 Ward Pky., Kansas City, MO 64114.


