Emergency Medical Services
Medical professionals providing emergency services play a critical role in every person's life. Without them, countless will either die or become permanently disabled. It is because of their on-spot and timely expert services that many recover from their injuries, and wounds, later going back to their normal lives. Out of these medical experts, emergency medical technicians (EMTs) stand apart.
Why Become An EMT
Anyone wanting to perform the following should think about becoming an emergency medical technician:
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Respond to 911 calls
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Help a patient through cardiopulmonary resuscitation or bandaging a wound
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Assess and determine a course of treatment for a patient
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Follow the approved and time-tested guidelines in providing better medical services to patients
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Help a patient in keeping him/her still and safe in an ambulance through the proper use of backboards
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Help transfer a patient to a hospital and report their observations and treatment to the medical staff
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Keep the medical equipment hygienic through cleaning and proper disposal of the used equipment
Since it is not an ordinary job but rather a stressful and challenging job therefore those with the following personal traits and qualities may excel in the profession:
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Compassion
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Speaking skills
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Problem-solving skills
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Physical strength
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Listening skills
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Interpersonal skills
EMT Salary
In addition to serving humanity, EMT's also make a decent living by earning a median annual salary of $30,360 (true as of May 2010 - The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS))
Job Outlook
BLS predicts a fantastic growth in the sector. EMT jobs are expected to grow at the rate of 33 percent from 2010 to 2020. This is 33 percent faster growth then the average for all other professions. Few other sectors will grow at the same rate from 2010 to 2020. Therefore, those who are thinking of long-term job prospects with no extensive formal schooling, must think about becoming an EMT.
How Long Does It Take To Become An EMT
It is not possible to become an EMT overnight. EMT's are high school graduates and hold a cardiopulmonary resuscitation certificate. Formal training programs are offered by community colleges, technical institutes and others. All certification exams are conducted by The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). In addition, all states require EMT's to be licensed. Each state has its own requirements for obtaining an EMT license to practice. In some states, those with an NREMT certification will get the license as well, while other states may require an applicant to pass an exam. Some of the prerequisites to applying for an EMT license are:
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Applicant to be more than 18 years of age
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Clear background checks
An EMT's job is one of the most challenging jobs around, requiring him/her to work overnight and weekends. Plus, they are trained to handle life and death situations without losing their calm and composure. They may be exposed to dangerous diseases and combative patients, etc. Therefore, only those with the abovementioned personal traits and qualities must think about pursuing a career as an emergency medical technician.