What Does an EMT Do, and How Much Do They Make?

In desperate situations, EMT's and Paramedics are usually dispatched by way of a 911 operator to the scene where they often work together with police and fire fighters. After they arrive, they rapidly assess the patient's condition while attempting to determine if the individual has any pre-existing medical ailments. Following protocols and guidelines, they offer emergency care and transport the sufferer with to a nearby hospital or medical facility.

EMT's and Paramedics use special equipment, such as backboards, to immobilize patients before placing them on stretchers and securing them inside the ambulance for transport to a hospital. This work is normally carried out in teams. During patient transport, one person drives while the other monitors the patient's vital signs and provides additional care. Some highly trained Paramedics are part of a helicopter's flight crew to quickly transport critically ill or injured patients to hospital trauma centers.

At the medical facility, EMT's and Paramedics help transfer patients towards the emergency department, report their observations and actions to emergency department staff, and may provide additional emergency treatment. After each run, the trip is documented, used supplies are replaced, and equipment is checked. If a transported patient has a contagious disease, the inside of the ambulance is decontaminated and cases are reported to the proper authorities.

EMT's and Paramedics also provide transportation for patients from one medical facility to another, particularly if they work under private ambulance services. Patients often have to be move to a hospital that specializes in treating their injury or illness in order to provide them with long-term care, such as assisted living facilities.

Beyond these general duties, specific responsibilities depend on the degree of qualification and training. The nation's Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) certifies emergency medical providers at four levels: EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate 1985, EMT-Intermediate 1999, and Paramedic. In most states, NREMT approved courses are available at community colleges and private training facilities to prepare for certification at all four levels.

Salaries vary with respect to the state and amount of training achieved. The national average salary, including EMT's of all levels, is $33,020 annually. Top earners on this profession earn typically $51,460 a year and up. Additionally, there is a great chance for overtime pay as demand for services is consistently increasing because of the growing and aging US population. No matter the salary, becoming an EMT or Paramedic is a superb way to start a career where you can help make an improvement inside your community and save lives!