Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) provide emergency treatment to individuals
who need immediate medical attention prior to arriving at a medical facility.
EMTs are dispatched by 911 operators to emergency scenes usually by ambulance
or helicopter. Upon arriving at an emergency scene, EMTs must use critical thinking
skills to assess and evaluate the condition of the individuals involved. EMTs must
then provide the appropriate emergency care at the scene and while in transport to a
medical facility. EMTs have general emergency care guidelines that they follow.
However, advanced medical care may require an EMT to take directions from a
physician via a radio. After arriving at a medical facility, EMTs help transfer
patients from the ambulance or helicopter to the emergency or trauma care areas.
Once inside the facility, the EMTs must report the condition of the patients and
any medical procedures that have already been performed.
EMTs may provide care in emergency situations such as automobile accidents, fires,
heart attacks, crime scenes, etc. They may assist in childbirth, control the
bleeding of a wound, shock a heart into beating again, help an individual in
respiratory distress, perform CPR, etc. EMTs work for various places to include
hospitals, ambulance agencies, flight crews, government agencies, etc.
In terms of educational requirements, there are four levels of EMTs with
responsibilities increasing from one level to the next, each requiring more
education then the previous level. The four levels are (1) First Responders, (2)
EMT ? Basic, (3) EMT ? Intermediate, and (4) EMT ? Paramedic. For example, the (4)
EMT ? Paramedic can pass medications through IV?s while an (1) EMT ? Basic cannot.
The EMT-Paramedic has the highest level of education, which can usually be
accomplished within a two-year time frame.
After a level of education is completed, individuals must become certified in
order to practice at that level. In the majority of states, The National Registry of Emergency
Medical Technicians (NREMT),
registers EMTs by offering examinations at each level of training. However,
some states give their own certification examinations through state certifying
agencies. In the state of Ohio, individuals become certified through the NREMT.
For additional information on becoming an EMT, please visit the
National Association of Emergency
Medical Technicians.
