Emergency Medical Technician EMT, Paramedic

Being An Emergency Medical Technician Or EMT Paramedic Is An Exciting Job...

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Emergency Medical Technician

When a person has a medical emergency, the first medical personnel on scene are often the ones who are vital to keeping them alive. Becoming an emergency medical technician is a very rewarding and stimulating career choice. The available positions are many and it's very lucrative in terms of economics. Understanding what is required to become a medical technician is important.

EMT Paramedic Certification

There are actually four different types of certification a person can receive if they want to become an emergency medical technician. The first level only offers limited responsibilities. It's called Level 1 in most states and means that the individual is a first responder. The second level of training is basic training and the third and fourth levels are called intermediate and paramedic respectably. Many people enter the field as a basic emergency medical technician and then pursue further training from there.

Each day brings a new experience when working as an emergency medical technician. After a call comes in on the area's 911 line, an ambulance is sent out. The ambulance typically contains one technician who is certified at the paramedic level and another who is a first responder, basic or intermediate level technician. In addition to responding to calls to automobile accidents, the EMT can also expect to be called to many other situations.

Emergency Medical Technician Job Description

One common situation that a medical technician may respond to is an expectant mother in labor. One of the skills that a technician is taught is how to deliver an infant. Even though the paramedic is present, and the technicians are in close contact with a doctor, they are responsible for assisting with the labor at times. This sometimes happens when the baby is already crowned and delivery is imminent. Without the necessary time needed to transport the mother to a hospital, the baby will be delivered by the technicians.

Slip and fall injuries are also common in the world of an EMT. When someone falls and is injured it's important for those responding to understand the possible complications of moving them without added support. The medical technician will aid any other emergency personnel who are on scene, including firemen, with transporting the patient to the hospital.

Heart attacks, gun shot wounds and difficulty breathing are some of the other circumstances that an EMT may find they will be called to. This is one job where it's almost impossible to have two days that are exactly the same.

Great communication skills are obviously necessary to succeed at this job. It's also important that the EMT be able to handle pressure well and that they respond calmly in the face of an emergency. Ongoing training is recommended every few years so that the technician is constantly abreast of any advances within their field of expertise.

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