EMTs and Paramedics
Projected Job Growth in This Field is 19% Over Next Decade
Jobs in the health field continue to grow as other fields decline. If you're looking for a recession-proof job, consider becoming an EMT or paramedic.
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) and paramedics are important members of the health care team. They are dispatched to emergencies of all kinds which most often include motor vehicle accidents, gunshots, childbirth, slips and falls and heart attacks or strokes.
Where They Work
EMTs and paramedics work for fire and police departments, hospitals, and public and private ambulance services. A decreasing number are unpaid volunteers. This is primarily due to the fact that technology has significantly widened the horizon and scope of this job and with it the training and education required. EMTs and paramedics assess and treat patients at the scene of the accident or illness under the direction of ER physicians or specially trained RNs. They transport parients in an ambulance or helecopters to the hospital and report to the ER staff.
Levels of Responsibility and Training
There are four levels of EMT ranging from First Responder to level IV EMTs who are paramedics. The First Responder is basically allowed to assess a scene and provide first aid or perform CPR. The training is 110 hours. The intermediate EMT 2 or 3 requires an additional training of 35-55 hours in starting and administering IVs, administering oral medications, interpreting EKGs, inserting a breathing tube (Intubation) and using a defibrillator.
The fourth level EMT is a paramedic who has had an additional 700 to 1000 hours of training which includes continuous employment with an internship consisting of hospital and field supervision. This typically takes two years and the graduate earns an associate's degree in applied science.
Licensure and Certification
Licensure requirements vary by state, but all 50 states in the U.S. require EMTs to be certified by written and practical examination which is administered either by a state agency or the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). The specific tasks each level of EMT is allowed to perform may vary by state as well. Recertification is required every 2 years.
EMTs are available 24/7 and therefore work various shifts to provide this coverage. They also rotate to cover weekends and holidays. Most work 45-50 hours per week. The job requires a lot of kneeling, bending, and lifting. EMTs work indoors and outdoors in all kinds of weather and conditions.
Salaries
In May, 2006, the median salary reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics was $27,070. The range of salaries reported was from $17,300 to $45,280. Benefits vary by employer. Those who work for fire and police departments for example are usually covered by a retirement plan that will pay half their salary after 20-25 years of service; or in the event of disability or death in the line of duty.
Job Outlook
Due to an aging population and growing need for more and better health care, the job outlook for EMTs and paramedics is very good. This is due to a need for more EMTs and paramedics as well as a need to replace those who will be retiring. Job growth in this field is expected to increase by 19% from 2006 to 2016.
