Job Description

Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) provide the vital service of caring for and transporting the sick or injured to a medical facility. An EMT is responsible to assess a patient’s condition and vital signs; manage respiratory, cardiac and trauma emergencies; and provide care at the scene of an accident and en route to the hospital. An EMT may drive an ambulance or work as a fire fighter, police officer or ER technician.

EMTs are trained in use of backboards, suction devises, splints, bandaging, oxygen delivery systems, CPR, automatic external defibrillators, stretchers and extrication. They commonly deal with bleeding, fractures, airway obstruction, cardiac arrest and emergency childbirth. An EMT needs emotional stability, good dexterity, good eyesight with accurate color vision, agility, physical coordination, and the ability to lift/carry heavy loads. An EMT typically values both the excitement and challenge of emergency situations and the opportunity to help others.