An Emergency Medical Technician is an emergency responder trained to provide medical services to the critically ill and injured. The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians recognizes three levels of EMT, the first being EMT-B (Basic). The Basic EMT curriculum covers the fundamentals of medical care, CPR, bleeding control, fractures, treatment of shock, childbirth, traction, splinting and airway management.

Upon completion of the program, the graduate must take a certification examination. Regardless of the level of training, an EMT's responsibilities are governed by state regulations. CPR certification must be maintained.

Duties:

• Respond to emergency calls

• Assessment

• Render basic emergency care to adults, infants and children in
  accordance to laws governing EMT-B's

• Opening and maintaining airways

• CPR

• Control hemorrhage

• Treat shock

• First aid procedures

• Oxygen administration

• Handling emergency vehicles according to policy

• Assist in childbirth, management of respiratory, cardio, diabetic,
  allergic, behavioral and environmental emergencies

Working Conditions:

• Work inside and outside

• May be exposed to infectious diseases

• May encounter violent behavior

• Face life and death issues on a daily basis

• Work under stress and emergency conditions

• Schedules may be strenuous - 24 on and 24 off

• Possess good verbal and written communication skills

Physical Demands:

• Work is both physically strenuous and stressful

• Great amount of standing, kneeling, bending and lifting

• On call for extended periods of time

Characteristics and temperament:

• Must be emotionally stable

• Requires good dexterity, agility and physical coordination

• Be able to remain calm

• Must react quickly

• Must be able to work with a diverse population

• Team player

Employment Outlook:

• Leads to advanced placement in an EMT program

• Work available in rural and urban settings

• May be employed by Emergency Medical Services, private ambulance
  services, fire departments

• Many EMT-B's work with volunteer fire departments and
  rescue squads