Description of the Occupation - An emergency medical technician (EMT) is a member of the pre-hospital team, providing care to patients who may call for an ambulance due to sudden illness or injury. An EMT cares for a variety of illnesses and injuries, simple to complex, in the out-of-hospital setting. An EMT must be able to take vital signs, splint injuries, do CPR, assist patients with medications, apply oxygen, lift and extricate patients out of their homes and use the automated external defibrillator. EMTs may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens and potentially hazardous materials. The EMT must possess the knowledge and skills consistent with the certification from the Department of Health. The EMT must have a good disposition and good communication skills with patients in adverse settings. An EMT needs to be flexible, as situations can change in a moment's notice.

The EMT must have the ability to stand, walk, lift, and carry patients out of buildings and down steps. The EMT needs the physical and psychosocial skills to care for patients with sudden illnesses or injury. The EMT must develop patient rapport with patients of different cultural, socioeconomic and age groups.

Places of Employment and Outlook - EMT/paramedic is the third fastest growing occupation requiring post-secondary or associate's degree training in Pennsylvania 2002-2012. Job opportunities are excellent. Some facilities will pay for the candidate's training. Nursing homes, long-term care facilities, hospitals, and special needs homes.

Salary Range - $28,526 median salary in Harrisburg April 2009 from www.salary.com for emergency medical technicians.

Educational Advancement -Upon completion of this program and with completion of a GED or high school diploma, a student may want to consider taking HACC's paramedic, practical nurse or nursing program. Completion of this certificate program, current PA EMT Certification and approximately 100 documented emergency calls may allow articulation of 4 credits* (EMS 131 and EMS 132) toward the Paramedic Associate Degree or Certificate.

Related Websites For Additional Information About The Career
Career Infonet with salary and job outlook statistics, career video and licensing requirements
Emergency Health Services Federation
WWW.ROLLWITHIT.com (Video and career information)
Pennsylvania Emergency Health Services Council