Emergency Medical Services

Programs Offered:
• Emergency Medical Technician Basic (CSC)
• Emergency Medical Technician Intermediate (CSC)
• Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic (CSC)
• Paramedic Associate of Applied Science (AAS)

EMT PARAMEDIC AAS/CSC

EMT INTERMEDIATE CSC

What do Emergency Medical Technicians do?

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, people’s lives often depend on the quick reaction and competent care of emergency medical technicians (EMT's) and paramedics. The EMT-Basic represents the first component of the emergency medical technician system. An EMT-B is trained to care for patients at the scene of an accident and while transporting patients by ambulance to the hospital under medical direction. The EMT-B has the emergency skills to assess a patient’s condition and manage respiratory, cardiac, and trauma emergencies.

The EMT-Intermediate has more advanced training that allows the administration of intravenous fluids, the use of manual defibrillators to give lifesaving shocks to a stopped heart, and the application of advanced airway techniques and equipment to assist patients experiencing respiratory emergencies. EMT-Paramedics provide the most extensive pre hospital care. In addition to carrying out the procedures already described, paramedics may administer drugs orally and intravenously, interpret electrocardiograms (EKGs), perform endotracheal intubations, and use monitors and other complex equipment. 
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What is the job outlook for Emergency Medical Technicians?

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment of emergency medical technicians and paramedics is expected to grow much faster than the average.
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What are the average salaries for EMT(s)?

The U.S. Department of Labor reports earnings of EMT's and paramedics depend on the employment setting and geographic location as well as the individual’s training and experience. Median annual earnings of EMT's and paramedics were $25,310 in May 2004.
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What are the working conditions?

EMT's and paramedics work both indoors and outdoors, in all types of weather. They are required to do considerable kneeling, bending, and heavy lifting. These workers risk noise-induced hearing loss from sirens and back injuries from lifting patients.
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What do Emergency Medical Technicians do?

In an emergency, EMT's and paramedics typically are dispatched to the scene by a 911 operator, and often work with police and fire department personnel. Once they arrive, they determine the nature and extent of the patient’s condition while trying to ascertain whether the patient has preexisting medical problems. Following strict rules and guidelines, they give appropriate emergency care and, when necessary, transport the patient. Some paramedics are trained to treat patients with minor injuries on the scene of an accident or at their home without transporting them to a medical facility. Emergency treatment for more complicated problems is carried out under the direction of medical doctors by radio preceding or during transport.

EMT's and paramedics may use special equipment, such as backboards, to immobilize patients before placing them on stretchers and securing them in the ambulance for transport to a medical facility. Usually, one EMT or paramedic drives while the other monitors the patient’s vital signs and gives additional care as needed. Some EMT's work as part of the flight crew of helicopters that transport critically ill or injured patients to hospital trauma centers.

At the medical facility, EMT's and paramedics help transfer patients to the emergency department, report their observations and actions to emergency room staff, and may provide additional emergency treatment. After each run, EMT's and paramedics replace used supplies and check equipment.



What is the job outlook for Emergency Medical Technicians?

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, for all occupations through 2014, as full-time paid EMT's and paramedics replace unpaid volunteers. As population and urbanization increase, and as a large segment of the population—aging baby boomers—becomes more likely to have medical emergencies, demand will increase for EMT's and paramedics. There will still be demand for part-time, volunteer EMT's and paramedics in rural areas and smaller metropolitan areas.

Job opportunities should be best in private ambulance services. Competition will be greater for jobs in local government, including fire, police, and independent third-service rescue squad departments, in which salaries and benefits tend to be slightly better. EMT's and paramedics who have advanced certifications, such as EMT-Intermediate and EMT-Paramedic, should enjoy the most favorable job prospects as clients and patients demand higher levels of care before arriving at the hospital.

What are the average salaries for EMT(s)

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the middle 50 percent earned between $19,970 and $33,210. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $16,090, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $43,240. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of EMT's and paramedics in May 2004 were:

Those in emergency medical services who are part of fire or police departments receive the same benefits as firefighters or police officers. For example, many are covered by pension plans that provide retirement at half pay after 20 or 25 years of service or if the worker is disabled in the line of duty. 

What are the working conditions?

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, EMT's and paramedics may be exposed to diseases such as hepatitis-B and AIDS, as well as violence from drug overdose victims or mentally unstable patients. The work is not only physically strenuous, but can be stressful, sometimes involving life-or-death situations and suffering patients. Nonetheless, many people find the work exciting and challenging and enjoy the opportunity to help others.

EMT's and paramedics employed by fire departments work about 50 hours a week. Those employed by hospitals frequently work between 45 and 60 hours a week, and those in private ambulance services, between 45 and 50 hours. Some of these workers, especially those in police and fire departments, are on call for extended periods. Because emergency services function 24 hours a day, EMT's and paramedics have irregular working hours.