Jenny Luna

Taylor-Rogers

3rd/ World Literature

May 16, 2018

Career Research

I have decided to become an EMT. An EMT is an Emergency Medical Technician also

known as a paramedic. EMT’s are first responders to emergency medical situations. They

respond to a variety of emergencies the most common being; car accidents, births, violent

trauma, heart attacks and other cases of accidents. EMT’s work to the best of their ability to be

able to stabilize and transport the patient to the best hospitals with the best treatment equipped.

EMT act fast in treating the patient with the tools they have, you must be quick to think of a

solution to properly aid the patient.

To become an EMT you must have your high school diploma or a GED also you should

take courses that relate to the field such as: human anatomy, biology, and physiology. Other

requirements include being eighteen years of age or older, having a clean record, acquiring the

necessary skills for the field, and this is optional but knowing a foreign language can benefit in

assessing a patients needs. You must next become certified in CPR, by taking an EMT course

class if not the American Heart Association, and Wilderness Medical Associates offer

inexpensive CPR classes.

The next step to becoming an EMT is receiving your EMT certification. There are four

levels of an EMT they are: EMT-R, EMT-B, A.E.M.T, and EMT-P. EMT-R are first responders.

EMT-B known as EMT- basic are taught different tasks including dealing with fractures,

bleeding, cardiac emergencies and respiratory emergencies. A.E.MT are intermediate EMT’S
with basic training and the addition of 30 to 350 training hours. You'll also learn to administer

intravenous fluids, some medications and manage more advanced equipment. The highest level

of being an EMT is EMT-P known as a certified trained paramedic. Paramedics are trained,

usually at community colleges, in anatomy and physiology. In some cases, paramedics are

awarded associates degrees for their training.

For all levels of EMT you must complete the National Registry exam, the exam includes

both cognitive and psychomotor sections and uses computer-adaptive technology to tailor

questions based on student response. Candidates have three opportunities to pass the exam, with

a 15-day waiting period required between each attempt. If a student does not pass by the third

attempt, remedial training may be required. Once successful, professionals are required to be

recertified every two years.

The exam covers the entire spectrum of EMS care including: Airway, Respiration &

Ventilation; Cardiology & Resuscitation; Trauma; Medical; Obstetrics/Gynecology; EMS

Operations. Items related to patient care are focused on adult and geriatric patients (85%) and

pediatric patients (15%). In order to pass the exam, candidates must meet a standard level of

competency. The passing standard is defined by the ability to provide safe and effective entry

level emergency medical care.

You must also successfully complete a state-approved Emergency Medical Technician

(EMT) psychomotor examination. Speak with your instructor or State EMS Office about the

format and logistics of completing a state-approved Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

psychomotor exam. Emergency Medical Technician psychomotor examinations are not

administered by the National Registry.

 According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), EMTs and paramedics earn an

annual average salary of $34,030. On Salary.com, that number is a little higher for paramedics

specifically, averaging out to $38,347. That salary figure equates to a monthly pay of $3,196, a

weekly pay of $737, and an hourly wage of $18.44. Depending on your location your salary may

also vary. A paramedic salary allows you and your family to live comfortably while you do one

of the most important jobs in America.