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What is an EMT?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

An emergency medical technician (EMT) is a trained professional who responds to emergency medical situations, such as car accidents, fires, or injuries occurring in homes or workplaces. Many assume that all people in this profession are paramedics, but this is not the case. They are classified in levels, depending upon their degree of training. Only EMT 4s are considered paramedics.

EMT 1s are often the first technicians to arrive at the site of an accident. They have been trained in basic CPR and first aid. Virtually all firefighters and police officers have at least level 1 training. Since firefighters are generally the first to arrive at the scene of an accident, such training is necessary to assess the situation and call for further help.

EMTs, or Emergency Medical Technicians, respond to health emergencies that take place away from a hospital.
EMTs, or Emergency Medical Technicians, respond to health emergencies that take place away from a hospital.

In some cases, people with serious illnesses who are prone to frequent emergency hospitalizations may make arrangements with their fire departments to request ambulance service at the time of any emergency. This is generally only allowable in small towns, and depends largely on the cooperation of local firefighters. This request is made because an EMT 1 may not be able to adequately address the needs of someone with a medical emergency. Time can be vital, and an EMT with further training may be needed immediately.

An EMT must know how to perform CPR.
An EMT must know how to perform CPR.

When an ambulance arrives, it is generally staffed with at least one person with EMT 4 training. The other ambulance driver may be classified as level 2 or 3. Sometimes, ambulances are staffed with two paramedics, depending upon availability and the nature of the emergency.

EMT 2 or 3 training is considered intermediate. These technicians can use defibrillators to help shock a heart back into normal sinus rhythm. They can insert catheters to give a patient intravenous fluid. They also perform CPR and assess victims for any trauma to the body. EMT 2 or 3 technicians can place patients with suspected head or neck trauma on a backboard and transport them. Their assessment of patients is valuable when the patients are transferred to hospitals.

Paramedics have a higher level of certification than EMTs.
Paramedics have a higher level of certification than EMTs.

Professionals with level 4 classification are paramedics. In addition to being able to provide the above services, paramedics can perform some fairly complex medical procedures in the field. They are allowed to give medications to allay pain, or to assist someone with cardiac difficulties. They can also perform emergency tracheotomies or intubations to help restore normal breathing. The information from an EMT 4's assessment helps the hospital prepare for treatment of anyone with severe injuries or illness.

Patients with suspected head or neck injuries are placed on a backboard by level 2 or 3 EMTs.
Patients with suspected head or neck injuries are placed on a backboard by level 2 or 3 EMTs.

All EMTs require training. Most emergency workers in any field hold EMT 1 status, and training may be included in their education in other fields. People with classifications of 2, 3, and 4 usually go to school and receive at least an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science. Some paramedics further study to receive a Bachelor’s Degree.

EMTs are not rewarded monetarily for their jobs, which in fairness should offer hazard pay. The top salaries for most EMTs are relatively low. Often, firefighters and police officers are more appropriately compensated. An EMT may be required to respond to emergencies that carry great risks, such as transporting people with serious and contagious illnesses, or picking up injured people in dangerous neighborhoods.

When possible, firefighters and police officers try to remove elements of danger before the EMT arrives. This is not always possible, though, and hence the work involves risk to health and livelihood on a regular basis.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent TheHealthBoard contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent TheHealthBoard contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

medicchristy

@shenifadc: To obtain a degree in EMS, you would normally follow the general core curriculum for the college of your choice. On top of EMS courses, other courses necessary would be history, college math, English, and other general education courses.

Obtaining a degree in EMS does not generally grant an increase in pay unless you decide to be an instructor.

shenifadc

What types of classes would you take if you want to get a degree in Applied Science?

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    • EMTs, or Emergency Medical Technicians, respond to health emergencies that take place away from a hospital.
      By: Tyler Olson
      EMTs, or Emergency Medical Technicians, respond to health emergencies that take place away from a hospital.
    • An EMT must know how to perform CPR.
      By: daviles
      An EMT must know how to perform CPR.
    • Paramedics have a higher level of certification than EMTs.
      By: corepics
      Paramedics have a higher level of certification than EMTs.
    • Patients with suspected head or neck injuries are placed on a backboard by level 2 or 3 EMTs.
      By: corepics
      Patients with suspected head or neck injuries are placed on a backboard by level 2 or 3 EMTs.
    • There are four levels of EMT, all with different levels of training.
      By: gwimages
      There are four levels of EMT, all with different levels of training.
    • An EMT may administer intravenous fluids to a patient.
      By: ShpilbergStudios
      An EMT may administer intravenous fluids to a patient.
    • EMTs may drive ambulances to the scene of an accident.
      By: maxim1804
      EMTs may drive ambulances to the scene of an accident.