You can be part of a team that saves lives in the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) industry. As an EMT or Paramedic, you’ll respond to different patients in different situations each day, making your job challenging but rewarding.
EMTs work for various organizations, including fire departments and hospital emergency rooms. Some specialize in transporting patients to and from the hospital.
Benefits of Being an EMT
EMTs provide emergency medical care at the scene of an accident or other emergency. They also help patients transported to hospital emergency rooms where more advanced treatment may be required.
Despite the challenging nature of this career, many EMS professionals find it rewarding. They build strong bonds with their teammates, who may become like family.
EMTs see patients at some of the worst times of their lives, which can affect their mental health. They are also at higher risk for developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can lead to depression, anxiety, and alcoholism.
Basic Life Support
Basic life support (BLS) is a set of emergency procedures that first responders perform to help cardiac arrest victims. These include cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and early defibrillation using an automatic external defibrillator (AED).
BLS aims to support breathing and circulation for an unconscious patient until advanced medical assistance arrives. This may be enough time to stabilize the patient, or it can be enough time for them to be transported to the hospital.
An emergency medical responder course Texas includes BLS, as it is required by firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and many other healthcare professionals. But it is also important for regular people.
Advanced Life Support
Advanced life support is a set of protocols and skills that can be used to treat patients with cardiac emergencies. It includes procedures and medications that can help improve their chances of a successful return of spontaneous circulation.
ALS involves various techniques, including bag-mask ventilation with high-flow oxygen, chest compressions, and an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). It also includes skills such as recognizing an impending arrest and administering a medication that can improve the patient’s chance of survival.
Physical Requirements
A person’s physical ability can play a major role in their ability to respond to emergencies. First responders must be able to lift and carry patients and move them from unsafe areas to safer ones.
A strong body can also help an individual recover faster if injured. A good level of fitness and endurance can help you stay focused and calm during difficult situations.
EMS responders also require the ability to move rapidly and quickly make decisions about medical treatment and strategies. Problem-solving skills are essential for this job because they often must assess and address the most critical needs before attending to other patients.
Working Conditions
Emergency responders often work in very stressful situations. Their duties include responding to calls for service, assessing emergencies, and providing paramedic first aid before other first responders arrive.
These workers operate ambulances and other modes of transportation, assess emergency scenes and patients, and treat them with treatments such as oxygen or automated defibrillation. They also complete and submit documentation, including patient care reports.
EMTs and paramedics are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Some work part-time or per diem so they may have more irregular working hours.
Earning Potential
Emergency medical responders (EMRs) and paramedics are the most trained and qualified of all emergency workers. Hospitals, private ambulance companies, or the government usually employ them. However, they can also work for fire departments or law enforcement.
EMRs and paramedics must complete a training course and pass a background check. Depending on the level of education and experience, the pay range can be from $20,000 to $52,000.
EMTs can earn extra money by teaching CPR classes or becoming standby medics for events. In addition, many paramedics earn nursing degrees.
Paramedics are highly trained in emergency medicine and can perform invasive interventions. This includes the insertion of an IV line, the monitoring of oxygen levels, and the clearing of airways.
Paramedics work in urban and rural settings. The work hours can vary depending on the company, but most paramedics are expected to work 24-hour shifts. Some ambulance services have regular 10-hour shifts, while others have on-call shifts.