Do you thrive on a fast paced environment? Can you keep your cool under pressure? Would you like to work in the medical field, but not work inside all day? Then being an EMT may be a good fit for you. read on to learn how to become an EMT.

• Emergency Medical Technicians, or EMTs, are usually the first responders to medical emergencies. In order to become an EMT, you need to determine if you are suited for the profession, get trained, and find a job.

(Creative Commons photo by JD Mack)

• As an EMT, you may be the first medical professional on the scene of a car accident, fire, injury, or other medical emergency. Although firefighters and police officers try to stabilize a situation before the EMT arrives, this is not always possible, so the job of EMT does involve some risk to your personal safety. EMTs are not highly paid, with top-level EMTs generally making less than $40,000 a year.

• EMTs are certified at the state level. Although the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians provides a national standard, it is not binding across individual states. States usually provide at least three levels of EMT certification, which are achieved after completing classroom training and passing an examination.

1. EMT 1
   • An EMT1 has conducted basic training in CPR and first aid. Most firefighters and police officers are also certified as level 1 EMTs. This certification usually requires one semester of classroom training.
2. Intermediate EMT
   • Sometimes called EMT 2 or 3, these EMTs may be permitted to use defibrillators, insert catheters, assess victims for trauma, and place patients with suspected head or neck injuries on a backboard and transport them. Intermediate EMTs will have completed EMT1 training, while also completing another semester of classroom work.
3. Paramedic
   • Depending on the state, paramedics may administer drugs orally and intravenously, interpret electrocardiograms (EKGs), perform endotracheal intubations, and use monitors and other complex medical equipment.

• EMTs can be employed by ambulance companies, fire departments, or hospital emergency rooms. The work experienced by EMTs employed by hospitals and fire departments will primarily consist of emergency response, while EMTs employed by ambulance companies will also provide patient transport.

• The fast-paced life of an EMT is not for everyone. If you've decided that you are suited for the field, you can begin working as a first responder after completing the initial training and increase your responsibilities as you gain additional certifications.

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