Becoming an emergency medical technician (EMT) is challenging but can be rewarding to those who are dedicated to helping others. EMTs are generally the first responders in an emergency and immediately provide life-saving or life-stabilizing care if at all possible. The National Highway Traffic & Safety Administration defines four levels of EMT: EMT-B (Basic), EMT-I/85 (Intermediate), EMT-I/99 (Intermediate) and EMT-P (Paramedic).

Becoming an EMT

In order to become a professional EMT, you must have a high school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma and be at least 18 years old. If you are looking to work as an EMT at a volunteer fire department, you may be able to work as a younger volunteer who is mentored or supervised by older members. Certification as an EMT at all levels is required in all 50 states. Find out if your local technical or community college or vocational schools have an EMT certification program. Most schools that offer other health sciences will offer EMT training. Formal training will often be combined with time spent in a hospital emergency room or in an ambulance. Students generally learn how to deal with bleeding, fractures, cardiac arrest, emergency childbirth and other immediate trauma issues. The maintenance and use of equipment like backboards, splints, defibrillators, suction and oxygen delivery equipment is also a part of certification. All EMT trainees will be required to pass a state standardized written and practical test before being able to accept employment as an EMT. Continuing education is also required each year in order to maintain certification. The number of hours required to pass a class or to keep up a certification varies from state to state. Applying for a job as an EMT can be almost as demanding as getting your certification. You will need to pass a pre-employment physical and probably will need to demonstrate that you can lift a certain amount of weight and perform other duties for which you have been trained. If you will need to be able to drive an ambulance, you will need to study for and obtain an ambulance driver's license. After advancing through the levels of EMT training, you may consider becoming a paramedic. Paramedics are able to distribute medications and do other advanced medical procedures an EMT is unable to perform.

Source:

Fireman EMT Paramedic: How to be an EMT

Health Mad: How to become an EMT

More Information:

National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians: First Responder