Emergency Medical Technician Careers

Emergency Medical Technician and Paramedic Career Paths

The majority of EMTs and paramedics work in metropolitan areas. Volunteer EMTs and paramedics are more common in small cities, towns, and rural areas. Paid EMTs and paramedics were employed in a number of industries.

• 45% worked as employees of ambulance services
• 29% worked in local government
• 20% worked in hospitals

EMTs and paramedics who have advanced education and certifications, such as Paramedic level certification, should enjoy the most favorable job prospects as clients and patients demand higher levels of care before arriving at the hospital. Specific responsibilities depend on their level of qualification and training. The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) certifies emergency medical service providers at five levels:

• EMT-Basic – Care for patients at the scene of an accident and while transporting patients by ambulance to the hospital under medical direction.
• EMT-Intermediate has more advanced training. However, the specific tasks that those certified at this level are allowed to perform varies greatly from state to state.
• EMT-Paramedic – Provide the most extensive pre-hospital care which may include administering drugs orally and intravenously, interpreting electrocardiograms (EKGs), performing endotracheal intubations, and using monitors and other complex equipment.

Work Environment

EMTs and paramedics work both indoors and out, in all types of weather. The work is not only physically strenuous but can be stressful, sometimes involving life-or-death situations and suffering patients. Nonetheless, many people find the work exciting and challenging and enjoy the opportunity to help others. These workers tend to experience a larger than average number of work-related injuries or illnesses.