An emergency medical technician (EMT) is a trained professional who responds to emergency medical situations, such as car accidents, fires, or injuries that occur in homes or workplaces. Many assume that everyone in this profession is a paramedic, but this is not the case. They are classified into levels, according to their degree of training. Only 4 EMTs are considered paramedics.
EMT 1's are often the first technicians to arrive at an accident site. 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 usually the first to arrive at the scene of an accident, such training is necessary to assess the situation and call for further assistance.
In some cases, people with serious illnesses who are prone to frequent emergency hospitalizations can make arrangements with their fire departments to call for ambulance service at the time of any emergency. This is generally only allowed in small towns and relies heavily 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 of the essence, and an EMT with additional training may be needed immediately.
When an ambulance arrives, it usually has at least one person with EMT 4 training. The other ambulance driver may be classified at level 2 or 3. Ambulances sometimes have two paramedics, depending on availability and the nature of the emergency .
EMT 2 or 3 training is considered intermediate. These technicians can use defibrillators to help return the heart to normal sinus rhythm. They may insert catheters to administer intravenous fluid to a patient. They also perform CPR and assess victims for any trauma to the body. EMT 2 or 3 technicians may place patients with suspected head or neck trauma on a backboard and transport them. His evaluation of patients is valuable when patients are transferred to hospitals.
Professionals with a level 4 classification are paramedics. In addition to being able to provide the above services, paramedics can perform some pretty complex medical procedures in the field. They are allowed to administer medication to relieve pain or help someone with heart difficulties. They may also perform emergency tracheotomies or intubations to help restore normal breathing. Information from an EMT 4 assessment helps the hospital prepare for the treatment of anyone with serious illness or injury.
All EMTs require training. Most emergency workers in any field have EMT 1 status, and the training may be included in their education in other fields. People with ranks of 2, 3, and 4 generally go to school and receive at least an associate of applied science degree. Some paramedics study further to receive a bachelor's degree.
EMTs are not monetarily rewarded for their jobs, which in all fairness should offer hazard pay. The highest salaries for most EMTs are relatively low. Firefighters and police officers are often more adequately compensated. An EMT may be required to respond to high-risk emergencies, 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 dangerous items before the EMT arrives. However, this is not always possible and therefore the work involves health and livelihood risks on a regular basis.