Emergency Medical Technician

Duties and Responsibilities:

One of the most important responsibilities of an EMT is to assess the medical needs of the sick or injured. They have to be quick and efficient, especially in serious life or death situations. They have to maintain composure in critical and stressful situations. They have to be able to move the injured or sick properly. They must respond to:

• Automobile accidents
• Heart attacks
• Gunshot woundings
• Unscheduled childbirth
• Drownings
• Other serious medical emergencies

Average Yearly Salary: $25,000 - $37,500

Education:

You must have a high school diploma in some areas GED certificates are substituted. They must complete a EMT course which consists of practical, hands –on training, field ride along, and a final testing. You would also build knowledge and skills to care for patients during the course. To be enrolled in the course you have to meet the medical requirements and be at least 18 years old. Many EMTs earn an Associate's Degree. Emergency medical technicians are required to pass state licensing or certification tests and participate in continuing education programs.

I wouldn't want to be an EMT because I wouldn't be able to have composure and I wouldn't be able to deal with the responsibility of knowing that someone’s life is in my hands.