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What is like to work as an EMT
I'm thinking in studying to become an EMT
#emt #paramedic #emergency #medical
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5 answers
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Ryan’s Answer
Hello Hector! Thanks for your interest in Emergency Medicine. Notably, EMT is a certification, so life as an EMT will vary depending on your job. With an EMT license, the 3 most-common jobs are probably to work as a Technician in the ER, work as a firefighter for a fire department that also responds to medical calls, or work on an ambulance.
Eric's answer is correct, but I will warn you that most of what he described is very geographically dependent. In Fort Collins and its surrounding communities, 100% of 911 ambulance responses are done by private companies, with fire departments just responding as support. As you move south towards Boulder, more of the Fire Departments have their own ambulances, and the Private Ambulances mostly do interfacility (hospital to hospital) transfers. I've also worked in parts of the country where the fire department doesn't respond to medical calls at all, and private ambulances do everything.
Just like response models change, so do protocols (what skills an EMT is or is not allowed to perform, according to state law and their supervising doctor's orders). In some places EMTs can do very little, but in others EMTs are trusted to do much more. Regardless of what you work you find as an EMT, I would encourage you to think of it as a stepping stone on your way to something else - such as being a Paramedic, a Firefighter / EMT, or Nursing / Med School.
As far as what life as an EMT looks like, there will be many similarities whether you work on an ambulance, fire engine, or an ER. Your day will begin with equipment and supply checks, ensuring you have everything you need and know where everything is because an emergency could happen at any moment. The rest of your day will be spent treating patients and writing reports about the treatment you provided. If it's a slow day and you don't have a lot of patients, you'll probably spend your time studying to keep your skills and certifications up or cleaning and maintaining your equipment and work area. It's not always glamorous, but it's important, and a few hours of boredom is usually followed by a few minutes of terror!
Eric's answer is correct, but I will warn you that most of what he described is very geographically dependent. In Fort Collins and its surrounding communities, 100% of 911 ambulance responses are done by private companies, with fire departments just responding as support. As you move south towards Boulder, more of the Fire Departments have their own ambulances, and the Private Ambulances mostly do interfacility (hospital to hospital) transfers. I've also worked in parts of the country where the fire department doesn't respond to medical calls at all, and private ambulances do everything.
Just like response models change, so do protocols (what skills an EMT is or is not allowed to perform, according to state law and their supervising doctor's orders). In some places EMTs can do very little, but in others EMTs are trusted to do much more. Regardless of what you work you find as an EMT, I would encourage you to think of it as a stepping stone on your way to something else - such as being a Paramedic, a Firefighter / EMT, or Nursing / Med School.
As far as what life as an EMT looks like, there will be many similarities whether you work on an ambulance, fire engine, or an ER. Your day will begin with equipment and supply checks, ensuring you have everything you need and know where everything is because an emergency could happen at any moment. The rest of your day will be spent treating patients and writing reports about the treatment you provided. If it's a slow day and you don't have a lot of patients, you'll probably spend your time studying to keep your skills and certifications up or cleaning and maintaining your equipment and work area. It's not always glamorous, but it's important, and a few hours of boredom is usually followed by a few minutes of terror!
Thank you, Ryan!
Hector
Updated
Kimberly’s Answer
What's it like? I'll associate it to a roller coaster. Many of us are adrenaline junkies. It's the thrill of getting that call and not knowing what you will find on the scene. It requires nerves of steel and a problem solving mind. You have to be at the top of your game and know your stuff. A life literally is in your hands. The downside of that roller coaster is the calls that really get you. Not getting there in time. Not feeling like you did enough. Pediatric patients are the worst. You often walk away with nightmares. If you don't it's time to get out of the field. Burn out is real. We have one of the highest suicide rates. Good luck.
Updated
Eric’s Answer
As an EMT, you will go to school for approximately 4-5 months. Once you complete the schooling and required testing, you may join a fire department, depending on where you live. You may also work for one of the many private ambulance companies, who do mostly transports (from one hospital to another, discharge of patients, etc). While a lot of fire departments will lean towards hiring paramedics, there are some who will hire EMT's, as long as you have the required fire training as well. As for EMT, their scope is somewhat limited in what they can do. You will take vitals, set up the EKGs, assist the paramedics, write reports. EMT's usually do not administer medications, depending on the applicable protocol for your area. Some EMT's even work in hospitals, usually assisting with patient care or transport within the hospital. Being an EMT is a good start towards paramedic work or even medical school. It will allow you to learn more about EMS, and is usually not that expensive a program. Hope that helps.
Updated
Kenneth’s Answer
I would like to weigh in on your question as well. You've had a lot of good answers and Mr. Ryan hit the nail on the head when he said its geographically dependent and that the job varies. I went a different EMT route. The United States Army requires all 68W's (Combat Medics) to maintain an EMT-B certification through the NREMT (The National Registry of EMTs). While I did go on to serve as a Firefighter and EMT in the civilian world before becoming a police officer I have maintained my certification as an EMT; because I still operate as a Medic in the U.S. Army Reserves. What we do as Army Medics is vastly different than civilian based EMTs. We are trauma focused since our main function is to serve as battlefield medical response. I have gotten so many amazing opportunities as a Medic. I've been a part of a technical rescue team doing high angle, structural collapse, and confined space rescues, I've served on the ocean as a Watercraft Medic, I've been alongside the Infantry treating battlefield wounded, and I've had the opportunity to work with big government agencies like FEMA. The difference in Army Medics and EMTs on the civilian side is what we are allowed to do. As an Army Medic I am allowed to do things that most regular EMT-Bs are not allowed to do. I am trained on chest tubes, emergency cricothyroidotomies, and can administer a larger number of medications to name a few examples. No matter whether it's in the military or as a civilian, the job is hard. Its mentally, emotionally, and physically demanding, but it's also very rewarding. I try to be very honest when I say the field is not for the faint of heart and that you must be resilient going into it. If you chose to enter the field and join us as an EMT, I wish you nothing but the best and welcome to the family.
Updated
Zahid’s Answer
Since no one answered yet, putting this out there for you to check out:
Two medical students talk about their experiences as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and how it prepared them for medical school. You can read their views on it at:
https://students-residents.aamc.org/aspiring-docs-fact-sheets-get-experience/what-it-s-be-emergency-medical-technician-emt
Also, visit the link below on general guide to everything you need to know about EMT
https://www.handlebar-online.com/writing-tips/what-is-working-as-an-emt-like/
Two medical students talk about their experiences as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and how it prepared them for medical school. You can read their views on it at:
https://students-residents.aamc.org/aspiring-docs-fact-sheets-get-experience/what-it-s-be-emergency-medical-technician-emt
Also, visit the link below on general guide to everything you need to know about EMT
https://www.handlebar-online.com/writing-tips/what-is-working-as-an-emt-like/