Emergency medical technicians and paramedics are the first responders to
pre-hospital emergency care. They respond quickly and efficiently to
critically ill or injured patients using specially equipped vehicles.
After arriving at the scene, they assess the nature and extent of the
illness or injury, establish priorities for medical care when multiple
patients are involved, and use decontamination techniques to facilitate
patient care and ensure that the patient is not further infected by some
external contaminant. They provide patients with basic life support skills
including: air way management, control of bleeding, treatment of shock,
oxygen therapy, treatment of environmental emergencies, burn care,
splitting and bandaging techniques, vehicle and water extraction,
cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency child birth. EMT's and
paramedics must have the ability to apply interpersonal and patient care
skills to all age groups from pediatric to geriatric patients. The job can
be physically and emotionally demanding. EMT's must have the ability to
lift, move, and secure patients using a number of immobilization and
transportation techniques and devices. They must also have the emotional
strength and stamina to deal with life and death situations. There are two
distinct specialization's for emergency medical technicians. They are EMT
basic, and EMT paramedic. Each specialization requires additional
training.
Work Environment:
Emergency medical technicians work in a wide range of work place
environments. They can be employed by hospitals, rescue squads, fire
departments, police departments, commercial ambulance services, and by
industry.
High School Preparation:
High school subjects helpful to those preparing for a career as an
emergency medical technician or paramedic are biology, chemistry,
psychology, physical education, algebra, computer skills, English, drivers
education, first aid, sociology, health occupations /medical professions
education.
College Requirements:
Students entering an EMT training program must be 18 years of age, have a
high school diploma and a driver's license with a good driving record. EMT
basic classification requires students to complete approximately 120
classroom hours and the EMT paramedic requires students to complete a two
year Associate Degree program in emergency medical technology. To work in
the state of Mississippi, all emergency medical technicians must pass a
national examination for certification. Students interested in emergency
medical technology should contact schools for information on admission and
course of study.
For educational institutions in
Mississippi
offering this course of study
click here.
Career Outlook:
Population growth and urbanization will increase demand for emergency
medical technicians and paramedics by an average of 32% over the next 10
years. The increased demand is a result of the aging population of baby
boomers and because more communities are moving from volunteer EMT's and
paramedics to full time paid positions. The greatest demand for EMT's and
paramedics is expected to occur in hospitals and private ambulance
services. |
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Salary:
Average Annual Salary $27,900
Salary Range
$22,600 to $36,500
Professional Organizations:
National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians
408 Monroe Street
Clinton, MS 39056-4210
Phone: (800) 346-2368
Phone: (601) 924-7744
Fax: (601) 924-7325
E-mail: info@naemt.org
Web: www.naemt.org
National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians
P.O. Box 29233
Columbus, OH 43229
Phone: (614) 888-4484
Fax: (614) 888-8920
Web: www.nremt.org
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