5 Steps to Become an EMT

An Emergency Medical Technician, popularly known as an EMT, is a provider of emergency medical services (EMS). Commonly deployed in ambulances, they are clinically trained to promptly and efficiently respond to emergency situations, accidents and other related medical issues.

The states and districts that pay Paramedics the highest mean salary are Hawaii ($56,610), Washington ($56,140), Maryland ($50,750), Alaska ($50,640), and District of Columbia ($47,830).

1. STEP 1: Meet all of the requirements or prerequisites for the EMT school.
2. STEP 2: Complete an EMT basic course at a credible EMT school, including ride-alongs.
3. STEP 3: Register, Schedule & Pass the National Registry Exam.
4. STEP 4: Complete the Live Scan fingerprinting background check.

EMTs are trained to give Basic Life Support (BLS) treatments, so they are able to: Perform CPR and use an AED. Bandage wounds. Stabilize head and neck injuries.

Christina: EMTs are health care professionals who work on ambulances to respond to 911 calls. Depending on level of training, EMTs may intubate patients in the field, acquire and read an EKG, and treat patients with myriad medications while en route to the hospital.

EMTs and paramedics typically do the following: Respond to 911 calls for emergency medical assistance, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or bandaging a wound. Assess a patient’s condition and determine a course of treatment. Provide first-aid treatment or life support care to sick or injured patients.

Medications authorized for administration by EMTs are:

• Activated Charcoal.
• Albuterol.
• Aspirin.
• Epinephrine, 1:1,000 via EpiPen® or vial.
• Nitroglycerin (Tablet or Spray)
• Oral Glucose Gel.
• Oxygen.
• Tylenol.