EMTs respond to emergency medical situations and are classified into levels based on their training. EMTs 1 have basic CPR and first aid training, while EMTs 4 are paramedics who can perform complex medical procedures. EMTs are not well-compensated and often face risks to their health and livelihoods.
An emergency medical technician (EMT) is a trained professional who responds to emergency medical situations, such as traffic accidents, fires, or injuries that occur in homes or workplaces. Many assume that all people in this profession are paramedics, but that’s not the case. They are classified into levels, according to their level of training. Only 4 EMTs are considered paramedics.
EMTs 1 are often the first technicians to arrive at the scene of an accident. 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 typically the first to arrive at the scene of an incident, such training is necessary to assess the situation and call for additional help.
In some cases, people with serious illnesses who are prone to frequent emergency hospitalizations can make arrangements with the fire department to request ambulance service at the time of any emergency. This is generally only allowed in small towns and largely depends on the cooperation of the local fire brigade. This request is being made because an EMT 1 may not be able to adequately care for the needs of someone with a medical emergency. Time can be of the essence, and an EMT with further training may be needed immediately.
When an ambulance arrives, it is typically manned by at least one EMT 4 trained person. The other ambulance driver may be classified as level 2 or 3. Sometimes, ambulances are manned by two paramedics, depending on availability and of the nature of the emergency.
EMT 2 or 3 training is considered intermediate. These technicians can use defibrillators to return the heart to normal sinus rhythm. They may insert catheters to give intravenous fluid to the patient. They also perform CPR and evaluate victims for any trauma to the body. EMT 2 or 3 technicians can position patients with suspected head or neck trauma on a board and carry them. Their evaluation of patients is invaluable as patients are transferred to hospitals.
Level 4 rated professionals are paramedics. In addition to being able to provide the above services, paramedics can perform some fairly complex medical procedures in the field. They are licensed to administer medication for pain relief or to assist someone with heart difficulties. They may also perform tracheotomies or emergency intubations to help restore normal breathing. Information from an EMT 4 evaluation helps the hospital prepare for the treatment of anyone with serious illness or injury.
All EMTs require training. Most emergency workers in any field hold EMT 1 status and training may be included in their education in other fields. People with classifications 2, 3 and 4 usually go to school and receive at least a bachelor’s degree in applied sciences. Some paramedics study further to receive a degree.
EMTs are not rewarded in cash for their work, which in all fairness should offer risk-taking pay. The top salaries for most EMTs are relatively low. Firefighters and police officers are often more adequately compensated. An EMT may be needed to respond to emergencies involving great risk, such as transporting people with serious, contagious diseases or picking up injured people in dangerous neighborhoods.
Whenever possible, firefighters and police officers try to remove hazardous elements before the EMT arrives. This isn’t always possible, however, and so the job regularly carries risks to health and livelihoods.
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