Those who work as emergency medical technicians assist people in life or death situations and with their medical needs, but before you apply for a job in this field, you need to know how to become an EMT. An EMT is different from a paramedic and generally requires less experience and training. Though you will need to go through some type of training, the amount and type of training varies from state to state.
Meet Basic State Requirements
When you look at how to become an EMT, you’ll find that each state has different requirements regarding how you can become one. Most states require that you live in the same county or city where you work, and some areas require that firefighters have EMT or paramedic training. You must bet at least 18 and have your CPR certification. Some cities and counties may also request that you go through some on the job training and/or work as a volunteer firefighter before working as an EMT. You will also need a valid driver’s license and pass an in depth criminal background check too.
Develop Necessary Skills
Though you might think that all you need is a license to work as an EMT, you also need the right skills. Compassion and empathy are two of the biggest skills. Empathy refers to the way in which you feel for and relate to others without making their problems your own. You also need good physical strength and be physically fit as well. Most EMTs also possess strong decision making skills too. You need to know exactly what you should do on every call you go on and what to do during emergency and life threatening events too.
Obtain a License
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians is the organization responsible for awarding licenses to emergency medical technicians. Though licensing requirements vary in each state, you usually need to go through a training program that lasts between one and two years. The program teaches you how to administer medical help, what to do during different situations and even how to work with paramedics. You may need to take a driving course too that teaches you how to operate an ambulance. Some EMTs go back for additional schooling to work as advanced emergency medical technicians and make more money.
Becoming a Paramedic
When looking at how to become an EMT, you might look at how to become a paramedic too. Paramedics must go through two different levels of training that total more than 500 hours. They take traditional EMT training that teaches them how to treat life threatening injuries and medical conditions in the field, the importance of different tools and equipment and how to stabilize patients. They must also go through advanced EMT training. Many fire departments in the country now require that firefighters have some paramedic or EMT training prior to applying for a job. Those with more training and experience may make more.
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Emergency medical technicians work in the field to assist patients suffering from injuries and medical conditions. They help stabilize those patients and transport them to local hospitals and administer different treatments in the field. Whether you want to know how to become an EMT or a paramedic, you’ll find that you need to go through training programs and obtain a license in your state.