Some of you may see us from time to time, while others may never see us ever, but we are always here for you. This page is to give you a brief idea of what we actually do.

Nature of the EMT

You may see us at automobile accidents, medical emergencies, falls, accidents, fires, near drowning, unscheduled childbirths, poisonings, and cardiac arrests, all of which may require immediate medical attention. We, as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT's), provide this urgent care and then transport the sick or injured to appropriate medical facilities.
We have protocols which we are taught during classes that allow us to perform basic life saving skills. EMT's usually work in teams of two or three. If necessary, we request additional help from police, fire, or rescue personnel, or we may even enlist the help of bystanders if necessary. We determine the nature and extent of the patient's injuries or illness while also trying to determine whether the patient has preexisting medical conditions which could be the cause of the immediate problems or complicate the current situation. We then give appropriate emergency care following strict guidelines for which procedures we may perform. EMT-Defibrillator personnel, or EMT-D's, have more advanced training and can use a semi-automatic defibrillator to give lifesaving shocks to help to revive a stopped heart.
Some conditions are simple enough to be handled following general rules and guidelines. Unfortunately most calls are more complicated and require the EMT to adapt to the environment and situation. More complicated problems sometimes requires the assistance from either medical control or the Paramedics on scene.
When a patient is entrapped, as in the case of an automobile accident, cave-in, or building collapse, we free them if possible or we provide emergency care while others free them.
At a medical facility, we transfer patients to the emergency department, report to the staff our observations and the care we provided, and we assist the ER staff in providing continued emergency treatment.
After each run, we complete paperwork pertaining to the emergency call, replace used supplies, check equipment and decontaminate the interior of the ambulance in preparation for the next call.

Training is needed to become an EMT. EMT-Basic training is 80 to 120 hours of classroom work plus 10 hours of internship in a hospital emergency room. Training is available at various locations in our area during the year, with both day and evening classes offered.

The 80 to 120 hour program provides instruction and hands on training for bleeding, fractures, airway obstruction, cardiac arrest, and emergency childbirth. Students learn to use and maintain common emergency equipment, such as backboards, suction devices, splints, oxygen delivery systems, and stretchers. EMT-Defibrillator training varies throughout the county, but includes recognition of ventricular-fibrillation and ventricular-tachycardia, and how to use the semi-automated defibrillator. Prerequisites for taking the EMT-D are current EMT-Basic certification , current CPR certification, and required classroom work. Refresher courses and continuing education are available for EMT's at all levels. Refresher and CPR  courses are also offered throughout the year.

Graduates of approved EMT-Basic training programs who pass a written and practical examination administered by the State certifying agency or the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians earn the title of Registered EMT-Basic.
To maintain our certifications, all EMT's must re-certify, usually every 2 -3 years. In order to re-certify, an individual must be working as an EMT and meet a continuing education requirement.

EMT's should have good dexterity, a strong disposition, physical coordination and be able to lift and carry heavy loads. EMT's need good eyesight (corrective lenses may be used) with accurate color vision.
Some EMT's go on to become EMT instructors, paramedics, firefighters, dispatchers, or police officers. Some simply become EMT's to assess their interest in health care and then decide to return to school and become R.N.'s, physician's assistants or physicians themselves.

Training