The EMT Job Description

If you are thinking about becoming an emergency medical technician then you are probably wondering what the EMT job description is exactly. The reality of this job is that it is a very dynamic job. Any former emergency medical technician will tell you that it is not always for the faint of heart. It takes a lot of quick intuition and thick skin to be able to perform at a high level as an emergency medical technician.

Remember that there are several different roles and certifications for emergency medical technicians. There are three main level of certification. You have option to be an EMT-Basic, EMT-Advanced and Paramedic. The EMT job description for an EMT-Basic is going slightly different than other levels. Each of the certification levels will have different abilities within their role to perform medical care.

General Responsibilities and Duties

The ambulance is the work place where EMTs usually work

An EMT-Basic typically works for an emergency medical service agency that responds to emergency calls. You and your team are typically responsible for transporting those who have become medically impaired to an emergency hospital. Emergency medical technicians spend most of their time either on a call or waiting for a call. You and your team will likely be positioned with an ambulance. A dispatcher will call you to alert you an emergency medical situation nearby. Next you have to carefully drive the ambulance to the location of those who need your care.

After arriving at the location of those requiring medical need, you must jump into action. An EMT must first survey the scene for any potential dangers. The EMT job description includes engaging those who need help. An EMT will then decide what care is needed. This may start with making sure the patron is both breathing and has a pulse. If this is not the case then you will first need to dislodge anything that may be blocking the airway and perform CPR if needed.

For first aid situations emergency medical technicians must be prepared to stabilize the victim. It is possible that an EMT will come across burns, lacerations, allergic reactions and general sickness. It is necessary for emergency medical technicians to be able to size up a situation before providing care. This may include a visual analysis or asking the victim for additional details. An allergic reaction may not always be apparent and you may need to ask friend or family member’s of the victim for more details. Other situations that may happen include broken bones, shock, diabetic coma, hypothermia or heat stroke. All these situations require different courses of action to provide the care needed to help those in need.

After stabilizing the situation and the victims it may be necessary to transport them to an emergency center. Alternatively higher trained medical personnel could take over the situation. Upon the transfer of a victim you will have to report on the situation and steps taken to care for the individual.

Skills and Abilities for Success

A calm mind and ability to successfully size-up a situation is necessary. The EMT job description also has to do with a solid understanding of how to handle emergency care situations. An understanding of safety is also important. You must follow OSHA standards and isolate bodily fluids.

You must be able to lift and carry a stretcher and heavier objects. In some cases you must be able to lift a body onto a stretcher. You must also know how to use all equipment that you are allowed to employ. This includes AEDs, splints and oxygen equipment. Depending on your level of EMT certification you may be able to administer some medications. A paramedic will be able to perform more functions than that of an EMT-Basic.

Other Tasks

The EMT job description also includes additional administrative tasks. You must properly record all paperwork and incidents. It is necessary to keep your ambulance fully stocked with fuel and gas. You must also take care of managing supplies and maintaining equipment when there is downtime. There are always additional tasks that come up as the job of an emergency medical technician is so varied.