Are you interested in pursuing a career as an emergency medical technician (EMT) or paramedic? EMTs and paramedics are vital parts of emergency services, as lives depend on the swift action and competent care initiated by EMS personnel. It can be very satisfying to work as an EMT or paramedic and if you enjoy challenges and working in a group setting to make a positive impact on society, working as an EMS personnel could be a great path for you. The aging members of the baby boom generation will require significant medical attention over the coming years, which means that job prospects will be strong for EMTs and paramedics. As an EMT or paramedic, you must be ready to administer drugs to individuals in need. Let’s take a look at what you can expect to handle as an EMT or paramedic.
If you opt to pursue a career as an EMT, you can expect to handle and administer the following drugs: Epinepherine, Meter-Dose Inhaler, Nitroglycerin, Activated Charcoal and Oral Glucose. Epinepherine is the primary treatment used for Anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening allergy. A Meter-Dose inhaler is a pressurized inhaler that is used to treat the symptoms of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other respiratory problems. Nitroglycerin is used on individuals experiencing back pain and it helps improve blood flow. Activated Charcoal is used as a treatment for poisoning. Oral Glucose is used to increase dangerously low blood glucose levels. If you opt to pursue a career as a paramedic, you will receive more extensive education and training and will be able to administer many more drugs, including the following: Atropine, Albuterol, Adenosine, Amiodrone, Cardizem, Calcium Chloride, Dopamine, Epinephrine, Furosemide, Morphine, Nitroglycerin, Narcan, Mag Sulfate, Versed, Valium, Lidocaine, Vasopressin, Sodium Bicarb, Benadryl and Aspirin.
If you choose to pursue a career as an EMT or paramedic, you will be directly involved in helping to save peoples’ lives. You will need to be very familiar with a variety of drugs that will be used to aid individuals in need of medical care. You can expect to handle and administer a basic set of drugs as an EMT. A paramedic has much more extensive education and training and is thus able to handle and administer a much greater selection of drugs.
About Michael McCandless
Michael McCandless has been in the emergency medical services industry for nearly a decade. He is very proud of his career and the opportunity to serve his community. He is also the owner of the EMT Training and Career Headquarters website, which provides information and resources to individuals interested in beginning a career as an EMT.
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