Whether you’re just getting started in planning your career in emergency medical services or you’re already enrolled in an EMT training program in your area, you may still have some trouble visualizing what life looks like in the field once you’ve received certification and started work in the industry. Sure, your training will prepare you as an emergency medical responder and you’ll understand the processes and procedures to follow once you’ve gotten a job placement. However, speaking first hand with a practicing EMT is the absolute best way to discover if your cut out for this line of work.

The EMT Training and Career Headquarters was recently fortunate enough to briefly speak with Christopher Garrison, 32, an EMT-Basic in the Dallas-Forth Worth metro area. We asked Chris a few questions about his journey, life in the field, and what he views as the challenges for any aspiring EMT. We great appreciate him taking the time to respond to our questions…enjoy!

EMT Training and Career Headquarters: Chris, how long have you been working as an EMT?

Christopher Garrison: I received my certification in 2009, so I’ve been in the industry for right at 2 years now.

EMTTACH: How’s it going so far? Do you enjoy the work?

CG: It’s the right place for me to be. I’m not the type to sit at a desk all day, I need to be on the go. I’ve always had an interest in the medical field and an aptitude for science. I’ve also always been the type of person that’s cool under pressure. I tend to really thrive when others around me are in a state of panic, so that ability to focus and follow procedure when I’m in a stressful situation was initially what led me to this career.

EMTTACH: Do you work for a public or a private agency?

CG: Right now, I’m employed with a private ambulance service here in the Dallas-Forth Worth area. I’d rather not mention my employer publicly, but it’s been a good company to work for.

EMTTACH: How long did it take you to find work after your EMT-B program?

CG: I actually had a lead on a company that was hiring right before I received my cert, so I was basically employed right out of training. I think I got pretty lucky, because [other EMT candidates] in my class were having a tough time with the economy coming out of a recession. I’d say overall though, it’s a pretty good field to be in if you want to sort of stay isolated from the big unemployment spikes and layoffs.

EMTTACH: What’s been the best part of this line of work for you?

CG: I’d say the schedule. When I’m on, I’m on, and when I’m off, I can be at home and just escape and spend time with my family. I’ve pretty much got it made right now since I’m doing four twelves from 6:00am to 6:00pm with three days off. Not to mention, after being in the field and getting a feel for the work, I can’t really picture myself working outside of this industry. It’s where I need to be.

EMTTACH: Our web site audience is primarily made up of aspiring emergency medical technicians who are looking for information to get started in the career. Any advice for someone who’s looking to get a foot in the door?

CG: I’d say you need to know if it’s the right job for you. While it might not take four years of med school to get a job, it’s not for everyone. I’ve talked to a lot of folks who are like “Well, I was laid off and I’ve been trouble finding a job, maybe I should start looking at training courses”. To me, it’s either in your DNA or it’s not. I don’t see it as the kind of career you get started in just to make ends meet while you’re looking for something else to do. It takes a certain type of person to handle the demands of what we do and you’ve got to know if that’s you.

EMTTACH: So you plan on sticking with it?

CG: Definitely. Like I said, it’s the path for me for now and I just can’t picture doing anything else.

EMTTACH: Any tips for someone who’s ready to start their EMT training?

CG: I’d say more than anything, just get involved and take part. The worst thing you can do is sit back during clinical and just watch what’s going on. Get in there and volunteer every time you have the opportunity. If you think you’re going to learn everything by sitting back and watching, you’re going to be in for a rude awakening when you’re in the field.

The EMT Training and Career Headquarters would like to thank Chris for volunteering his time to answer our questions. Stay tuned for more interviews with emergency medical services professionals in the coming months.

Are you considering volunteering as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)? This can serve as an incredibly worthwhile and satisfying experience for you, as you will be directly involved in providing individuals with medical care and attention. The aging members of the baby boom generation will continue to require significant medical attention over the coming years, which translates to strong job prospects for EMTs and paramedics. It is important to make a comparison between volunteer EMT positions and paid EMT position so that you can weigh the pros and cons.

If you are interested in volunteering as an EMT, an excellent source for potential opportunities is VolunteerEms.org, an online directory listing possible options for you. You can also contact local universities and community colleges for potential opportunities. Volunteering as an EMT is an excellent way to gain some important real-world experience, which can help your future job search. If you are pursuing a job in the medical field, volunteering as an EMT is an excellent step to gain valuable experience and impress prospective employers. While the Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates very strong job prospects for EMTs, it may be possible, given the challenging economic circumstances, that you may not be able to immediately secure employment. This could make volunteering as an EMT a very attractive option that would prevent your resume from having any gaps. The obvious disadvantage of working as a volunteer EMT is that you would likely not receive any compensation for your grueling work. Volunteering as an EMT can be a major time commitment and it may just not be feasible for you to spend so much time doing something that does not provide immediate compensation. Working as an EMT exposes you to a higher risk of possible injuries which also makes volunteering less appealing.

It can be incredible satisfying volunteering as an EMT. You will have the opportunity to help those in need on a regular basis. It can be very fulfilling to provide medical care to others. Volunteering as an EMT will provide you with valuable real-world experience that can pay dividends if you want to pursue a career in the medical field. The major disadvantage of volunteering as an EMT is that you will likely not receive compensation and this just may not be practical for you. You really must weigh the experience you can acquire volunteering as an EMT with the fact that you will not receive compensation for your hard work in your decision.

Are you interested in pursuing a career that is recession-proof and boasts strong job security? You may want to consider becoming an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). The truth of the matter is that the world will never be rid of injuries and accidents, which means that there will always be strong job prospects and job security for EMTs and paramedics. Let’s take a more detailed look at the job prospects and job security that an EMT career path would provide you.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for EMTs is expected to expand 9 percent between the years 2008 and 2018. What is fueling this anticipated employment expansion? The baby boom generation comprises a large segment of the population and this group requires significant medical attention, which increases the need for EMTs and paramedics. Emergency departments throughout the nation are experiencing significant overcrowding, which means that EMTs and paramedics must spend more time with patients. This means that more EMTs and paramedics will be needed in order to keep pace with the increasing number of patients who require care and attention. Another major factor that will ensure strong job security and job prospects for EMTs and paramedics is the fact that hospitals are becoming increasingly specialized. This means that patients will have to be transferred more frequently to other hospitals via ambulance. This will mean that more EMTs and paramedics will be needed to ensure that patients receive sufficient care during the transportation period.

You will experience tremendous job security working as an EMT. However, you must be aware that there are limited career advancement opportunities with this job selection. In order to really maximize both your job security and job prospects, it would be in your best interest to complete advanced education and complete certification requirements. Competition for EMT jobs will be fierce in local government and third-party departments, which are known to offer greater benefits.

Overall, if you choose to pursue a career as an EMT, you can be assured that you will have strong job security and job prospects. The major reason for this is that the aging members of the baby boom generation, which comprises a major portion of the population, will require significant medical care and attention in the coming years. The entire medical field will have strong job security and job prospects and working as an EMT is no exception. In order to maximize job security and job prospects, it is favorable to complete advanced EMT education and obtain certification.

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.

Have you recently decided to begin training and to pursue a career as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)? Do not take this journey lightly, as you will be required to consistently prove yourself and your abilities. As an EMT, the lives of other people will depend on your competence and ability to react quickly to challenging circumstances. You will routinely need to perform such lifesaving acts as CPR, cardiac defibrillation and control of bleeding. If you do believe you have what it takes to become an EMT, it is important you take geography into consideration when making your plans. Where you decide to begin your EMT training and to work as an EMT will be a significant factor in determining your job prospects and earning potential. Let’s take a look at some of best locations in the country to become an EMT.

A new EMT can anticipate making between $19,000 and $24,000 per year. This can increase as the EMT gains experience and performs well on the job. The average salary of all EMTs is between around $26,000 and $41,000. Now, it is important to highlight that certain states and metropolitan areas surpass these salary numbers. The top paying states for EMTs are Alaska with salary of roughly $46,000; Oregon with a salary of roughly $43,000; Washington with a salary of roughly $42,000; Hawaii with a salary of around $47,000; and Maryland with a salary of about $41,000. The best metropolitan areas for EMTs are Tacoma, Washington with a salary of almost $72,000; Racine, Wisconsin with a salary of about $50,000; Coeur d’Alene with a salary of roughly $67,000; Olympia, Washington with a salary of about $53,000; and Portsmouth with a salary of about $50,000. Clearly, these states and specific metropolitan areas outperform national averages in terms of salary for EMTs.

If you have recently decided to pursue a career as an EMT, you absolutely will need to take geography into consideration. Your job prospects, salary and opportunity for advancement are all directly linked to the geographic location that you choose. It is also important to you select an area that you can enjoy living in and one that has a high quality of life. You must also take into consideration the cost of living in the area you select to begin your training and career.

Thank you for visiting the EMT Training and Career Headquarters. We have a simple mission: to provide you with the resources you need to best prepare for an exciting career as an emergency medical technician. We hope to offer you up to date and accurate information regarding EMT training courses, requirements for certification, and even job opportunities which may be available in your town or region.

A career as an EMT can truly be a very exciting and rewarding choice. While the profession does require an investment in your future by enrolling for the required EMT training for your state, opportunities for employment are steadily on the rise in many areas of the country. With work opportunities available through a variety of employers such as hospitals, private ambulatory services, and governmental agencies such as fire departments, locating a rewarding position in the emergency medical services field is possible no matter where you live.

You may have already spoken with an emergency medical technician or paramedic about their job and work experiences. One of the common themes that will come up over and over when you talk with individuals who has already been through EMT training and started out on their career path is that the job offers a challenging and dynamic working environment. EMTs and paramedics experience new situations each and every day on the job and as such, are continually adding to their foundation of knowledge and experience.

After completing EMT training and setting out to establish your own career, you will discover that employment opportunities in the field frequently offer flexible schedules, good benefits, and in some cases additional employment perks such as financial reimbursement for continuing on with your paramedic or advanced EMT training. All of these factors make employment as an emergency medical technician an incredibly attractive career opportunity if you are seeking stable employment within the healthcare industry. There is also room for advancement on most working environments which can lead to increased responsibilities and enhanced pay grades, meaning that you can develop a long-lasting and stimulating career in this field.

We hope that you’ll take some time to browse through all of the resources offered here at the EMT training and Career Headquarters and utilize them to prepare yourself for an exciting career as an emergency medical technician.

Lives often depend on the services on EMTs and paramedics, and the specialized EMT training which they receive. The EMT is responsible for assessing the condition of the patient in addition to determining if the patient has any other pre-existing conditions that could interfere with treatment. They are in charge of providing emergency care as well as transport. Special equipment is used while fulfilling these duties. EMTs often work in teams and, once the patient has arrived at the emergency facility, share this information with the doctor. They may also be asked to assist in caring for the patient with the aid of the doctor. EMT training makes this all possible.

In order to start with training, the first step toward EMT jobs, you must first have a high school diploma. There are three levels of EMT training and each has its own requirements. At the EMT-Basic level, you will learn emergency skills and how to assess a patient. Airway obstruction, emergency childbirth and cardiac arrest are just a few of the topics covered. Some training may take place in an ambulance or emergency department. Once training is complete, you will need to pass a practical and written examination which the State licensing agency or NREMT offers.

For those who wish to go further in this field, EMT-Intermediate training or paramedic training will be needed. At the Intermediate level, you will complete anywhere from 30-350 hours of training. This will depend on which state you live in. You will learn to administer IV fluids, certain medications and advanced airway devices. If you wish to become a paramedic, you will study both anatomy and physiology in addition to other advanced medical skills. Technical schools and community colleges offer this education and you may receive an associate degree upon completion. The NREMT exam will need to be successfully passed before you may receive certification.

The job field is expected to be good for this field, especially if you are looking into a job with a private ambulance service or a city government. The earnings will also vary depending on where you are employed as well as where you live. Those who earn the lowest in this field make $9.08 an hour and the highest 10% make more than $23.77 an hour. Local government pays better than other industries. No matter which training you choose to pursue, you will be choosing a rewarding career.

Please focus on the details of what is involved in training for a career as an EMT as well as certification requirements and career opportunities such as employer types and pay ranges.

Emergency medical technicians are always in demand and if it’s a field that interests you, then you should consider getting started in EMT training. This is one field that shows no signs of shrinking anytime soon. If you have always dreamed of being an EMT, don’t hesitate to get started. Not only will you be helping others, you will be in a career that is valued by all.

In order to get started with your formal training, you will need to have a minimum of a high school diploma. There are three types of training offered: EMT-basic, EMT Intermediate and Paramedic. EMT-basic training involves learning emergency skills such as patient assessment and cardiac emergencies. Your training will most likely be combined with emergency department or ambulance work. Not only will you be trained to deal with cardiac situations, but also airway obstruction and emergency childbirth. Maintaining common equipment used in emergencies will be covered along with how to use this equipment. In order to pass the course, you must pass both written and practical exams administered by your state.

Those who want more advanced training choose EMT-intermediate level training. The training you receive will depend in large part on which state you live in. In most states, you will be required to have a minimum of 30 to 350 training hours depending on what you will be doing. With this training you will learn how to administer certain medications and intravenous fluids among other things.

Paramedic is the highest level of EMS training. Here you will take classes in advanced medical skills as well as physiology and anatomy. Classes often take places in technical schools or community colleges and many award an associate degree on completion of training. Some require that you complete the NREMT exam before the degree is awarded.

Upon completion of EMT Training, you will have a variety of job opportunities. This will range from hospitals and private ambulance services to local, state and federal governments. The pay for an EMT or paramedic depends a great deal on where one lives as well as training and experience. Median wages in May 2008 were $14.10. The lowest paid made approximately $9.08 while the highest 10% made more than $23.77 an hour. It’s a great career if you are interested and your job prospects will be very good.

We have all seen an EMT or Emergency Medical Technicians in action, whether in real life or on television.  They are the people that respond to an emergency with Paramedics.  They may also have training in other fields such as law enforcement or fire fighting, but this is not always the case.  Once on the scene of an accident, an EMT is invaluable in assessing the patient’s needs, stabilizing and securing the patient, and transporting the patient to the closest medical facility.

All levels of these jobs require personnel to work in all types of weather conditions.  These jobs are physically tough, requiring a lot of bending, and lifting of heavy loads.  The personnel are at risk of many different types of on the job injuries, such as hearing lost from the sirens, back injuries from the lifting, and catching contagious diseases.  Most work weeks are made up of more than 40 hours and many times will include twelve hour shifts.

An EMT has undergone various levels of training and has various qualifications.  Most start as First Responder or EMT-Basic.  These are the people that are trained to respond to the accident calls and transport the patients to the hospital.  Additional training allows them to be an EMT-Intermediate. Still further training and testing will allow them to become a Paramedic.  Once they reach the stage of a Paramedic, they are allowed to administer drugs and more  detailed tests in the field.

These positions may be found in a Fire department, a Police department, a hospital, or a private ambulance company.  A high school diploma is required to be accepted in an EMT training program.  Many of these programs are administered by a local community college.  Various courses are required, and to become an EMT-Basic you must pass a practical and a written exam administered by the state or NREMT, the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.  All states require some type of licensing, but it may vary from state to state.

Salaries of people with training vary depending on where they are located and what type of training they have.  In 2009 the average salary was approximately $15.00 per hour.  This can be a very exciting career that is expected to continue to grow and should be recession proof in the upcoming years.

Here is a video detailing what is involved in EMT training.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fz3SVZV0anE