Emergency Medical Techinician
EMTs, or Emergency Medical Technicians, provide a vital link in the health care infrastructure. As first responders, EMTs have to always been ready for anything; it's a challenge for sure, but that's what makes it so rewarding. It all starts with the 911 call. Dispatch receives the call, assesses it, and contacts the nearest available EMT crew. Once on the scene, emergency medical technicians assess the patient and provide emergency medical assistants to stabilize the patient. In some instances, transport to the nearest treatment facility is warranted where the victims receive care under the supervision of nurses and physicians.
Besides being first responders and needing acute medical skills, EMTs also provide two other key services. They put the victim in contact with a localized health care team and convey the critical information concerning the status of the patient. The importance of this cannot be overstated. Thus, to be a successful emergency medical technician, it is not enough to simply have basic lifesaving skills. Clear communication and a level head during times of immense pressure are also a necessity.
There are many levels of EMT, five in fact, each with a different level of training and responsibilities. First Responder, Basic, Intermediate 1985, Intermediate 1999, and Paramedic as they are known, encompass a wide range of skills and services. Read on to find out more about emergency medical technicians!