Emergency medical technicians, or EMTs, are often the first medical professionals to respond to an emergency situation. EMTs are often the first to care for injured or sick persons before arriving at the hospital. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the nation's growing aging population will require more medical professionals, and job prospects for technicians and paramedics will remain strong between 2014 and 2022. EMT training might be a good opportunity for you if you have an interest in helping those in need without dedicating several years in medical school. States recognize different EMT levels, but at the federal level, there are four levels of certification: Basic, Intermediate, Advanced Intermediate, and Paramedic. Depending on the level of certification sought, EMT training can last from a few months to about two years, and a high school diploma is required. Typically, 110 to 150 hours of instruction is required for basic certification, and paramedic training ranges from 1,200 to 1,500 hours. Courses are available at community colleges, but the curriculum varies according to the certification sought. CPR, administering oxygen, treating asthma attacks and allergic reactions, and assisting diabetics with glucose are among the basic skills taught in an EMT training program; typically, those at the basic level are not permitted to provide treatments that involve breaking the skin. At more advanced levels, training can include learning to start IV lines, use a defibrillator, or provide airway support. Anatomy and physiology courses are typically required at the paramedic level. At the conclusion of your training, you will sit for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians examination in order to obtain your state license. EMTs work in a variety of situations. In many rural areas, technicians work on a volunteer basis. They may also work in conjunction with a fire department or police department. Schools, universities, and government entities will often have a medical service they contract. The employment outlook is excellent, and the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians advises that teaching, or earning certifications beyond the minimum requirements, are good ways to be competitive in a pool of applicants. Those suited for a career in the medical field must be able to act quickly and decisively under pressure. A career as an EMT can be rewarding and training can be used as a springboard to other occupations in the field, such as nursing. However, those in the profession advise that anyone interested in pursuing certification put some thought into their decision. The job is both physically and emotionally demanding, and often, technicians do not get the credit they deserve. Technicians are sometimes put in the position of informing family members that their loved ones have died, or suffered life-altering injuries. Additionally, technicians respond to shootings, drug overdoses, or domestic violence situations, so some situations you are put in can be quite dangerous. If you believe that you can handle the demands of the job, consider volunteering with a local fire department to try something of a similar experience. Once you decide which level of certification is right for you, register for your EMT training with an accredited program. Those in Ohio interested in pursing EMT training can come take courses at Cuyahoga Valley Career Center. Visit us online at, http://www.cvccworks.edu/PublicSafety.aspx.
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