Working on the front lines of emergency medical response, EMTs usually serve as the first point of contact when someone has experienced injury, trauma or issues brought about by illness or age. Working alongside other first responders, EMTs are responsible for providing life-saving care and transporting individuals to hospitals for more in-depth services.
During the course of a standard day, EMTs may provide CPR, administer medications, wrap wounds, stabilize head/neck injuries or broken bones, administer oxygen, deal with issues related to shock and drive the ambulance. Often the care they administer can make the difference in whether a patient survives until they reach a hospital, making it an important role.
EMTs must also understand how to provide basic emergency services across the lifespan. While one call may deal with a toddler facing a choking issue, the next might require them to provide emergency delivery care for an expectant mother. The next call might relate to a senior citizen experiencing an issue related to cardiac arrest. EMTs must feel prepared and confident enough to walk into any situation and help the patient.
What’s the Job Outlook for EMTs?
Like several other roles within the medical and healthcare arenas, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that roles for EMTs will grow significantly between 2016 and 2026. While job growth statistics for all careers in the U.S. collectively hovers around seven percent, roles for EMTs are predicted to grow by 15 percent – or approximately 37,400 jobs.
Growth from this role stems from several sources. While unfortunate events such as violence, vehicular crashes and natural disasters will continue to demand the skills of these professionals, a growing elderly population means that more EMTs are needed to respond to health emergencies stemming from advanced age. The BLS also projects that more EMTs will be needed in the coming years to provide services to rural populations.
How Much Do EMTs Make?
EMTs save lives each and every day, but many individuals considering this path cannot pursue it solely based on their desire to help people – they need to know their salaries will cover life expenses. The following section takes a look at a few salary statistics to help those on the fence decide if this career suits their financial needs.
Lowest 10% of earners:
Less than $21,880
Median annual salary: $33,380
Highest 10% of earners:
More than $56,990
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2018
HIGHEST-PAYING STATES for EMTs
- 1.Washington: $76,040
- 2.Washington D.C: $60,100
- 3.Alaska: $50,500
- 4.Connecticut: $47,360
- 5.Maryland: $41,940
Median annual salaries.
Source: CareerOneStop, 2018
TOP INDUSTRIES FOR EMTs: MEDIAN SALARIES
- Hospitals: $35,990 per year
- Local government: $35,620 per year
- Ambulance services: $30,800 per year
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2018
What are the Different Levels of EMT?
Within the world of emergency medical technicians, three different levels of certification exist to help workers continue gaining skills, responsibilities and higher pay. The following section highlights the main differences at each level.
Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)
After completing an EMR course approved by their state and passing the cognitive and psychomotor examinations, newly minted EMRs possess the skills and knowledge necessary to provide immediate, first-responder services to the individuals they serve. They can provide life-saving care with little support while waiting for other responders, but don’t possess the training to offer advanced care.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Individuals pursuing this path meet requirements in addition to those mandated for EMRs before moving into day-to-day work. In a typical shift, these medical professionals provide emergency medical care, stabilize patients, provide transportation, and use the tools and devices provided on an ambulance to care for patients en route to hospitals.
After completing additional education and certification requirements, Advanced EMTs can provide all the services administered by EMTs but also possess the medical knowledge needed to offer a few advanced services while transporting patients to a hospital. These professionals often go out on calls when it’s clear that EMRs or EMTs will be out of their depths.
Unlike earlier qualifications, individuals hoping to work as paramedics typically need to complete a two-year degree to qualify. Once they pass certification exams, paramedics possess both basic and advanced skills and can provide extensive critical care to emergency patients. Aside from making higher salaries, they also take on more responsibilities.