Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about EMTs. If you are thinking about becoming an Emergency Medical Technician or Paramedic, there may be some answer to questions that you may have. I have other posts that go into more detail about some of these questions.
What does EMT stand for?
Emergency Medical Technician
What do EMTs Do?
It depends on the job you do as an EMT. Most EMTs work on an ambulance, There are public and private ambulance services, and other agencies that you can work for as an EMT. Regardless of what job you take, you will likely be helping sick and injured people as an EMT. You will be trained to respond to medical emergencies, and to people who have been injured.
What is EMT school like?
EMT school is approximately 1-4 months long (approximately 150-190 hours), where you will be trained for different types of emergencies. You will take multiple written tests, and take multiple practical exam where you are put into a scenario that the patient is having an emergency. Once you have completed and passed your EMT class, you can sign up to take the NREMT practical Exams, and computer based test (CBT). Once you have passed those tests, you can apply for an EMT license in your State, and begin working as an EMT (once licensed).
Are EMT Classes Hard?
I didn’t think so, but some people struggle. When I went to EMT school, there were approximately 25 students, and all 25 passed the State approved class. However, some of the people did not pass the NREMT written exam on their first attempt. After you pass the State class, you will need to pass the NREMT tests. You can go the the NREMT maps page here, and click the drop down menu to look at the success rate of people passing the test on the first attempt (you have 3 attempts to take it before you need to take remedial training).
I have heard of other EMT classes having a higher fail rate than I experienced in my class, but this was likely due to the people not having enough time to study the material.
Honestly, I have known a few people that have taken the EMT classes, passed the NREMT practical exams, and were unable to pass the NREMT written exam (I have known a couple people who failed it more than 3 times, and are not certified as an EMT), but the vast majority of people that I have known that have gone to EMT school were able to pass the exam (some on their 3rd attempt).
Some people are better tests takers, so if you are not good at taking tests you may need to study more than other people, but you should be able to pass the test if you put your mind to it.
What Should I expect working as an EMT?
Working as an EMT is not like what you see on TV. Many of the calls that you go on will not be emergencies, and many people abuse the EMS system (drug seekers, people just needing a ride, people needing a place to sleep that night, drug/alcohol abusers, etc…), but if you work in a 911 setting you will also see a lot of medical and traumatic emergencies. You will be around just about every bodily fluid there is, many pungent smells, and you will see a lot of sadness and death.
Is being an EMT dangerous?
It definately can be a dangerous job. If you work on an ambulance, you will be driving a lot at fast speeds, and when you are in the back providing patient care, you cannot always have your seat belt on. You may be responding to Motor Vehicle Accidents (MVA) along the side of a major road or highway, and these scenes can be dangerous because people driving by have a tendency to drive too fast, and not paying attention because they want to see what is going on. You will be also responding to a lot of intoxicated people (drugs and/or alcohol), mental health patients, confused/combative patients, etc…. Unfortunately, dealing with violent people is part of being a healthcare provider, and I have known many EMTs, nurses, CNAs, and other healthcare workers that have been assaulted by a patient. Personally, I have been spit on, scratched, and had patients attempt to punch me.
What is an EMT-B
An EMT-B is an EMT-Basic. The NREMT and most states no longer have the EMT-B classification, and EMT-B is now just called an EMT.
How long does EMT certification last?
EMT certification through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) lasts for 2 years. You will need to recertify every 2 years for the NREMT, and you will need to recertify your State EMT license approximately every 2-4 years (every State is different).
Where can an EMT work?
You can read my article regarding EMT pay and Jobs information for possible EMT jobs. Some examples of EMT jobs you may be able to do are:
- Ambulance Service (public or private)
- Hospital EMT jobs
- Fire Department
- Wild-Land Firefighter/EMT
- Ski Resort EMT
- Security Officer/EMT
- Cruise Ship EMT
Where can I get EMT training?
The State you live in will have State approved EMT classes, and this class should follow the National EMS Education Standards found at the NREMT website. You can read my post regarding “How to Become an EMT” for helpful links to find EMT training in your area.
How Much Do EMTs make? How much Do EMTs make Per Hour?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the estimated median wage for Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and Paramedics in 2017 was $33,380/year, and the estimated median hourly wage was $16.05/hour.
You can ready my article here about EMT and Paramedic Salary Information.
What kind of Equipment do I need as an EMT?
Hopefully the agency you work for will provide all or some of the equipment you need as an EMT. You can ready my article here regarding what equipment I recommend buying as an EMT. In short, some of the things you will need as an EMT are:
- EMS Pants
- Boots
- Stethoscope
- Sheers
Are EMTs and Paramedics the Same?
No. EMT training consists of about 1-4 months of training (150-190 hours), and Paramedic training consists of approximately 8-24 months of school (1500-1800 hours).
You can ready my article about the difference between EMTs and Paramedics Here.
Are EMT Jobs in Demand?
Yes. You an ready my article here regarding jobs.
Employment opportunities are expected to grow at 15% for EMTs and Paramedics from 2016-2026, according to theBureau of Labor Statistics, which is far higher than the average for all occupations.
Are EMTs First Responders?
Yes. First responders are the people who immediately respond to an emergency, and can include EMTs/Paramedics, Firefighers, Police Officers, etc…
Are Firefighters EMTs?
Many firefighters are EMTs, and some Fire Departments require that you be certified as an EMT before you apply for their department. A lot of people who call 911 for a medical emergency ask why the fire department showed up, and this is why.
Are EMT hours Flexible?
They can be. You may be able to work 8, 10, 12, or 24 hour shifts depending on the agency that you work for. I worked at a hospital as an EMT for years, and worked 3 days a week (12 hour shifts), and had 4 day weekends. Some agencies work a 24 hours on, 48 hours off schedule, and on this schedule, you will work an average of 60 hours a week.
Are EMT jobs hard to get?
Some are harder to get than others. EMTs are in demand (see my post here), and job opportunities are growing faster than the national average. Still, some jobs are harder to get than others. I was working as an EMT/Security guard for a hospital for years, and applied for a couple EMT/Security jobs for different casinos in a different state, and did not receive a call from any of those job listings. However, I have applied for different ambulance services, and I usually get called whenever I apply for one of those jobs. It just depends what kind of job you are applying for.
Are EMTs Paid?
Yes, most of them are. However, there are some volunteer ambulance and fire services that the EMTs are not paid.
Are EMTs on-call?
Not usually, but some agencies have on-call EMTs,including some volunteer services.
Are EMS services Free?
No; at least not the ones that I have seen. A ride to the hospital in an ambulance is usually expensive.
Some EMS services have volunteers working for them, but this does not mean they are free for the people that require EMS.
Can EMTs have tattoos?
Yes, most organizations will hire EMTs with tattoos. I have known many EMTs with tattoos, but you will need to check with the organization/agency you plan to work for. Some of these organizations have different expectations from their EMTs, and you may need to cover them up while you are working (long sleeve shirts, pants, etc…).
Can EMTs have Beards?
Yes, but it will depend on the agency you work for. I have known a lot of EMTs with beard. Most organizations will require that it is groomed well. Fire departments will not let you have a full beard because your oxygen mask will not form a proper seal to your face; however most will allow a mustache.
Can an EMT work Part-Time
Yes. There are many agencies that hire part-time, or as needed EMTs.
Can an EMT start an I.V.? Can an EMT give injections?
No (in most States). However, an Advanced EMT can start an I.V. in most States. Paramedics will be able to start an I.V. and give an injection. For more information regarding the difference between an EMT and Paramedic, read my article here.
Who Issues EMT Licensure?
Each State issues EMT licenses, which gives you the privilege to work as an EMT in those states, respectively. The National Registry of Emergency Technicians (NREMT) issues a certificate as an EMT, and many states require that you receive this certificate before you become licensed as an EMT in that State.