What kind of shifts do emts work

An emergency medical technician EMT or paramedic provides quick care for people who are sick or injured. EMTs respond to emergency calls and may be part of a team that transports patients to medical care facilities. The work is fast-paced and often stressful.

Nevertheless, most EMTs say they derive satisfaction from their jobs, knowing they make a difference. An EMT provides emergency care and transportation to the sick or injured. It's not a job for everyone, as emergency situations can be loud and chaotic. In addition to medical skills, EMTs need to remain calm and alert. An EMT schedule can be unpredictable, which is the biggest negative noted by those working in the field.

Training requirements vary. At a minimum, EMTs undergo basic training, consisting of to hours of instruction that can take from six months to two years to complete. A high school diploma is usually the minimum requirement for admission to any training program. Basic training is offered through many colleges and vocational schools.

EMTs must be certified in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation CPR , which can be a part of a training program or a prerequisite. Most states require that an individual be at least 18 years old before beginning training. Some departments rely on unpaid volunteers. It is becoming increasingly difficult for emergency medical services to recruit and retain unpaid volunteers because of the amount of training and the large time commitment these positions require.

As a result, more paid EMTs are needed. Nevertheless, there will still be demand for part-time, volunteer EMTs in rural areas and smaller metropolitan areas. As the population ages and becomes more likely to have medical emergencies, demand for EMTs will increase. Job opportunities should be best in private ambulance services.

Competition will be greater for jobs in local government, including fire, police, and independent third-service rescue squad departments which tend to have better salaries and benefits.

The EMTs who have advanced education and certifications, such as paramedic-level certification, should enjoy the most favorable job prospects, as clients demand higher levels of care before arriving at the hospital. In California, the number of Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics is expected to grow faster than average growth rate for all occupations. Jobs for Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics are expected to increase by In Tulare County, the number of Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics is expected to grow slower than average growth rate for all occupations.

Jobs for Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics are expected to increase by 3. A high school diploma is usually required to enter a formal emergency medical technician training program. Several training providers require proof of various immunizations, negative TB and syphilis test, CPR card, and no felony convictions.

Universities, community colleges, adult education programs, medical training units of the Armed Forces, some licensed general acute hospitals, and private post-secondary approved schools offer training. By December 31, , all U. At the EMT-I level, coursework emphasizes emergency skills, such as managing respiratory, trauma, and cardiac emergencies, and patient assessment.

Formal courses are often combined with time in an emergency room or ambulance. The program provides instruction and practice in dealing with bleeding, fractures, airway obstruction, cardiac arrest, and emergency childbirth. Students learn how to use and maintain common emergency equipment, such as backboards, suction devices, splints, oxygen delivery systems, and stretchers.

At the EMT-II Advanced EMT level, students learn advanced skills such as the process to insert an advanced airway device, take a blood sample, and administer some medications. The most advanced level of training for this occupation is EMT-Paramedic. At this level, the caregiver receives training in anatomy and physiology, as well as more advanced medical skills. Extensive related coursework and clinical and field experience is required.

Field internship or clinical experience is required for all EMT training programs. Biology, English, and mathematics are helpful courses for those interested in becoming an EMT. Licensed Paramedics must complete a minimum of 48 hours of continuing education every two years. The California Emergency Medical Services Authority EMSA issues the required paramedic license after the appropriate fees are paid and the required documentation is processed.

The documentation required includes a copy of the paramedic training course completion, proof of passing the NREMT written and practical exams, documentation of citizenship or immigration status, and a copy of the Request for Live Scan Service form.

Paramedic applicants are also checked to see if they are in arrears on court-ordered child support. If so, they must receive clearance from the respective county child support services office in order to be licensed or maintain licensure. The two-year paramedic license is valid throughout California and is a prerequisite for local accreditation. Paramedics must be accredited to practice in the county in which they work.

Documentation for accreditation includes proof of employment with an approved paramedic provider agency and the paramedic license. Contact the agency that issues the license for additional information. Click on the license title below for details. All EMT levels require the individual be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and pass a NREMT written and skills certifying examination.

All EMT applicants must pay the appropriate fees and submit the required paperwork. The certifications are valid for two years. For more information, go to the U. Contact the schools you are interested in to learn about the classes available, tuition and fees, and any prerequisite course work. The largest industries employing Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics are as follows:.

Job seekers should also apply directly to ambulance companies. Some city and county medical-provider agencies have a separate classification for EMTs and Paramedics. Applicants can find employment opportunities through placement offices at colleges or universities and instructors at training facilities. Newspaper classified ads and the Internet provide sources for job listings as well.

Online job opening systems include JobCentral at www. View the helpful job search tips for more resources. You can focus your local job search by checking employers listed online or in your local telephone directory.

Below are some suggested headings where you might find employers of Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics. Paramedics can become supervisors, operations managers, administrative directors, or executive directors of emergency services. Some EMTs and Paramedics become instructors or dispatchers, others move into sales or marketing of emergency medical equipment. Veterinary technician.

Radiologic technologist. Flight paramedic. Registered nurse. Industrial medic. Find jobs. Company reviews. Find salaries. Upload your resume.

Sign in. Finding a Job. What is an EMT? Assessing a patient's condition and determining treatment methods needed Providing first aid or life support care to critically ill or injured patients Transporting patients safely in an ambulance Documenting medical care given to patients Taking inventory, replacing equipment and cleaning supplies after use Transporting patients from one medical facility to another.

How many hours do EMTs work? It consists of a nine-day cycle where each team works one hour shift, followed by 24 hours off duty, then another hour shift. They then receive another day off duty before working their final shift, followed by four consecutive days off duty. Each team works the same day of the week for three weeks in a row, then have that same day off for nine weeks in a row.

Each team works two consecutive hour shifts followed by four consecutive days off. What is the work environment for an EMT? How can an EMT adjust to their schedule? Approach the job with a positive mindset. Focus on small victories. Eat healthy and get sufficient sleep. Take care of your mental health.

How to become an EMT. Earn a high school diploma. Complete a post-secondary EMT program. Gain certification. Emergency Medical Responders: EMRs offer basic medical care and immediate lifesaving interventions, such as CPR, while waiting for other emergency medical services to arrive.

EMT-Basic: This certification allows for the EMT to care for patients at the scene of an incident and take them by ambulance to a hospital. They can asses a patient's condition and manage respiratory, cardiac and trauma emergencies. EMT-Paramedic: In addition to performing all the previous EMT tasks, paramedics can give medications orally, interpret electrocardiograms EKGs and use other monitors and complex equipment necessary, such as tracheal intubation.