Nature of the Work

An Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Advanced Medical Technician (AEMT) are part of the emergency medical services (EMS) profession. These are health care professionals who work primarily in the pre-hospital environment but may also serve as patient care team members in a hospital or other health care setting. EMS works in a variety of outdoor conditions such as rain, snow, or extreme heat. EMS may pick up patients from inside a building or from a roadside accident. EMTs are frequently the first to arrive at the scene of an emergency and may have to provide lifesaving care such as CPR or bleeding control. EMTs are expected to quickly assess patient conditions, intervene as needed, and provide transportation to a hospital or other healthcare facility.

Emergency Medical Technicians/Advanced Medical Technicians:

• Function as part of a comprehensive EMS response within a community or public safety system under medical oversight using defined clinical guidelines.
• Perform interventions with the basic equipment found on an ambulance to manage life threats, medical, and psychological needs of their patients.
• Are an important link within the continuum of the emergency care system from an out-of-hospital response through the delivery of patients to definitive care.