How to Be Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Feb 20, 2021 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Becoming an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) can have a profound effect on an individual's life and career. By providing emergency medical services, EMTs are critical members of the healthcare team, helping to save lives and improve patient outcomes. The job requires a great deal of knowledge and expertise, including an understanding of anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and emergency care.

As part of their duties, EMTs must be able to assess a patient's condition quickly and accurately, administer medications and treatments as needed, and provide basic life support including CPR. In many cases, EMTs also serve as a source of comfort and reassurance for patients and their families during times of crisis. With the right training and certification, EMTs can find rewarding employment in hospitals, fire departments, ambulance services, or in private medical practices.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. Most EMT training programs require applicants to have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Complete an EMT Training Program. EMT training programs are offered through community colleges, technical schools, universities, and health care facilities. Programs typically take between 6 to 12 months to complete and include online classes, lab and clinical components, and field experience.
Pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Exam. The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) certifies EMTs at four levels: EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate, Advanced EMT, and Paramedic. All EMTs must pass the NREMT exam before they can be certified as an EMT.
Obtain State Certification. Once you have passed the NREMT exam, you must apply for state certification in the state where you want to work. Each state has its own requirements for EMT certification, including additional exams and background checks.
Apply for a Job. After all the certification steps are complete, you can start applying for EMT jobs in your area. Many employers may require you to have additional training or experience before they will hire you.

Being an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) requires a high level of knowledge, training and skill. The ideal EMT must possess the physical and mental aptitude to provide medical care in emergency situations. To be capable of providing quality care, the EMT must have a wide array of abilities, including the ability to work well under pressure and think on their feet in order to make quick decisions.

In addition, the EMT must have an understanding of medical terminology and anatomy, basic life support and CPR, and how to operate medical equipment. Furthermore, the EMT must be able to assess the patient's condition, provide emergency care, and transport the patient to the hospital. Becoming an effective EMT requires dedication and commitment to learning the necessary skills and knowledge, as well as participating in continuing education courses to keep up with advances in medical technology.

With the proper training, knowledge and commitment, an EMT can become an ideal and capable provider of emergency medical care.

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Job Description

Respond to medical emergencies, assess patients conditions, and administer appropriate treatments.
Provide medical care before, during, and after transport of patients to medical facilities.
Monitor vital signs, such as pulse and respiration rates, and document patient care notes.
Perform basic life support procedures, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Monitor and administer medications, intravenous fluids, and other treatments.
Assist qualified medical personnel with more complex procedures, such as intubation.
Operate specialized medical equipment and monitors, such as defibrillators, oxygen tanks, and suction devices.
Maintain supplies and equipment and keep vehicles stocked with necessary equipment and supplies.
Follow safety guidelines to ensure the safety of patients, colleagues, and self.
Participate in continuing education activities to stay current on medical protocols and best practices.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to remain calm and think clearly in stressful, emergency situations.
Knowledge of medical terminology.
Knowledge of anatomy and physiology.
Knowledge of basic medical procedures, such as CPR and the Heimlich maneuver.
Knowledge of medical equipment, such as oxygen tanks and stretchers.
Ability to assess a patients condition quickly and accurately.
Ability to provide patient comfort and reassurance.
Ability to follow instructions from medical professionals.
Ability to operate a vehicle safely and competently in an emergency situation.
Ability to safely lift, transfer and transport patients.
Ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
Ability to remain up-to-date on the latest medical protocols and procedures.

Being an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) requires a unique set of skills and knowledge to effectively and efficiently provide pre-hospital medical care to patients. The most important skill an EMT must possess is the ability to remain calm and think clearly in stressful and chaotic situations. This skill is necessary to assess the patients condition, determine the best course of action, and quickly act on that decision.

In addition, being able to communicate effectively with both the patient and other medical professionals is essential for ensuring the patient receives the best care possible. Furthermore, having strong physical stamina and a comprehensive understanding of medical protocols and procedures will enable EMTs to provide the highest level of care to patients in need.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in providing emergency medical services?
What methods do you use to quickly assess the condition of a patient?
How would you respond to a difficult situation while on duty?
Are you familiar with the safety protocols and procedures for providing emergency medical services?
How do you handle stress in a fast-paced emergency environment?
What steps do you take to ensure the accuracy of medical records?
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest medical treatments and protocols?
Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision while on duty.
What qualifications and certifications do you possess that make you well-suited for an EMT position?
What techniques do you use to communicate effectively with patients and other medical personnel?

Common Tools in Industry

Stretcher. A device used to move a patient from one location to another. (eg: Collapsible EMT Stretcher)
Oxygen Tank. Contains oxygen that is used to provide oxygen to a patient in need of supplemental oxygen. (eg: M6 Cylinder Oxygen Tank)
Stethoscope. Used to listen to the internal sounds of a patient's body, such as their heart and lungs. (eg: Littmann Classic III Stethoscope)
Trauma Shears. Used to quickly and easily cut through clothing or bandages in order to access the patient's injury. (eg: EMT Shears)
Spinal Immobilization Board. Used to protect the patient's spine from further injury in the event of a back or neck injury. (eg: Ferno Spinal Immobilization Board)
Bandages. Used to cover and protect a wound or injury. (eg: Conforming Stretch Gauze Bandages)
Splint. Used to immobilize a broken bone or joint in order to prevent further injury. (eg: SAM Splint)
Blood Pressure Cuff. Used to measure a patient's blood pressure. (eg: Aneroid Sphygmomanometer Blood Pressure Cuff)
Pulse Oximeter. Used to measure a patient's oxygen saturation level and pulse rate. (eg: Nonin Go2 Pulse Oximeter)
CPR Mask. Used to deliver rescue breaths during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). (eg: Laerdal Pocket Mask)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT)
American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP)
American College of Emergency Medical Services (ACEMS)
National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT)
International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
National EMS Management Association (NEMSMA)
Emergency Nurses Association (ENA)
American Ambulance Association (AAA)
National Association of State EMS Officials (NASEMSO)

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Common Important Terms

First Responder. A first responder is a person trained to respond to medical emergencies, typically as the first healthcare professional on the scene.
Paramedic. A paramedic is an advanced level of prehospital care provider whose primary focus is to provide advanced life support care in a pre-hospital setting.
Ambulance. An ambulance is a vehicle used to transport patients to and from medical facilities, typically in a critical or urgent situation.
Trauma. Trauma is an emotional, physical, or psychological injury that can range in severity from minor to severe.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). CPR is a medical procedure used to restore a patients circulation and breathing when their heart has stopped or they have stopped breathing.
Airway Management. Airway Management is the process of managing a patients airway, typically to ensure that their breathing is adequate for adequate oxygenation and ventilation.
Advanced Life Support (ALS). ALS is a type of medical care provided by EMTs and paramedics with advanced levels of training and certification.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS). EMS is a system of medical care designed to provide rapid and effective medical care to those who are experiencing an emergency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary responsibility of an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)?

The primary responsibility of an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) is to provide emergency medical care to patients in need in pre-hospital settings.

How long does it take to become an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)?

It typically takes between 6 and 18 months to become an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), depending on the program in which the individual is enrolled.

What are the necessary qualifications to become an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)?

To become an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), you must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver's license, and have completed a state-approved training program.

What type of medical care can an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) provide?

An Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) can provide basic medical care such as assessing a patient's condition, providing oxygen, performing CPR, and administering first aid.

What is the salary range for an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)?

The salary range for an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) varies depending on experience, location, and employer. Generally, EMTs make an average annual salary of $37,780.