How to Be Emergency Services Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Nov 9, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The Emergency Services Technician (EST) is an essential component of emergency response teams, providing medical care and assistance in difficult situations. Without them, emergency personnel would not be able to respond as quickly and effectively to life-threatening incidents. The EST is a highly trained and skilled individual who is able to quickly assess the situation, provide medical treatment, and coordinate with other responders.

Their expertise is critical in providing immediate medical aid, stabilizing patients, and stabilizing the scene until further assistance arrives. The presence of an EST can mean the difference between life and death for those in need of urgent help.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Most employers require applicants for emergency services technician positions to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
Get certified in basic life support (BLS). The American Heart Association and American Red Cross offer certification courses for BLS.
Complete an emergency services technician program. Many colleges, universities, and vocational schools offer emergency services technician programs. These programs typically take one-two years to complete and cover topics such as anatomy and physiology, trauma management, hazardous materials response, and emergency vehicle operations.
Obtain certification as an emergency services technician. In order to become certified as an emergency services technician, applicants must pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam.
Gain experience in the field. Many employers prefer to hire experienced emergency services technicians. To gain experience, applicants can volunteer or work as an emergency medical technician (EMT) or paramedic in a hospital or ambulance service.
Consider obtaining additional certifications. Some employers may require applicants to be certified in advanced life support (ALS) or hazardous materials response. Additionally, some states may require emergency services technicians to be licensed.

As an Emergency Services Technician, it is important to stay ahead and capable in order to ensure that when an emergency situation arises, you are prepared and able to respond. To do this, it is critical to stay informed on the latest technology and industry trends, as well as engage in training, practice, and self-development. Training courses provide a great opportunity to expand knowledge, increase competencies, and become proficient in skills that are necessary for the job.

participating in professional networking events helps to build relationships and gain insights into the industry. By staying up-to-date with the latest technology and engaging in ongoing education and development, an Emergency Services Technician can remain ahead and capable of responding quickly and effectively in an emergency situation.

You may want to check Emergency Medical Technician, Emergency Services Operator, and Emergency Services Supervisor for alternative.

Job Description

Respond to emergency situations quickly and appropriately.
Provide medical assistance and first aid to injured or ill persons.
Administer medications and treatments as prescribed by medical personnel.
Operate and maintain emergency medical equipment and vehicles.
Monitor vital signs and document patient care.
Drive ambulances and other emergency vehicles safely and efficiently.
Prepare reports, collect evidence, and testify in court regarding emergency situations.
Perform search and rescue operations, as needed.
Provide advice and support to the public in emergency situations.
Participate in training activities to maintain and enhance skills.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of emergency medical procedures and protocols
Ability to provide basic life support, including CPR
Knowledge of anatomy and physiology
Ability to assess and respond to medical emergencies
Knowledge of how to use and maintain medical equipment
Ability to communicate effectively with patients and other medical personnel
Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking skills
Ability to prioritize tasks in a stressful environment
Ability to accurately document patient information
Ability to work in a team setting
Proficiency in operating a computer and software programs related to emergency medical services
Knowledge of laws, regulations, and standards related to emergency medical services
Ability to remain calm in stressful situations
Flexibility and adaptability to changing work environments

Having the right skills is essential for becoming an Emergency Services Technician. One of the most important skills is to be able to remain calm and organized in stressful and chaotic situations. This skill is critical because Emergency Services Technicians are often called upon to respond to emergencies such as fires, medical emergencies, natural disasters, and more.

Being able to think quickly and make decisions while under pressure is essential. In addition, good problem-solving skills are necessary in order to assess the situation and come up with a plan of action. Communication skills are also important for Emergency Services Technicians because they must be able to give clear instructions to other emergency personnel and keep them updated on the situation.

Good physical fitness is also needed in order to be able to perform duties such as lifting, carrying, and operating heavy machinery. Finally, technicians must be proficient in using specialized equipment such as firefighting gear, medical supplies, and other technology. All of these skills are essential for Emergency Services Technicians to be able to do their jobs effectively.

Emergency Response Coordinator, Emergency Services Dispatcher, and Emergency Management Director are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience have you had working in the Emergency Services field?
How do you stay up to date on the latest developments in the Emergency Services field?
Describe how you would handle a difficult situation in the Emergency Services field.
How do you stay focused when handling multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment?
What do you believe are the most important skills needed for success in this role?
What is your experience with using emergency medical equipment?
Describe how you would respond to an emergency situation.
How do you handle a stressful situation while providing emergency services?
What processes do you have in place to ensure proper communication between team members during an emergency?
How have you worked with other departments to coordinate efforts during an emergency?

Common Tools in Industry

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). An emergency services technician is responsible for ensuring that they and their team have the proper PPE for the job, such as helmets, boots, gloves, and other protective clothing. (eg: firefighter helmet)
Fire Extinguishers. Fire extinguishers are an essential tool for an emergency services technician to put out small fires in an emergency situation. (eg: 5-pound ABC fire extinguisher)
First Aid Kit. An emergency services technician must have a first aid kit on hand to provide basic medical care in the event of an accident or injury. (eg: Trauma First Aid Kit)
AED Defibrillator. An AED defibrillator is a device used to restore a normal heart rhythm in cases of cardiac arrest. It is a life-saving device and must be used correctly in order to be effective. (eg: ZOLL AED Plus Defibrillator)
Flashlights. Emergency services technicians must carry a flashlight at all times for searching for victims in dark or low-light areas. (eg: LED Tactical Flashlight)
Radios and Communications Equipment. Emergency services technicians need radios and communication equipment to communicate with other personnel on the scene and with dispatch. (eg: Motorola Talkabout T800 Two-Way Radio)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Emergency Services Association (NESA)
International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)
National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT)
International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF)
Emergency Medical Services Chiefs of Canada (EMSCOC)
National Association of State Emergency Medical Services Officials (NASEMSO)
National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC)
International Association of Fire Service Instructors (IAFSI)
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
Emergency Nurses Association (ENA)

Common Important Terms

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). An emergency medical technician is a healthcare provider who is trained to respond to medical emergencies and provide pre-hospital care.
Firefighter. A firefighter is a trained professional who responds to fires, hazardous materials incidents, and other emergency situations.
Paramedic. A paramedic is a higher-level healthcare provider who provides advanced medical care in the pre-hospital setting.
Rescue Technician. A rescue technician is a highly trained professional who responds to hazardous and extreme environments to perform search and rescue operations.
Hazardous Materials Technician. A hazardous materials technician is trained to safely and properly handle hazardous materials such as chemicals, explosives, and infectious materials.
Emergency Communications Technician. An emergency communications technician is responsible for maintaining emergency communications systems, such as radio, telephone, and 911 systems.
Disaster Management Technician. A disaster management technician is responsible for providing emergency response, planning, and recovery services in the event of a major disaster or emergency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are required to become an Emergency Services Technician?

To become an Emergency Services Technician, individuals must possess a high school diploma or equivalent and must have completed a formal Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training program.

What tasks does an Emergency Services Technician perform?

Emergency Services Technicians are responsible for providing emergency medical care to patients, operating emergency vehicles and equipment, responding to emergency calls, providing patient transport services, and performing other related duties.

What is the average salary for an Emergency Services Technician?

The average salary for an Emergency Services Technician is approximately $37,000 per year.

What certifications are necessary to become an Emergency Services Technician?

An Emergency Services Technician must possess certification in Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).

What type of environment does an Emergency Services Technician work in?

Emergency Services Technicians typically work in a fast-paced, high-stress environment and must be able to handle a variety of tasks. They must also be able to remain calm and composed in potentially dangerous or stressful situations.