Ambulance Jobs EMT & EMS Jobs

There are several opportunities for people interested in paramedic jobs.

First and foremost, it’s important to know that paramedics do much more than simply ride around in ambulances. Being a paramedic may look like fun – and it is often extremely rewarding – but the job is very physically, emotionally and mentally demanding.

Paramedics can be responsible for providing medical care to people involved in many various types of incidents, including violent assaults, strokes, boating and car accidents and those resulting in serious injuries. Not only do paramedics have to treat these patients, but they may have to do so in a limited amount of time while transporting the patient to a nearby hospital.

Paramedics are sent to an emergency scene by 911 operators, with the primary focus of determining the condition and medical history of any injured people. They then provide medical care at the patient’s home, the scene of the incident or while in transport to a care facility.

Due to the serious nature of the job, it takes a lot of education, training and experience to become a full paramedic. For that reason, the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians designates four levels of Emergency Medical Technicians and paramedics.

• First responder – Many emergency professionals, such as police officers and firefighters, are certified as first responders. These workers are responsible for providing the most basic level of medical care and are typically the first people to arrive at the scene.
• EMT-Basic – These workers, also called EMT-1s, are trained in basic cardiac, respiratory and traumatic injury emergency care and usually treat patients en route to the hospital.
• EMT-Intermediates – This level of EMT, also called EMT-2s, have additional training that allows them to use defibrillators to restart a patient’s heart, give fluids intravenously and clear the airway using various techniques and equipment.
• EMT-Paramedics – The final level, also called EMT-4s, are capable of performing all the procedures of other EMT levels. In addition, they can give oral or intravenous drugs, read EKGs, do endotracheal intubations and use a variety of complex equipment.

So whether you are interested in becoming a lower-level first responder or a full-fledged paramedic, there are plenty of opportunities and need for ambulance-related jobs.