What is it Like to be a Paramedic (EMT)?
As a paramedic you could be the first person to treat an injured or sick individual before they reach a hospital. In situations like this it’s important to be quick-thinking, dedicated, and educated about emergency medicine. The demand for paramedics is increasing due to the baby boomer generation reaching advanced age and more people with access to medical care than ever before.
But what is it really like to be e paramedic? What are the duties and roles associated with this career? Who is cut out to take on these unique challenges?
What do Paramedics Actually Do?
Like the vast majority of depictions you watch on TV, the life of a paramedic is not quite what you see on screen. The job requires long hours, hard work, and a great deal of stamina. As for your duties, ambulances are often used to transport patients from one medical facility to another, in addition to responding to 911 calls.
During calls, paramedics most often are part of a two-person team. One member drives the ambulance and the other assists the patient. The driver has to be able to maneuver a large vehicle through city streets, sometimes in inclement weather. The paramedic taking care of the patient has to do so quickly, while the vehicle is in motion. No matter your position in the ambulance, you need to be a high-skilled professional.
What is a Typical Workday Like for a Paramedic?
While many calls you go as a paramedic will be life or death, there will be plenty which are not. But even if your patient does not have life-threatening injuries, it’s important to treat every person with the utmost care and consideration while working.
When you’re not at a call, you will have downtime. It’s important to use this time wisely to restock and clean the ambulance, ensure all of your equipment is in working order, and guarantee you are prepared for the next call.
Working as a paramedic can require shift work, so you might end up resting your eyes during long periods of downtime. But don’t get too comfortable, paramedic has to always be ready to leave for a call. Adjusting to this type of work can be a challenge. But the rewards are great.
What is the Job Outlook for a Paramedic?
If you’re interested in joining an expanding career field, you have found it in emergency medical services. The forecast for paramedics, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), states the field will grow by 24% between 2014 and 2024. This growth is considered much faster than average, with median growth for most occupations standing at 7%.
How do I Become a Paramedic?
If you think you’re cut out for life in an ambulance there are many different paths to become a paramedic. One path is by obtaining an associates degree in emergency medical services. But before you apply, make sure you meet the qualifications.
Because of the stressful nature of the position and the need for attentiveness, care, and physical strength, you must be able to pass a variety of drug tests, background checks, health assessments, and even credit history examinations. You will also need to be current on your vaccinations and be able to pass a behavioral assessment.
Although the restrictions on this kind of work are tough, there has to be high standards for the people who are saving lives every day with emergency medical services.
Are you interested in the field of emergency medical services? If you’d like to know more about becoming a paramedic, contact ECPI University today to inquire about our Associate of Applied Science degree in Emergency Medical Services.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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Gainful Employment Information – Paramedic (EMT) - Associates
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