Here is from a job descrition that is more detailed than you may want, but basically an EMT is the entry point level to start into the EMS field. Most EMT coures are anywhere form 8-16 weeks in lenght. If you are really interested into being an EMT, I highly advise that you start to take additional courses to accompany your studies such as collegiate level anatomy & physiology, etc.
Feel free to i.m. me and others as we are pleased to assist.
R/r 911
Emergency Medical Technician -Basic
Responds to emergency calls to provide efficient and immediate care to the critically ill and injured, and transports the patient to a medical facility.
After receiving the call from the dispatcher, drives the ambulance to address or location given, using the most expeditious route, depending on traffic and weather conditions. Observes traffic ordinances and regulations concerning emergency vehicle operation.
Upon arrival at the scene of crash or illness, parks the ambulance in a safe location to avoid additional injury. Prior to initiating patient care, the EMT-Basic will also 'size-up' the scene to determine that the scene is safe, the mechanism of injury or nature of illness, total number of patients and to request additional help if necessary. In the absence of law enforcement, creates a safe traffic environment, such as the placement of road flares, removal of debris, and re-direction of traffic for the protection of the injured and those assisting in the care of injured patients.
Determines the nature and extent of illness or injury and establishes priority for required emergency care. Based on assessment findings, renders emergency medical care to adult, infant and child, medical and trauma patients. Duties include but are not limited to, opening and maintaining an airway, ventilating patients, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, including use of automated external defibrillators. Provide prehospital emergency medical care of simple and multiple system trauma such as controlling hemorrhage, treatment of shock (hypo perfusion), bandaging wounds, and immobilization of painful, swollen, deformed extremities. Medical patients include: Assisting in childbirth, management of respiratory, cardiac, diabetic, allergic, behavioral, and environmental emergencies, and suspected poisonings. Searches for medical identification emblem as a clue in providing emergency care. Additional care is provided based upon assessment of the patient and obtaining historical information. These interventions include assisting patients with prescribed medications, including sublingual nitroglycerin, epinephrine auto-injectors and hand-held aerosol inhalers. The EMT-Basic will also be responsible for administration of oxygen, oral glucose and activated charcoal.
Reassures patients and bystanders by working in a confident, efficient manner. Avoids mishandling and undue haste while working expeditiously to accomplish the task.
Where a patient must be extricated assist and perform treatment as necessary.