EMT

An Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) is a trained prehospital healthcare professional who provides basic life support and medical care to ill or injured persons and arranges for transport to definitive care.

Training and levels vary by country, but in many systems EMTs are grouped as EMT-Basic (or EMT), Advanced EMT and Paramedic. EMT-B focuses on scene safety, patient assessment, CPR and AED use, bleeding control, bandaging, immobilization, oxygen administration, and assisting with basic medications under medical oversight. AEMTs and paramedics have additional training in advanced airway management, IV therapy, more medications, and advanced life support.

EMTs perform patient assessment, maintain airway and breathing, manage circulation and hemorrhage, monitor vital signs, administer basic medications as permitted, immobilize trauma patients, control environmental hazards, package and transport patients, and communicate with receiving facilities and medical control. They work under medical direction and follow established protocols.

Work environments include ambulances, fire departments, police or private EMS agencies, and may involve aero-medical transport. They respond to 911 calls or interfacility transfers and often work irregular shifts, including nights and weekends. They are part of a broader emergency medical services (EMS) system and coordinate with other responders such as paramedics, nurses, and physicians.

Certification and career development typically require completion of an accredited training program, CPR certification, and passing a national or state certification exam. EMTs must complete ongoing continuing education to maintain licensure and may advance to higher levels with additional training and certification.