EMT Careers
EMTs and Paramedics are employed by
Emergency Medical Services based at municipal, private,
or hospital agencies, and by Fire Departments, both
paid and volunteer. Depending on the size and scope
of the service, the number of calls can range from
a few calls per month to over 1.3 million per year (such as New York City EMS responds to annually).
Private and hospital ambulance services hire EMTs
and Paramedics to provide care for patients, not only
experiencing an emergency, but needing medical supervision
during transport between hospitals, to nursing homes,
or to specialized diagnostic treatment facilities.
Industrial companies also utilize EMT’S and Paramedics
as providers of employee health care, and as sight
safety officers. Some
EMTs and Paramedics are employed in clinical sites
such as Emergency Departments, Intensive Care Units,
or as ‘home health care’ providers. The role of the
EMT and Paramedic in sports medicine is a new and rapidly
advancing practice.
Numerous 'specialty positions' exist within private
and governmental agencies, such as, flight medic, diver
medic, and tactical "SWAT" medic.
Texas Department of State Health Services
Functional Job Description
Must be at least 18 years of age. Generally, the
knowledge and skills required show the need for a high
school education or equivalent. Ability to communicate
verbally; via telephone and radio equipment; ability to
lift, carry, and balance up to 125 pounds (250 with
assistance); ability to interpret written, oral and
diagnostic form instructions; ability to use good
judgment and remain calm in high-stress situations;
ability to be unaffected by loud noises and flashing
lights; ability to function efficiently throughout an
entire work shift without interruption; ability to
calculate weight and volume ratios and read small print,
both under life threatening time constraints; ability to
read English language manuals and road maps; accurately
discern street signs and address numbers; ability to
interview patient, family members, and bystanders;
ability to document, in writing, all relevant
information in prescribed format in light of legal
ramifications of such; ability to converse in English
with coworkers and hospital staff as to status of
patient. Good manual dexterity, with ability to perform
all tasks related to highest quality patient care.
Ability to bend, stoop, and crawl on uneven terrain; and
the ability to withstand varied environmental conditions
such as extreme heat, cold, and moisture. Ability to
work in low light and confined spaces.
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