Sociology

Paramedics are typically dispatched by a 911 operator to emergencies, where they often work with police and fire fighters. EMTs and paramedics assess the nature of the patient’s condition and try todetermine whether the patient has any pre-existing medical conditions. They provide appropriate emergency care and, when necessary, transport the patient.

The specific responsibilities of EMTsand paramedics depend on their level of qualification and training. There are three types: EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate, and Paramedic. The EMT-Basic is trained to care for patients at the scene of anaccident while transporting patients by ambulance to the hospital under medical direction. The EMT-Basic has the emergency skills to assess a patient’s condition and manage respiratory, cardiac, andtrauma emergencies. The EMT-Intermediate has more advanced training. H owever, the specific tasks varies from state to state. EMT-Paramedics provide the most extensive pre-hospital care. Paramedicsmay administer drugs orally and intravenously, interpret electrocardiograms (EKGs), perform endotracheal intubations, and use monitors and other complex equipment. However, like EMT-Intermediate, jobresponsibilities vary by state.

A high school diploma is usually required to enter a formal EMT training program.

Salary Information
The median wage in 2010 for EMT/Paramedics in Californiawas $31,329 annually (www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov). The median is the point at which half of the workers earn more and half earn less.

Recommended Websites
Bureau of Labor Statisticswww.bls.gov/oco/ocos101.htm
California Emergency Medical Services www.emsa.ca.gov/personnel/EMT.asp
Career Cornerstone www.careercornerstone.org/alliedhealth/emt/emt.htm
Explore HealthCareers www.explorehealthcareers.org/en/Career.43b.aspx
National Associations of EMTs www.naemt.org

Select EMT/Paramedic Program School Websites
College of the Canyons...