How to become an EMT

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Career progression and salary expectations for an EMT

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

| Up to £22,000

In this entry-level role, EMTs provide basic medical care and first aid in emergency situations. They assess patients, administer life-saving treatments, and transport patients to medical facilities.

Paramedic

| Up to £35,000

Paramedics perform advanced medical procedures and administer medication, often taking on more responsibility during emergencies. They work more autonomously and handle complex medical situations, such as cardiac emergencies or trauma.

Emergency Care Practitioner (ECP)

| Up to £45,000

ECPs offer advanced, out-of-hospital care and can treat a wider range of conditions on the scene. They often have additional training, allowing them to provide more specialised care and make clinical decisions without needing to transfer patients to hospitals.

The role of an EMT

What does an EMT do?

Good in emergency situations? Able to think on your feet? Don’t faint at the sight of blood? You should become an EMT…

An Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) is a first responder trained to provide critical care in emergency situations. Their primary role is to stabilise patients, assess their condition, and offer life-saving medical assistance before and during transportation to a healthcare facility.

EMTs often work in high-pressure environments, responding to a wide range of emergencies, including accidents, heart attacks, and trauma. Once on the scene, it's their job to quickly evaluate the situation, administer treatments such as CPR, wound care, or oxygen, and safely transport patients to hospitals for further care.

EMTs are a crucial link between the incident scene and the hospital, ensuring patients receive immediate care and improving their chances of recovery.

Typical tasks and responsibilities for an EMT include:

Assessing patient conditions and determining necessary treatment
Administering basic emergency care, such as CPR and bleeding control
Operating and maintaining emergency medical equipment
Safely transporting patients to medical facilities
Communicating patient status and care provided to hospital staff
Monitoring vital signs during transport and reassessing patient conditions
Completing necessary documentation and reports on treatments provided
Assisting paramedics with advanced care when necessary

Is a career as an EMT right for me?

If you want to become an EMT, you’ll not only need technical medical skills, but also the ability to remain calm, think quickly, and communicate effectively in stressful (and sometimes life-threatening) situations.

Strong attention to detail when assessing conditions and administering care is also vital for EMTs.

Other key skills for an EMT include:

Compassion and empathy for patients in distress
Strong attention to detail when assessing conditions and administering care
Ability to work as part of a team in high-pressure situations
Physical strength and stamina for handling equipment and patients
Time management to provide efficient care in emergency situations
Knowledge of basic medical procedures and first aid techniques
Capacity to handle emotionally intense situations effectively

What's it like to be an EMT?

"Working as an EMT is full of unpredictable challenges — no two shifts are the same. One moment, you're helping someone who's had a minor accident, and the next, you're responding to a life-or-death situation. It can be physically and emotionally draining, but knowing that you're making a difference when people need it most is what keeps you going. There’s a real sense of purpose in helping others, and even though it’s tough, the job is incredibly rewarding."

Get qualified as an EMT

To become an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), you’ll need to complete an approved EMT training course, which is typically provided by the NHS Ambulance Service or private training providers. This course includes both classroom learning and practical, hands-on experience in emergency care, covering areas like trauma management, CPR, and patient transport. After completing the course, you’ll need to pass additional assessments to qualify as an EMT.

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