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How to become an EMT

EMT

Career progression and salary expectations for an EMT

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.
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.
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

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
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
"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

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