Want to be an EMT?

Considering becoming an EMT? The following points are from the New York State Department of Health’s functional job description for an EMT:

Position Responsibilities:

Emergency Medical Technicians respond to emergency calls to provide efficient and immediate care to the critically ill and injured, and to transport the patient to a medical facility.
After receiving the call from the dispatcher, the EMT drives the ambulance to the address or location given,using the most expeditious route, depending on traffic and weather conditions. The EMT must observe traffic ordinances and regulations concerning emergency vehicle operation.

The EMT –

– Functions in uncommon situations;
– Has a basic understanding of stress response and methods to ensure personal well-being;
– Has an understanding of body substance isolation;
– Understands basic medical-legal principles;
– Functions within the scope of care as defined by state, regional and local regulatory agencies;
– Complies with regulations on the handling of the deceased, notifies authorities and arranges for protection of property and evidence at the scene.

For a more detailed view of what is required of an EMT, click here.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professionals get to help people in some of their most trying times. With the right training, you will be prepared to handle some of the most difficult challenges and situations while saving a life or bringing a new life into the world!

Being a part of an EMS Team provides you with:

  • Sense of pride
  • Opportunity to help your community
  • Sense of accomplishment
  • Extensive emergency response training
  • Opportunity to advance in the EMS and health care profession
  • An EMS family of nearly 65,000 providers in New York State

Who Serves?

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), Paramedics, Physicians and EMS Officers all work within an Emergency Medical Services System. An EMS Agency can be made up of all volunteers, combined departments with volunteers and career staff or, a fully career department.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

EMTs conduct basic, non-invasive interventions to help save lives and reduce harm at emergency sites. They have the skills needed to transport patients safely. In many places, EMTs provide out-of-hospital care. To be certified as an EMT, you must take an accredited course. EMTs courses are normally between 150 and 200 hours to complete. Click here to find a class in the Hudson Valley.

EMTs learn how to:

  • Perform Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
  • Administer oxygen
  • Administer glucose to diabetic patients
  • Help people who are having asthma attacks or allergic reactions
  • Remove patients and prepare them for transport to hospital
  • Administer IN Narcan

Paramedic

Paramedics are the most skilled emergency responders. To become a certified paramedic, you must successful complete a nationally accredited paramedic program at the certificate or associate’s degree level.

Paramedic classes take longer, between 1,200 and 1,800 hours to complete. In the Hudson Valley Region this curriculum is offered at Dutchess Community College.

Paramedics learn how to:

  • Administer medications
  • Start intravenous (IV) lines
  • Provide advanced airway management for patients
  • Resuscitate patients
  • Help people who have suffered trauma