Appendix B: Examples of Health Professions

Emergency Medical Technician/Paramedics

Overall, there were 172,000 emergency medical technician (EMT) jobs in 2000. Twenty-five percent of paramedics worked in hospitals; 30% worked for police, fire or rescue squads; and 40% held jobs with private ambulance services. It is not uncommon for EMTs and paramedics in rural areas to be unpaid volunteers. Irregular and long working hours, often over 50 hours a week, are typical

An EMT-Basic also known as (EMT-1) has the least amount of training needed to qualify as an emergency medical technician. Along with other EMTs, an EMT-1 performs basic life support skills such as opening airways, restoring breathing, controlling blood loss, treating shock, and immobilizing using such equipment as stretchers, backboards, oxygen devices and splints.

Training for an EMT-1 consists of 100-120 hours of classroom exercises and ten internship hours in a hospital emergency room. These training programs are offered through hospitals, police and fire departments, and some colleges. Upon completing the program, a trainee must pass written and practical examinations at the State or national level to be awarded the title of Registered EMT-Basic.

*Earnings of EMTs depend on the employment setting and geographic location as well as the individual's training and experience. Median annual salary of EMTs was $22,460 in 2000. The lowest ten percent earned less than $14,660 and the highest ten percent earned more than $37,760. Private ambulance services paid a median salary of $20,950 in 2000; local government services, $24,800; and hospitals, $23,590.

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2000-01 Edition.

Copyrighted by: The National Health Council, October 1998; reproduced with permission by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Further reproduction prohibited without permission of copyright holder, www.nationalhealthcouncil.org.