Emergency Medical Technician (EMT): Duties, Salary, and More

Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) provide critical medical care to patients both on-site and in ambulances on their way to the hospital. As key members of the emergency medical services (EMS), EMTs are often the first to arrive on the scene of an emergency, where they provide basic life-saving care to those in need. If you're interested in a fast-paced medical profession, then you might consider a career as an EMT. 

Explore what an EMT does, the skills they need to perform their life-saving responsibilities, their salary and job outlook, and how to become one. 

 EMT duties and responsibilities 

An EMT provides emergency onsite medical care and transportation for critically injured or ill individuals who require immediate medical assistance. Making sure every second counts, EMTs perform this basic and critical medical care out of an ambulance, using the tools and resources available within it.

Within the emergency medical technician job description, the goal of an EMT is to stabilise an individual and safely transport them to a medical facility that can further assist the patient. To ensure they provide the best possible care, though, EMTs typically work in pairs or teams with other EMTs rather than on their own. A paramedic is an advanced EMT who has received additional training and is qualified to perform more complex procedures.

Typical duties and responsibilities of an EMT include: 

• Provide basic first-aid treatment as needed

• Respond appropriately to emergency calls 

• Assess a person’s condition and know how to provide proper medical care 

• Put together an initial plan of care to quickly stabilise an individual in distress 

• Provide life-saving medical interventions like CPR

• Determine where to transport a patient for continuing care

• Communicate clearly and effectively with other first responders, emergency medical staff, and personnel 

• Document medical care given to patients 

• Report patient observations to appropriate medical professionals  

While most EMTs drive and operate out of ambulances, you also may also work out of hospitals, fire departments, and non-emergency locations such as rehabilitative services.

Skills you’ll need to work as an EMT

Working as an EMT requires a high level of physical fitness and problem-solving skills needed to work effectively in high-stress situations. The ability to think fast and act quickly is an essential skill in this profession. You will likely meet people in a time of crisis, and they may need both physical and emotional care. Striking that balance can help you to be an effective EMT.

A few vital personal skills you need to work as an EMT include: 

• Fast decision-making 

• Problem-solving 

• Empathy and understanding 

• Effective communication 

• Good listening 

• Patience 

• Compassion and caring 

• Mental resilience

 Additionally, some critical technical skills EMTs must possess that you will learn as part of your emergency medical technician training include the following:

• CPR 

• Life support 

• Vital signs 

• Infection control

• Ambulance setting

• Safe transfer techniques

• Hygiene techniques

EMT salary and job outlook

According to Glassdoor, EMTs earn an average monthly salary of ₹24,237 as of September 2024 [1]. EMTs are in high demand across India, but many of these professionals are also finding success by working in other countries experiencing paramedical shortages. 

Experts predict the profession will continue to grow as the need for emergency medical care grows in the face of natural disasters, an ageing population, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 

How to become an EMT

To become an EMT, you need to complete your 10+2 level of education with science as your main subject of study. You’ll also need to be fluent in English, including reading, writing, and speaking. Additionally, you must complete an EMT course to gain certification. , The common steps that you can expect to complete to start your EMT career are as follows:

1. Complete your 10 + 2 education. 

Unlike many other professions in the healthcare industry, you don’t need to go to college and earn a degree to work as an EMT. As long as you are at least 18 years of age and hold your 10+2 education with science as your main subject, you are eligible to enrol in an EMT programme and earn the required training and certifications. 

2. Enrol in an EMT programme. 

The Indian government offers several training opportunities that provide the necessary education to become an EMT. Some options include the EMT Basic, Advanced, and Paramedic certification courses offered by the Indian Institute of Emergency Medical Services and the EMT-Basic and Advanced courses offered by the National Skill Development Corporation of India. You can also choose to pursue a Bachelor of Science (BSc) programme or complete a Diploma in Emergency Medical Technician (DEMT). 

Coursework for your EMT programme includes various topics, from human anatomy to bleeding management, reading vital signs to obstetrics. Most programmes take 400 hours to complete, or six months to one year. Diplomas can take from 10 to 18 months to complete, whereas bachelor’s programmes can take four years (including a 12-month internship). You can take additional training to further your options within the profession. 

3. Earn licensure.

Upon completing an accredited EMT programme, you might need to take a certification exam to qualify for EMT roles. This exam is usually conducted by the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS). Typically, you’ll need to have continuing education to maintain your certification.  

4. Apply for EMT jobs in your area. 

After meeting the requirements to work as an EMT in your state, it’s now time to apply for EMT jobs in your area. Your resume should include details about your EMT programme, certification, and any additional training and certifications you’ve gained. Be sure to highlight skills that would make you a successful EMT and have a few references who can speak to those skills. You might be surprised at the number of opportunities to work as an EMT in your community, including the following:

• Hospitals

• Home healthcare

• Private ambulance services

• Fire departments

• Geriatric care

• Colleges and universities for sports medicine

• Rehabilitation centres

Consider where you’d like to work and if there’s a specific population you’d like to work with. For example, if you enjoy working with older people, you might try to apply for an EMT position that serves local nursing homes.

Learn more about EMT careers on Coursera

EMTs perform life-saving procedures every day. If you're interested in a fast-paced healthcare position, then you might consider preparing for a career as an EMT by taking a cost-effective, flexible course on Coursera.

The University of Colorado's Become an EMT Specialization can introduce you to care for stable and unstable patients before they get to a hospital, how to identify time-sensitive diseases, and medical and traumatic conditions that affect both adults and paediatric patients.