EMTs respond to medical emergencies, especially 911 calls, and provide immediate treatment for sick or injured persons, both on the scene of an accident and during ambulance transport to a medical facility. There are half a million practicing EMTs in the United States today. EMTs function as part of an emergency medical team. Refresher courses and opportunities in continuing education are available for EMTs at all levels to aid in re-certification. Some people become volunteer EMTs to evaluate their interest in this occupation and to gain some experience before entering a training program.
Some companies request that new employees volunteer before being hired full-time.
Many small, rural communities rely on volunteer EMTs. As a first-time volunteer, you may not immediately get the hours you want or the respect you deserve. Paid EMTs Paid EMTs work for various employers and are paid according to their experience and education. There are more paid positions in larger, metropolitan cities where the turnover rate for EMTs is higher. Some more specialized EMT positions are Firefighter EMT, Police Officer EMT, Air Medical Transport, and career Armed Forces EMTs.