Assess injuries and illnesses and administer basic emergency medical care. May transport injured or sick persons to medical facilities.
As a first responder, EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians) play a crucial role in life-saving measures as well as immediate treatment.
A Typical Day
- Administer first aid treatment or life support care to sick or injured persons in prehospital settings.
- Assess nature and extent of illness or injury to establish and prioritize medical procedures.
- Attend training classes to maintain certification licensure, keep abreast of new developments in the field, or maintain existing knowledge.
- Comfort and reassure patients.
- Communicate with dispatchers or treatment center personnel to provide information about situation, to arrange reception of victims, or to receive instructions for further treatment.
- Inform medical professionals regarding patient conditions and care.
- Treat medical emergencies.
- Analyze patient data to determine patient needs or treatment goals.
- Collaborate with healthcare professionals to plan or provide treatment.
- Drive vehicles to transport individuals or equipment.
Recommended Credentials
State approved training program + certification
Education & Training
Regional employers often hire graduates of these programs.
Northwest Lower Michigan
Emergency Medical Services/Paramedic Certificate OR
Emergency Medical Services/Paramedic (AAS)
North Central Michigan College
Explore This Career
Try it before you buy it!
Visit a fire/EMT station near your home, they often have open houses during the summer!
Become certified as an Emergency Medical Responder to get some experience without any clinical requirements.
The Local Advantage Learning Pathway
Pathway 1
Earn CPR certification before enrolling in a post-secondary emergency medical program.
Northwest Education Services (formerly TBAISD) - Allied Health program
You can take exams at 16 and apply for state certification at 18.
Pathway 2
Munson Healthcare Regional EMS does certification-aligned training, has Fast Track Externship option and 90%+ certification pass rate
Get certified through a program like Lake Michigan College's CPR - AHA HeartSaver and BLS program.
Pathway 3
Articulate 43 credits toward Associates of Applied Science in Paramedic Science in partnership with NMC
Sample Employers in Our Region
Click the logos below to learn more.
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TIP
Contact one of these companies and ask for an informational interview, to see if you can job shadow, or to find out if they hire interns.
Sample Job Titles...
- Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- First Responder
10-Year Job Growth Projections
Employed Regionally
Wage Range & Median 10-County Region
Annual Hires Regionally
Other Regional Career Resources
Learn more about Emergency Medical Technicians at O*NET Online.