Western Washington Area Health Education Center
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
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WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Health
Professionals/
Student Placement
Health Career
Information
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
HOPE
Preceptor & Site Resources
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Volunteer/Retired
Providers Program
K-12 Learning Resources
aka Science
Allied Health
Health Career
Information
HOPE
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Statewide Office
of Rural Health
Community Health
Assessment, Planning
& Development
Primary Care
Provider Recruitment
Shop
WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Health
Professionals/
Student Placement
Health Career
Information
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
HOPE
Preceptor & Site Resources
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Volunteer/Retired
Providers Program
K-12 Learning Resources
aka Science
Allied Health
Health Career
Information
HOPE
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Statewide Office
of Rural Health
Community Health
Assessment, Planning
& Development
Primary Care
Provider Recruitment
Shop
Health Career Information
Emergency Medical Technician / Paramedic
Job description
In Washington State, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are delivered by a variety of care providers trained to work on the front line of pre-hospital emergency care.
The emergency medical technician (EMT) is a member of the emergency team. The EMT is often the first medical worker at the scene of an accident or medical emergency, and initially treats and transports victims to the hospital.
Activities may include
●
drive an ambulance
●
evaluate type and extent of a patient’s illness or injury
●
establish priorities for medical care
●
report observations of patients conditions both orally and in writing
●
administer diagnostic and emergency treatment with the instructions of a physician
●
may administer cardiac resuscitation, restore breathing, control bleeding, treat shock, immobilize fractures
●
implement infection control procedures
●
clean and maintain a wide range of medical and rescue equipment
Specialties
Persons trained in Basic Life Support (BLS) have had training in basic medical skills like CPR and first aid, they often are referred to as first responders.
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) are certified through the State of Washington after completing 110 hours of education/training and passing an examination. There are three classifications for EMT positions:
EMT - Ambulance is trained in basic life support to perform specific pre-hospital duties in emergencies, including treating shock and poison victims, dressing and bandaging wounds, controlling bleeding, resuscitating heart attack victims, restoring breathing, maintaining a patient’s airway, immobilizing fractures, and providing obstetrical assistance.
EMT - Intermediate provides the same care as the EMT-Ambulance, but because of additional training may also assess trauma patients, administer intravenous therapy, use anti-shock garments and airway maintenance equipment.
EMT - Paramedics are properly known in the laws of Washington State as "mobile intensive care unit paramedic" and are the more highly trained technicians who may be qualified to administer drugs (orally or intravenously), and to operate more complicated equipment in an advanced life-support ambulance (intensive care vehicle), such as a defibrillator to shock a stopped heart into action. Paramedics work under the direct supervision of medical professionals. The EMT-Paramedic may also be required to assist in hospital emergency departments and intensive care units.
Salaries and benefits*
Wages vary depending on classification and employer. Paramedics working for the City of Tacoma earn $4,269 to $4,484 per month, while those working for the City of Bellingham earn $3,709 to $4,586, and those working for the city of Kennewick average $3,517 to $4,498 per month. Nationally, paramedics generally earn more than the other classifications, and average $2,385 to $3,140 per month.
Nationally, EMT-Basics working for hospitals average $1,875 per month. EMT-Basics working for fire departments average $2,830, and those who work for private ambulance services average $1,850 per month. Salaried EMT's and Paramedics usually receive a full benefits package.
Training and requirements
In Washington State, EMT training is available at Bates Technical College, Centralia College, Clark College, Columbia Basin College, Everett Community College, North Seattle Community College, Pierce College, Spokane Community College, Tacoma Community College, Walla Walla Community College, and Wenatchee Valley College.
Most Paramedic courses of study require that the applicant be trained in first aid and hold certification as an Emergency Medical Technician; some programs require one year of work experience. A program at Harborview Medical Center and the University of Washington only trains Paramedics who are employed by the Seattle, Shoreline, Evergreen, Bellevue, King County, and Everett Fire Departments. Central Washington University at Ellensburg offers a Bachelor of Science degree. Tacoma Community College has a 2-year Paramedic Training program.
Necessary skills
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a teamwork approach to work
●
accuracy and attention to detail
●
good verbal and written communication skills
●
ability to understand and follow instruction
●
ability to drive under adverse conditions
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good driving record, current drivers’ license/insurance
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physical fitness
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ability to work in a very stressful environment
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ability to make good decisions and use personal judgment
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ability to apply interpersonal and patient skills with all age groups, including pediatric and geriatric patients
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excellent listening skills
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ability to lift, move and secure patients
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ability to work in a rotating shift
Licensure/Certification
EMT - The examination is sponsored by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. Some form of certification is required; recertification is required every two to three years.
Paramedic - At the successful completion of a Paramedic course and local and national examination and with employment in an emergency medical setting, Paramedic Certification will be awarded by the State of Washington Licensing Board. A license is good for a three-year period.
Helpful high school courses
Include lab sciences, biology, chemistry, health, algebra, English and psychology. Volunteer experiences are also helpful to determine interest in the profession.
Colleges/Vocational Schools in Washington State
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Bates Technical College
1101 South Yakima Ave.
Tacoma, WA 98405
(253) 680-7000
●
Central Washington University
Health, Human
Performance, Recreation
400 E. University Way
Ellensburg, WA 98926-7572
(509) 963-1911
●
Centralia College
600 West Locust St.
Centralia, WA 98531-4099
(360) 736-9391
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Clark College
1800 E. McLoughlin Blvd
Vancouver, WA 98663
(360) 992-2000
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Columbia Basin College
2600 North 20th Avenue
Pasco, WA 99301
(509) 547-0511
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Everett Community College
2000 Tower St.
Everett, WA 98201
(425) 388-9100
●
North Seattle Community College
9600 College Way North
Seattle, WA 98103-3599
(206) 527-3639
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Pierce College
9401 Farwest Dr. SW
Lakewood, WA 98498-1999
(253) 964-6500
note: classes are held at the Fort Lewis Education Center
●
Spokane Community College
North 1810 Greene St.
Spokane, WA 99207-5399
(509) 533-7000
●
Tacoma Community College
Tacoma Community College
6501 South 19th Street
Tacoma, WA 98466
(253) 566-5000
●
Walla Walla Community College
Clarkston Branch
1470 Bridge St.
Clarkston, WA 99403
(509) 758-3339
●
Wenatchee Valley College
1300 Fifth St.
Wenatchee, WA 98801
(509) 682-6800
Outlook*
The job outlook for Emergency Medical Technicians in Washington State is very good and is projected to increase 36% by the year 2008. Currently, there are about 16,452 EMT's certified in Washington State. Many are fire fighters who also have EMT certification. From this number, about 11,666 are EMT basics, 636 are Intermediate-level EMTs with IV certification, and about 1,113 are Paramedics.
Professional Association
●
National Association of Emergency Medical
Technicians
408 Monroe St.
Clinton, MS 39056
(800) 346-2368
(601) 924-7744
http://www.naemt.org/
* Note: General career descriptions are updated as necessary, however salary expectations and projected outlooks have not been updated since 2000. Go to Workforce Explorer Washington and search your career for the most up-to-date salary and job growth expectations. Washington Healthcare Careers and Workforce College are also good resources for job information.
For additional information, contact your school's career counselor or
WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Page updated 9/15/04