What Does an Emergency Medical Technician Do?
An emergency medical technician provides life-saving medical care and rapid transport for patients experiencing trauma, illness, or other emergencies. EMTs are often the first healthcare professionals to arrive at the scene, responding to 911 calls, motor vehicle accidents, cardiac arrests, and other critical incidents. They assess patients, stabilize conditions, and safely transfer individuals to hospitals or urgent care facilities.
Working in high-pressure environments, EMTs deliver basic medical interventions, such as CPR, oxygen administration, splinting, and bleeding control. They collaborate closely with dispatchers, paramedics, nurses, and physicians to ensure seamless patient care from the field to the emergency room.
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EMT Core Responsibilities
- Respond promptly to emergency calls and medical transport requests
- Assess patient conditions and provide appropriate pre-hospital care
- Administer basic life support (BLS), including CPR and automated defibrillation
- Control bleeding, immobilize fractures, and assist with childbirth
- Monitor and document vital signs and patient responses
- Operate emergency vehicles and maintain readiness of equipment and supplies
- Communicate clearly with dispatchers, receiving facilities, and medical personnel
- Maintain detailed reports of incidents and interventions
- Ensure adherence to safety protocols and infection control procedures
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency in basic life support procedures (CPR, airway management, AED use)
- Skilled in patient assessment, vital signs monitoring, and trauma care
- Knowledge of emergency protocols, transport logistics, and medical documentation
- Ability to operate and maintain emergency vehicles and equipment
Soft skills
- Strong decision-making and problem-solving under pressure
- Compassionate communication with patients and families
- Ability to work in teams and adapt to dynamic situations
- Physical stamina and resilience for demanding fieldwork
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Completion of a state-approved EMT training program
Certifications
- Current EMT certification through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) or state equivalent
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
Advanced training, such as PHTLS or EVOC, is often preferred for high-volume or specialty transport roles.
Preferred Qualifications
- 1–3 years of experience in emergency medical services or first responder roles
- Experience with electronic patient care reporting (ePCR) systems
- Familiarity with local EMS protocols and communication systems
- Bilingual communication skills for diverse patient populations
National Average Salary
EMT salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) is:
$46,311
Sample Job Description Templates for Emergency Medical Technicians
EMT-Basic (EMT-B)
Position Overview
An EMT-Basic provides frontline emergency care and patient transport using nationally standardized protocols. This entry-level role is essential to pre-hospital systems, stabilizing patients during emergencies and safely delivering them to medical facilities.
Responsibilities
- Respond to 911 calls and provide basic life support (BLS)
- Assess patients and monitor vital signs
- Administer CPR, oxygen, bleeding control, and spinal immobilization
- Assist with childbirth and other emergent procedures
- Communicate with dispatch and receiving facilities
- Maintain emergency equipment and ensure vehicle readiness
Requirements
Hard skills
- Competence in CPR, airway management, bleeding control, and patient packaging
- Familiarity with defibrillators, stretchers, and patient monitoring tools
Soft skills
- Clear communication and compassionate care
- Dependability and ability to handle high-stress situations
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Completion of an accredited EMT program
Certifications
- NREMT certification or state EMT-B license
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior volunteer or first responder experience
- Familiarity with ePCR systems and medical radio protocols
Advanced EMT (AEMT)
Position Overview
An Advanced EMT provides enhanced pre-hospital care beyond the basic EMT scope, including IV therapy, advanced airway support, and limited medication administration. AEMTs bridge the gap between EMT-B and paramedic in many EMS systems.
Responsibilities
- Perform all EMT-B duties, plus initiate IV lines and administer approved medications
- Conduct advanced airway management including supraglottic airway devices
- Use advanced monitoring equipment such as glucometers and ECGs
- Support paramedic teams in complex medical and trauma scenarios
- Document interventions with accuracy for legal and clinical review
Requirements
Hard skills
- Skill in IV therapy, airway adjuncts, and medication administration
- Knowledge of pharmacology and pathophysiology at the advanced EMT level
Soft skills
- Critical thinking and prioritization in emergent care
- Effective communication with paramedics and ER staff
Education
- EMT certification plus completion of AEMT program
Certifications
- State-issued AEMT license or NREMT-A certification
- BLS required; ACLS preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 1–2 years experience as an EMT-B prior to advancement
- Knowledge of local EMS medication protocols
EMT Instructor/Field Training Officer
Position Overview
An EMT Instructor or Field Training Officer (FTO) mentors and evaluates EMTs in classroom or field settings. These professionals ensure quality of care, procedural accuracy, and skills development across the EMS workforce.
Responsibilities
- Conduct skills assessments and ride-along evaluations for new EMTs
- Deliver classroom instruction or lead field orientation sessions
- Ensure trainees meet local and national certification standards
- Provide feedback and documentation on clinical competencies
- Coordinate with training managers and agency leadership
Requirements
Hard skills
- Mastery of EMT skills and protocols at the instructor level
- Ability to evaluate clinical performance and provide constructive feedback
Soft skills
- Coaching and mentoring abilities
- Clear instructional communication and documentation
Education
- Current EMT or AEMT certification
- Completion of approved EMS Instructor or FTO course (varies by state)
Certifications
- NREMT or state-level EMT certification
- Instructor credentials as required by agency or state EMS office
Preferred Qualifications
- 3–5 years field EMS experience
- Background in training, education, or QA/QI roles
Critical Care Transport Technician
Position Overview
A critical care transport technician supports interfacility transport of critically ill patients under advanced medical oversight. This role often functions in partnership with paramedics or nurses and requires familiarity with ventilators, cardiac monitoring, and advanced medication handling.
Responsibilities
- Monitor and assist in managing ventilators, IV pumps, and cardiac monitors
- Provide continuous patient observation during interfacility transports
- Communicate patient updates with transport nurses or physicians
- Assist with airway management and invasive lines under supervision
- Maintain advanced equipment and ensure transport vehicle preparedness
Requirements
Hard skills
- Experience with advanced life support monitoring equipment
- Knowledge of cardiac rhythms, oxygen therapy, and ICU patient care support
Soft skills
- High attention to detail in transport documentation
- Ability to remain composed in high-acuity environments
Education
- EMT or AEMT certification with additional critical care training
Certifications
- BLS and ACLS required
CCEMT-P, FP-C, or specialized transport training preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 2+ years of experience in emergency or critical care settings
- Experience working with flight or ground CCT teams
EMS Supervisor
Position Overview
An EMS Supervisor oversees the daily operations of emergency medical personnel, ensuring efficient dispatch response, protocol compliance, and high-quality patient care. This leadership role supports field crews, conducts incident reviews, and manages shift logistics.
Responsibilities
- Supervise EMT and AEMT crews during shifts or field incidents
- Coordinate response logistics and resource allocation
- Provide on-scene leadership during multi-patient or high-acuity calls
- Evaluate staff performance and ensure documentation accuracy
- Liaise with dispatchers, hospitals, and agency leadership
Requirements
Hard skills
- Operational knowledge of EMS protocols, equipment, and response procedures
- Proficiency in documentation systems and QA reporting
Soft skills
- Conflict resolution and decision-making in real time
- Leadership in field operations and personnel development
Education
- EMT or AEMT certification
- Supervisory or leadership coursework (preferred)
Certifications
- NREMT or state EMT certification
- BLS required; ICS/NIMS training preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 3–5 years of EMS experience
- Previous shift lead or team leader responsibilities