Emergency Medical Technicians
Assess injuries and illnesses and administer basic emergency medical care. May transport injured or sick persons to medical facilities.
SOC: 29-2042.00
Common Job Titles
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- First Responder
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeAssess patient injuries, illnesses, and vital signs at emergency scenes under time-critical conditions with limited diagnostic resources.Proficient
- Hands-onOperate bag valve mask resuscitators and airway suction units during respiratory emergencies following established protocols.Proficient
- Hands-onPerform cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillation in pre-hospital settings with cardiac arrest patients.Proficient
- Hands-onExecute spinal immobilization and patient extrication procedures using cervical collars, backboards, and specialized devices at trauma scenes.Proficient
- Hands-onOperate ambulances and emergency transport vehicles safely under emergency response conditions while adhering to traffic laws.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate patient safety principles with rapid intervention techniques when managing unpredictable emergency environments and patient behaviors.Proficient
- Hands-onManipulate intravenous cannulas, infusion sets, and medication delivery systems while maintaining sterile technique under emergency conditions.Developing
- MindsetEngage patients and family members experiencing medical crises with empathy and clear communication to reduce anxiety and gain cooperation.Developing
- KnowledgeInterpret electrocardiogram readings and vital sign trends to identify life-threatening cardiac conditions requiring immediate intervention.Developing
- KnowledgeApply triage protocols and medical treatment algorithms at mass casualty incidents to prioritize patient care.Developing
- Hands-onExecute advanced airway management techniques including endotracheal intubation using laryngoscopes and associated equipment in critically compromised patients.Developing
- KnowledgeExplain treatment procedures and patient status updates to receiving hospital staff via radio telemetry and written documentation.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Emergency Medical Technicians (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
177,980
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $31,410. 25th percentile: U.S. $36,730. 50th percentile: U.S. $41,340. 75th percentile: U.S. $48,160. 90th percentile: U.S. $60,780. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $31,410 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $60,780 |
| Workers on average earn | $44,790 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- MEDITECH software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Technology Skills
- Epocrates
- HyperTox
- Informed EMS Field Guide
- Iterum eMedic
- MedDataSolutions Regist*r
- Medical Wizards ER & ICU ToolBox
- Medical Wizards ER Suite
- Medical Wizards Paramedics ToolBox
Tools & Equipment
- Adult Magill forceps
- Adult non-rebreather oxygen masks
- Adult stylets
- Airway suction units
- Ambulances
- Bag valve mask BVM resuscitators
- Battery-powered portable suction units
- Blood pressure recorders