Emergency Medical Services
Being in EMS offers fast growing opportunities and can launch you into various medical careers
About
As an EMS personnel, in your career, you will see various calls in controlled or uncontrolled environments. You will need to be confident in your skill and to make a positive difference; it is critical to have competency. Because many times, it is a matter of life and death.
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Emergency care has flourished, and the world relies on what you do. You are responsible for your and the patient's safety, so continuously improve yourself. EMS exists to fulfill the principles of providing urgent pre-hospital treatment and stabilization for illness and injuries and transport to extended care.
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EMT work schedules and paramedic hours vary depending on location, but it is common to see 9, 12, or 24-hour work shifts. In rural living, it is typical to see 24-hour shifts, a designated schedule, or sometimes a 48/96 schedule. These make it easy for rural locations to have staff working 24/7 to provide the best service possible. Also, don't forget that there will be times that you will need to work holidays. It comes with the job of being a public servant.
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EMS is a healthcare and public safety branch that responds to calls 24/7 in almost every community. EMS encompasses many different services and roles, providing vital, lifesaving care for patients when needed.
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Get enrolled in your local EMT program or research surrounding private ambulances near you, as some agencies offer in-house training. Once you complete your EMT and receive your certificate, you need to test for your Illinois license. From there, you can search for departments or agencies around you that may only require an EMT license. If they do, they MAY send you through to an academy or paramedic school. However, before you can usually apply to paramedic school, you must pass EMT training. Work experience as an EMT on a 911 ambulance is also extremely beneficial and is often required for many paramedic programs. If you have decided on this career path, enroll in an EMT class asap.
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Skills, demands, and traits required
Maintain medical equipment
Assist with medications
Clean, disinfect and sterilize
Safety and Security
Knowing the area of your jurisdiction
Traffic laws
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Different types of EMS Services
Voluntary: Functionality is relatively the same but the level of care differs
Government: Common EMS from local or military departments
Hospital-based: separate emergency services brought on by their own personnel
Private: Private companies performing and meeting expectations of emergency medical services
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