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-generated
Key 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
