Industry Outlook for Paramedics

Employment opportunities within this field ( including EMT's - emergency medical technicians )are expected to grow faster than average throughout the next five to ten years. This will mainly stem from the fact that previous unpaid volunteer positions are being replaced by paid personnel.

Employess in this field may be required to work evenings, nights, weekends and/or holidays. The work in this field is commonly stressful due to the irregular work hours as well as the stressful environment of treating life or death situations. They frequently work 40 hours per week an up with an average of 50 hours per work. They may also be required to work in bad weather.

Emergency medical technicians with advanced training are frequently required to deal with the following prehospital emergency situations that require immediate attention:

• Drownings
• Childbirth
• Automobile accidents
• Gunshot wounds
• Heart Attacks

They may also use specialized equipment to stabilize / immobilize casualties before transportation by ambulance to the nearest hospital, medical trauma center or medical facility. e.g backboards, drips, braces etc

Provided the EMT's have had the required training, they may treat certain injuries at the scene of the accident. Sometimes this happens under the guidance of a medical officer over the phone.

Employment Prospects for Paramedics

Employment opportunities include:

• Private ambulance services
• Fire
• Police
• Rescue squad departments

The competition has not been as strong for employment in the private ambulance services sector in recent years; with more intense competition for positions in fire, police and rescue squad departments. This is mainly due to the fact that positions in the various squad departments tend to offer higher wages and more competitive benefits than positions in private ambulance services.

Job Search for Paramedics

Employment opportunities can be found through networking as well as checking the classified advertisements in newspapers. Individuals may also find success in learning of open positions by working with the placement center of their training institution.

Cover Letters for Paramedics

The cover letter used when applying for work within this field should focus on the candidate’s dedication to quality care, responsibility and timeliness. Advance certification and training should be highlighted.

Resumes for Paramedics

The chronological resume format works well when applying for work within this field because it allows the candidate to focus on their employment history strengths as well as their training and certification.

Training & Qualifications for Paramedics

While State requirements do vary, all States require certification for employment in this field. Some States distinguish between levels of proficiency using a numeric system, such as levels 1-4.

Individuals with advanced certifications will find that they maintain an edge over the competition in this field. The minimum amount of training required for paramedic certification is normally around two years with an Associate in Applied Science Degree. Persons interested in this type of work should be in good physical condition, with good eyesight and the ability to lift and carry heavy loads. Good color vision is also required.

In addition, all states require on-going training in order to maintain certification. Certification usually expires every two years. In order to renew their certification, individuals must be actively working as paramedics and meet the continuing education requirements.

The opportunity for advancement within this field does exist, such as a supervisor or director. Individuals may also find other opportunities such as that of dispatcher or instructor. An increasing number of individuals are using their work experience in this job in order to jumpstart other opportunities in the medical field as they return to school to become doctors or nurses.