Westlink Career Institute Emergency Medical Technician Program

Read on to find out some of the Personal Traits of an EMT Why Become an EMT? Becoming an EMT is a popular career choice. There is tremendous growth in the field, competitive salaries, benefits, and more. There is also room for advancement within organizations and a variety of work places to choose to work for. Choosing to become an EMT should be choosing to pursue a personal passion. Read on to find out some of the Personal Traits of an EMT

Techniques of a Great EMT Good Bedside Manner – EMT’s are able to reassure patients and develop a good rapport. Psychological Stability EMT’s who can stay calm despite the surrounding circumstances are an asset. Maintaining a calm demeanor can mean the difference between life and death. Good Communication Skills Effective communication is necessary for all aspects of the job. Don’t be the author of confusion. Keep it professional. Good Social Skills - Being a team player is absolutely necessary for EMTs. The job naturally leads to a development of close relationships between colleagues. Loners usually don’t make good EMTs due to the social requirements of the job. Be a leader only after you have learned. Diplomacy – In some cases patients may be mentally ill and prone to violence. Drug addicts are frequently transported by EMTs, and are sometimes under the influence at the time of transport. EMTs must be able to work with individuals with various backgrounds. More Techniques on Next Page

Techniques of a Great EMT (Continued) Good Physical Condition - EMTs must maintain good health. Be able to lift heavy weight, stoop, crawl and bend. Dependability-EMTs are required to work long hours. Calling in sick isn’t always an option. EMTs must be dependable and willing to show up for work even when they don’t feel like it. Good Judgment- Quick decisions are made routinely by EMTs. It is vital that EMTs can make the right decisions rapidly in order for them to save lives. Professionalism - EMTs must be able to be polite and professional and conduct themselves professionally in the worst of situations. No Risky Behavior – EMT’s don’t risk their jobs by using drugs. They know that they can be spot checked at any time for drugs, alcohol or illegal substances in their system. EMTs don’t risk their jobs and their commitment to responsibility – it’s not worth it because they could lose their license to practice. Many EMT’s have loss their jobs due to recreational drug use.

EMT - Professional Appearance When you have a question about the way you’re dressed or appear…ask yourself a simple question. Does my appearance say “health professional”? The following appearance standards do not: sagging, wrinkled, soiled, bloody clothing, scuffed shoes, dirty tennis shoes, visible tattoos/piercings, big jewelry, body odor, strong perfumes/colognes, long, unkempt hair.   This is a small list but a good start. Your uniform should always be clean and you should be professional appearing. Have you ever seen a doctor with dirty tennis shoes, a nose ring, crazy tats on both hands, and a bloody shirt? If they told you they were about to help you in an emergency how would you feel?

Lifelong Learning Whether you are considering starting a brand new EMT career or have been just certified and licensed as an EMT, it is important to regularly assess your career goals and update them with new or revised plans. In general, you should have both short- and long-term career goals, as well as educational, training, and occupational goals that will help you meet your career objectives. Individuals in the emergency medical services (EMS) professions, specifically emergency medical technicians (EMTs), are no different; they, too, should assess their career objectives and plan accordingly. Career goals depend on a variety of factors, such as an individual's level of education, his or her willingness to pursue continuing education, financial resources, and current level of job satisfaction. Because there are numerous options available to individuals who are either in or thinking about entering the EMS profession, each of these factors becomes a consideration when outlining overall career goals. Educational background is a primary factor in determining the job that person will pursue. We typically obtain a formal or post-secondary education with the end objective of applying what we have learned to gainful employment. While many people remain in similar jobs their entire careers, many others are motivated to continue learning to further develop themselves both personally and professionally. Continued learning can be in the form of certifications or an advanced degree. This additional education can put you on the path to promotion or even a new career entirely.