Employment Outlook Within 9 months after graduation, the estimated employment rate for the EMT-Paramedic program is 100%. The graduate starting median wage is $29.53 with a wage potential of $33.61.
*Graduate wages and placement obtained from SBCTC/WA unemployment files from 2004-05. Wage potential is based out of Whatcom County and obtained from LMEA. For further information, contact the Counseling & Career Center at 360-752-8450.
Typical Tasks Tasks and activities required for the EMT-Paramedic are diverse and a highly specialized segment of emergency medicine. Working under a physician directed set of field protocols, which can and will vary across the United States, some exmaples are:
Administer drugs, orally or by injection, and perform intravenous procedures under a physician's direction.
Administer first-aid treatment and life-support care to sick or injured persons in prehospital setting.
Assess nature and extent of illness or injury to establish and prioritize medical procedures.
Comfort and reassure patients.
Communicate with dispatchers and treatment center personnel to provide information about situation, to arrange reception of victims, and to receive instructions for further treatment.
Coordinate with treatment center personnel to obtain patients' vital statistics and medical history, to determine the circumstances of the emergency, and to administer emergency treatment.
Coordinate work with other emergency medical team members and police and fire department personnel.
Decontaminate ambulance interior following treatment of patient with infectious disease and report case to proper authorities.
Drive mobile intensive care unit to specified location, following instructions from emergency medical dispatcher.
Immobilize patient for placement on stretcher and ambulance transport, using backboard or other spinal immobilization device.
Maintain vehicles and medical and communication equipment, and replenish first-aid equipment and supplies.
Observe, record, and report to physician the patient's condition or injury, the treatment provided, and reactions to drugs and treatment.
Operate equipment such as electrocardiograms (EKGs), external defibrillators and bag-valve mask resuscitators in advanced life-support environments.
Perform emergency diagnostic and treatment procedures, such as stomach suction, airway management or heart monitoring, during ambulance ride.
