Skip Navigation

Ambulance services in the U.S. were largely unregulated until the 1970s. A 1966 report called “Accidental Death and Disability — The Neglected Disease of Modern Society” created support for more widespread service, better training and professional standards.

Emergency Medical Technician — on the job

Emergency Medical Technician Emergency responders must know to handle incidents involving hazardous materials to minimize potential harm to people, property, the environment and themselves. Emergency responders must know to handle incidents involving hazardous materials to minimize potential harm to people, property, the environment and themselves.

EMTs and paramedics must handle stressful situations and react quickly and confidently. Lives literally depend on it. EMTs and paramedics respond to car accidents, heart attacks, drownings, gunshot wounds, childbirths and other emergencies. These can include environmental crises, natural disasters and even terrorist attacks.

This is a physically demanding career with long and irregular hours. EMTs and paramedics work about 50 hours a week. Those affiliated with hospitals may have even longer hours. This is a 24-hour operation, and emergency responders must often be on call, ready to roll.