Professional people understand that there is always room for improvement. No matter how successful they become, there is always a milestone ahead. They continue to strive hard and look for opportunities to sharpen their skills and maximize their success. EMT, Emergency Medical Technician, is one of the crucial aspects of the medical field. People also refer to EMTs as ambulance technicians. They are the healthcare professionals who work at the frontline, provide emergency care outside medical organizations and transport critical patients to the healthcare facility centers. They undergo proper training and earn fundamental medical knowledge, enabling them to provide primary medical care to the patients in need.
EMTs do not have to be stagnant in their career and must understand that they can excel in their fields. EMTs are an integral component of an EMS, Emergency Medical Services. They must possess strong observational skills, presence of mind, and have quick decision-making ability. They often come across patients in critical conditions who require immediate action. EMT must have the ability to make instant decisions as per patients’ conditions and help them stabilize till they reach medical facility centers.
Being in the medical field gives EMTs satisfaction that they are serving humanity and are earning money against their services. EMTs can excel in their career and become valuable aspects of an EMS workforce by constantly working to improve their capabilities.
The following are some components of the checklist of skills that will help EMTs to excel in their career:
- Continuing Professional Development
Technology continues to bring more advanced ways of tackling patients’ conditions forward and requires medical professionals to update their skills. The professionals must consider the emt continuing education programs seriously and actively look for avenues that can help them acquire contemporary skills. Webinars are creating waves as they have removed the geographical barriers. They are an inexpensive way of learning various skills and expanding knowledge. Moreover, EMTs can enroll in different medical certification courses, attend seminars or workshops. They can also subscribe to medical journals and get an in-depth insight into the field. Another way of continuing professional development is to acquire a mentorship as it helps in broadening horizons and gaining firsthand experience.
- Be Professional
Irrespective of what career people choose to serve in, they cannot succeed if they fail to fulfill the essential professional duties. Being attentive, punctual, and staying focused on the task at hand are the fundamentals of any profession. EMTs deal with the most critical aspect of human life. Even slight delays can become the cause of patients’ worsening conditions. At the same time, being professional as an EMT means showing dedication, demonstrating discipline at all times, and performing duty with utmost diligence. EMTs must be self-aware of their duties, take care of their dressing and schedules, and appear professional while on duty.
- Critical Thinking
EMTs’ life can be unpredictable. One day they may be giving an old fragile lady PCR. Next, they may have to deal with an infant who has survived an accident. In most cases, EMTs do not have time to spare and take immediate action. A strong presence of mind and critical thinking are essential to deal with crucial matters. As an EMT, some cases might be when people rely entirely on you and look towards you to solve the problem. Whether you are inserting canola, taking blood pressure, or checking heart rate, frantic family members will not leave your side. EMTs must possess strong critical thinking skills and not let the crowd affect their functioning. They must perform their duty with utmost efficiency, as urgent situations are part of their daily routines.
- Communication Skills
Communication skills are critical to succeed in the modern world. People aspiring to make a career in the EMS workforce may think that neither do they have to lock business deals nor do they need to sell products. They do not have to equip themselves with communication skills. EMTs’ job is far from easy as they often have to take medical action amidst crowds. People can be a nuisance and not let EMTs perform their job. EMTs’ practical communication skills enable them to talk firmly and help them navigate challenging situations.
- Focus on the Details
EMT programs teach students to be keenly observant and focus on minute details. EMS professionals can scan a wound thoroughly in one glance. Their critical thinking skills help them make a quick decision about treatment. They understand that no details are unnecessary, and they have to take into account everything before taking action. For instance, some patients may experience an existing medical condition, and some drugs may harm escalate their situation. EMTs must be careful with their handling and ensure that they focus on the tiniest of details.
- Be Adaptable
EMTs do not follow a set pattern of a nine-to-five job. There are days when they have to provide service to multiple people who need different services. Being adaptable displays EMTs’ leadership skills, determination and demonstrates their commitment to their jobs. Moreover, EMTs often have to give immediate assistance. They cannot back away from situations citing that the conditions were not in their favor or did not possess all kinds of resources. If problems do not favor technical equipment, EMTs should be aware of providing services to patients without them and stabilize their condition. EMTs need to be adaptable as it increases their chances of succeeding.
- Nerves of Steel
Medical professionals often come across gruesome scenes where people lie in pools of blood, gasps for breath, or suffer from gruesome deep wounds. They must have strong nerves that help them stay calm and not let the situations affect their rationality. EMTs often have to cater to patients right after accidents, and they witness some heart-wrenching scenarios. Losing control worsens things as people all around depend on EMTs. Having nerves of steel enables people to stay composed even in challenging situations, think critically, and conclude treatments.
Conclusion
Medicine is a vast field, and new areas are constantly emerging. EMS professionals have undergone proper training that equips them with skills and enables them to give patients direct medical care. Sometimes stabilizing patients’ heartbeat, stopping the bleeding, or plucking the shards of metal or glass after an accident help patients survive and cover the distance to the hospital. EMTs’ training courses help them acquire solid nerves and alertness, which enable them to take immediate action and assist patients in crisis. EMTs must keep an open mind and embrace the change and new technology and enhance their skills to excel in their careers.
