May work part time or full time.
Most work over 40 hours per week. Those who work for fire departments work about 50 hours per week. Those who work for hospitals work between 45 and 60 hours per week.
May work days, evenings, nights, or weekends. Emergency services are available 24 hours a day.
May be on call for extended periods of time, especially those who work for police and fire departments.
EMT’s will:
Work as part of an emergency team. This is extremely important because they must coordinate their work to provide the best care
Wear a special uniform and safety gear (i.e., gloves and masks)
EMT’s frequently:
Are always exposed to diseases and infections when treating patients
Work in cramped places that require them to get into awkward positions.
Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
Walk or run for long periods of time.
Repeat the same movements.
Stand for long periods of time.
Bend or twist their body.
Kneel, stoop, crouch, or crawl.
It is important that EMT’s be able to:
Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
Use hands or fingers to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
See details of objects whether they are nearby or far away.
See objects in very bright or very low light.
Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
Understand the speech of another person.
Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
Determine the distance between objects.
