Paramedic/EMT
EMTs and paramedics respond to emergency calls to provide immediate care to critically ill and injured, and transport patients to a medical facility. Upon arrival at the scene, the EMT/paramedic determines the nature and extent of illness or injury and establishes priority for required emergency care. The EMT/paramedic then provides prehospital emergency medical care.
Examples of Health Problems Treated
- Airway and ventilation problems, including drowning
- Control of hemorrhage and shock
- Immobilization of fractures; spine or extremities
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
- Emergency childbirth
- Psychological crisis
- Poisonings
Employment Settings
- Community fire and police departments
- Private ambulance companies
- Hospital emergency departments
- Private Industry
Average Salary
- Basic EMT: $8000 - $20,000
- Intermediate EMT: $12,000 - $24,000
- Paramedic: $20,000 - $35,000
Educational Preparation
(for Arizona Certification)
- Emergency Medical Technician - Basic (110 hours minimum)
- Emergency medical Technician - Intermediate (317 hours minimum)
- Paramedic - (625 hours minimum)
Some programs are designed for part-time study, others are full-time. The curriculum includes didactic clinical instruction, in-hospital clinical practice, and a supervised field internship.
Closest Programs
Coconino Community College, most community colleges in Phoenix and Tucson.
The EMT class at Coconino Community College is a one semester, seven credit course. Upon completion, the student must pass two tests to become certified for three years.