"Being an EMT is physically and emotionally challenging, but it's a privilege to be there for someone in their time of need to provide care and comfort when they need it most. It’s a privilege I don’t take lightly. It demands quick thinking under pressure, compassion, and a commitment to helping others. It’s easy to get started! You can take an EMT course at a community college, through private companies, and even some fire departments have certified courses.

You'll learn some basic medical response tactics that you can either use to move up to paramedic or give you basic medical skills before you start med school, or you can remain an EMT. Most situations involve pretty straightforward responses, but the situations can be very scary for the caller. When people are in a panic, they need a good listener and someone who can talk the patient through everything that's happening. It really gives me a sense of purpose."

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Job Description

SOC Code: 29-2042

Emergency Medical Technicians assess injuries and illnesses and administer basic emergency medical care. May transport injured or sick persons to medical facilities.*

*Source: This information is based on O*NET™ data. O*NET is a trademark registered to the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.

Top Job Skills:

• Administer first aid treatment
• Administer life support care
• Perform/assist with cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• Communicate, comfort, and reassure patients
• Prepare written documentation

General Work Activities:

• Mental Processes
  • Analyze patient data to determine patient needs or treatment goals
  • Monitor patient progress or responses to treatments
• Interacting With Others
  • Inform medical professionals regarding patient conditions and care
  • Communicate with patients and provide emotional support
• Information Input
  • Maintain inventory of medical supplies or equipment
• Work Output
  • Treat medical emergencies
  • Drive vehicles to transport individuals or equipment
  • Position patients for treatment or examination
  • Maintain medical equipment or instruments
  • Sterilize medical equipment or instruments

Source: SC Works Online Services (SCWOS)

*All data is factual, but names, images, and quotations have been adapted to protect the identity of employees and businesses.

Job Statistics

Examples of Workforce Areas with Job Openings

 

• Midlands
• Pee Dee
• Trident
• Greenville
• Catawba
• Santee-Lynches

 

Source: SC Works Online Services. Ask an SC Works representative for more information about postings in your area

Examples of Employers with Job Openings

• MedTrust
• Prisma Health
• American Medical Response
• Octapharma Plasma, Inc.
• Priority Ambulance
• Global Medical Response

 

 

Source: SC Works Online Services. Ask an SC Works representative for more information about postings in your area

Related Occupations

• Paramedics
• Ambulance Drivers and Attendants
• Registered Nurses
• Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
• Nursing Assistants
• Critical Care Nurses

NOTE: All data based on state averages. Information may vary depending on region, experience, and specific employment situation. Last Updated: 2024

Learn More With SCWOS

SC Works Online Services (SCWOS) is the state’s largest job database and provides all of South Carolina's job postings from all major sites, including Monster and Career Builder, in one resource. SCWOS has thousands of positions listed by employers all over the state. To access SCWOS, visit jobs.scworks.org.

Find in-depth breakdowns of occupational statistics such as necessary job certifications, job skills and abilities, current job openings, overview of general work activities, and more by visiting O*NET.org.