More Than Ambulance Drivers: Careers in Emergency Medical Services
- Caroline Leopold
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
First responders are those who work in emergency medical services (EMS) and are trained to address emergencies outside of the health clinic or hospital. A common belief is that EMS are ambulance drivers. While transport to hospitals can be part of EMS, the work requires much more. Assessing scene safety, rapid identification of life threatening emergencies, and applying life saving measures are also core parts of the job.
Careers in EMS attract those who are interested in learning and applying life support skills in diverse scenarios. No day is the same in the work of first responders. The path to a career in emergency services will depend upon many factors, including your career goals. This article will summarize the requirements and common career tracks within EMS.
Is an EMS career right for me?
Understanding the requirements and demands of the job is important for longevity in EMS. These careers require attention to safety and the ability do physically and mentally challenging work. All EMS are required to undergo training and more advanced roles (such as parademic) may require an associate's degree.
One question often asked on social media, "Am I strong enough for the job?" To date, there are no standardized guidelines for physical fitness among EMS. Instead, local areas may have their own rules and may require fitness tests. However, all EMS personnel are expected to be able to perform the physical duties on the job.
One thing to consider is that training, help and safe practices make difficult lifting tasks much easier. Also, technology such as the LUCAS mechanical CPR device removes some of the hard labor.
How well are EMS paid?
Despite a continuing demand, pay for EMS has historically been lower as compared to other health care jobs, especially at the entry level. The Bureau of Labor Services (BLS) report that, as of 2024, the median income for emergency medical technicians and paramedics was $46,350 per year. In stark contrast, bachelor's level nurses earn a median pay of $93,600 per year.
However, pay varies widely depending on education, seniority, specialization, geographic area and availability of overtime.
Jobs Within EMS
The following are the major EMS roles:
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) assess patients, deliver basic emergency care such as CPR, oxygen administration, bleeding control, and they transport patients to hospitals. EMTs are prepared to handle a wide range of emergencies, including those related to trauma, cardiac arrest and respiratory events.
Requirements vary by geographic area, but typically an applicant needs a high school diploma or GED and a valid driver's license. In addition, usually a CPR certificate and successful attendance at EMT school is required. Many community colleges and trade schools offer EMT training.
Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians (AEMTs) have more training than basic EMTs and can perform some advanced procedures. This often includes starting IVs, giving a limited set of medications, and using more complex equipment. They serve as a bridge between EMTs and paramedics. The typical career path is to obtain EMT certification and then pursue advanced training.
Paramedics are the most advanced of all of the pre-hospital providers. They can interpret ECGs, administer more medications, perform advanced airway management and make complex decisions under pressure. Their training is extensive, and they often have the greatest autonomy in the field. The path to becoming a paramedic begins with EMT certification and then advanced training.
Support and Non-Patient Care Roles. Beyond direct patient care, EMS also offers roles such as 911 dispatchers, administrators, quality assurance specialists, instructors and community paramedics. Some paramedics move into flight medicine, tactical EMS or leadership positions such as station chief or program director.
References
Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board