An emergency medical technician (EMT) is a medical professional who gives emergency care to people outside of or on the way to the hospital.
What Does an Emergency Medical Technician Do?
Their main job is to respond to emergency calls, provide life-saving care wherever someone needs it, and then transport that person to the hospital. They may:
Respond to 911 calls
Assess a person’s condition in an emergency
Document what happened to them
Determine treatment they need
Provide emergency first aid
Give life support if needed
Education and Training of been An EMT In South Africa
EMTs must generally have a high school diploma or GED.
They must also have CPR certification after a few hours of training with an organization like the American Red Cross or at a local hospital.
Then, they must take an EMT course from an accredited institution. These courses are usually between 120 and 150 hours and take less than a year to complete.
Below are steps To Become An EMT In South Africa
Step 1: Meet EMT Basic Requirements
Most states require you to be 18 years old before you start your training as an EMT. Expect to take a background check as well. Some training programs will require you to take a CPR course before starting. When you research state-approved programs in your area, be sure to ask for information about the minimum requirements needed to start their program as some programs may require you to have some college too.
Step 2: Get Trained as an EMT
An Emergency Medical Technician training program takes about 120-150 hours to complete and can take students 1-2 years to complete their education. The training will be in the classroom and have a hands-on component. This training is also the stepping stone needed to become a paramedic should you decide to continue your education.
Step 3: Get Certified as an EMT
The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians issues certifications to EMTs who have passed their training and an exam. They offer more information about the EMT certification process and exam (link opens in a new tab) on their website.
Where can I study EMT in South Africa?
EMT training institutions and courses are certified by the Health Professionals Council South Africa (HPCSA).
What are the best paramedic schools in Guateng?
Ambusave.
ER24 AEA Training.
Netcare Education.
Rescue-Life Africa.
School for Military Health Training.
SRQ Ambulance Training College.
University of Johannesburg.
How long does it take to become a paramedic in South Africa?
Diploma Emergency Medical Care. This will be a two year course, or only one year if the ECO has been completed. Bachelor of health sciences- this is a four year course provided at universities. It is level NQF8 and equips the paramedic with all the necessary skills to practice as advanced life support.
How many weeks does it take to become an EMT In South Africa?
A minimum of 5 weeks training is undertaken at NSW Ambulance before going out on road. Documents to download: Graduate paramedic intern recruitment guide (PDF, 1549.66 KB) Graduate paramedic intern role description (PDF, 174.18 KB)
How do I become an EMT in South Africa?
University education
A two-year Diploma in Emergency Medical Care is available. This qualification is also offered by accredited institutions and graduates will register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa as a Paramedic. Med clinic offers the Diploma in Emergency Medical Care in Cape Town.
Are EMTs in demand In South Africa?
EMTs and paramedics are in demand around the country, with some 37,400 jobs set to be added through 2026, a 15 percent increase. Today, it’s not uncommon to post a job and have zero applicants.
Is an EMT a healthcare provider In South Africa?
In the field of emergency medical services (EMS), emergency medical technicians (EMTs) are the most common type of health professionals. They are licensed healthcare professionals and can provide advanced life support to patients before they reach a hospital.
Is becoming an EMT worth it In South Africa?
Becoming an EMT or Paramedic is a strong career choice. EMS is a growing field and jobs are plentiful across the country. Furthermore, you help people every single day and there are plenty of opportunities to grow within the field. For example, some EMTs may choose to advance their skillsets to become a Paramedic.
Is EMT a stressful job In South Africa?
EMT training is essential life-saving instruction. What EMS personnel often share with other first responding professions is that their chosen profession also comes with a high dose of stress. The 2011 Career Cast Report lists EMTs as the 9th most stressful career.