While the first use of a cart to transport injured soldiers was in the 1400s and "ambulances" were used in the 1800s, the modern EMS system had its beginnings in the mid 1960's when automobile accidents were recognized as a major health problem and guidelines and regulations were developed to guide ambulance service throughout the United States. The task of developing these guidelines and regulations was assigned to the Department of Transportation, because the problem related to automobile accidents. This responsibility still rests with the DOT and the guidelines and curriculum are focused on traditional ambulance response. As other professions recognized the importance of this training, EMTs became common in many settings including fire service, hospitals, and industry.

 Ambulance

The primary role of EMTs is ambulance response. Agencies vary greatly. These services can be private, non-profit, or government operated. They may be hospital, fire department or community based. The employees may be volunteers, paid volunteers, or paid employees and may be full or part-time employees. Full-time paid EMTs earn between $6 and $10 per hour starting wage.

 Fire Service

Almost all fire fighters are cross trained as EMTs also. They are often the first responders in their community. Some fire agencies transport patients, but most stabilize the patient until and ambulance service arrives to transport. Fire fighters may be volunteers, paid volunteers, or paid employees and may be full or part-time employees.Full-time paid fire fighters earn between $10 and $15 per hour starting wage.

 Hospital

Many hospitals hire EMTs as "Techs" to assist with patient care and transport. They are often found in the Emergency Department but may be in radiology, clinics, or transport services. Many hospitals also provide helicopter and fixed-wing emergency response, but these are generally staffed by nurses, and paramedics with many years of experience. Starting wages in hospitals are generally between $6 and $10 per hour.

 Clinics

Free standing "emergicenters" and many clinics hire EMTs to function similar to medical assistants or nursing aids. In this area, full-time paid EMTs earn between $6 and $10 per hour starting wage.

 Wilderness

EMTs are hired in a variety of wilderness settings. These are often seasonal jobs, but full-time employment can be found. These jobs are usually with groups that take people out into the wilderness such as scout camps, troubled youth treatment programs, river guides and wilderness guides, but can also be with ski patrol, search and rescue, state or national parks, fire crews or work crews. Salary varies tremendously in this setting.

 Community Based

EMTs are often hired in high risk industries such as utilities, manufacturing, oil fields, mining, and construction or where hazardous materials are commonly used. Companies that hire large numbers of employees often have in-house response teams. Security agencies hire many EMTs to provide emergency care to companies that they provide security services to. Salaries will vary depending on setting, responsibility and risks.

 Job Postings

U of U Center for Emergency Programs.

Health Promotion and Education Dept.
250 South 1850 East #215
Salt Lake City, Utah 84112-0920
Phone (801) 581-4512
Fax (801) 585-3448
email les.chatelain@health.utah.edu