Emergency medical technician (EMT)
Also known as
Work environment
- Usually work long shifts, including nights and weekends and may work part time
- Usually work in ambulances, air ambulances and helicopters, and travel locally and nationally
- May work in all weather conditions
- May do emotionally demanding work
- Need to work well under pressure, communicate well and be safety conscious
Salary information
Typical tasks
- Respond to medical emergencies
- Give immediate care to patients
- Transport patients to and from hospital
- Administer first aid
- Perform CPR and other life support techniques
- Work with other medical and emergency professionals
- Support patients during emergencies
- Maintain medical equipment and supplies
- Communicate with whānau and caregivers
Outlook
Emergency medical technicians remain an important part of New Zealand’s ambulance services as demand for urgent healthcare continues to grow. Factors such as an ageing population, increasing health needs and expanded community-based care are influencing the sector. Internationally, technology-enabled healthcare, telehealth support and improved clinical systems are helping emergency services respond more efficiently and provide a wider range of patient care.
What employers and industry want in graduates
- Ability to stay calm under pressure
- Clear communication skills
- Good judgement and decision-making
- Strong teamwork and collaboration
- Empathy and respect for others
- Commitment to safety and professionalism
Professional registration
Paramedic Council
04 381 9080
AUT programmes
The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.
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This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.