The life and work of an EMT is characterized typically by fast-paced, high-job stress environments, where teamwork and independent functioning (under crisis and high-demand), combined with irregular work hours, life-or-death situations, treatment and patient focused availability (on constant stand-by), responsive in emergencies live constantly. Career professionals, entrants and novices, as well as those seeking formal training and certification are all facing increased demand for their services, skills, willingness and expertise.

Typically, EMT's are dispatched to the scene by a 911 operator. As a rule they work with police and fire department personnel. In the US National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) registers emergency medical service (EMS) providers at four levels: First Responder, EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate, and EMT-Paramedic. Some States, however, do their own certification and use numeric ratings from one to four to distinguish levels of proficiency. Working indoors and outdoors in all types of weather and conditions career practitioners are mostly in metropolitan areas - with volunteer workers in rural or remote communities. Fire departments, emergency medical services (EMS), private ambulance services or hospitals are typical employers.

Emergency workers, first aid, even volunteer workers have big chances to get this job. The pool of qualified applicants keeps growing and makes the profession highly competitive. Good health and physical ability is recommended for ultimate performance. Quick reactions, competent and cool under pressure are all characteristics that come to mind for suitability in any candidate. Highlighting how that relates to what you have to offer is a great strategy.

Novices, career-entrants as well as seasoned medical response professionals all continue to thrive - even retirees volunteer in rural areas. More fierce competition exists in the metropolitan cities and cores. Youthful, men and women, with a flair for the care of others, who can respond well to crisis and emergency gravitate and flood to these opportunities naturally.

Competition will be greater for jobs in local fire, police, and rescue squad departments than in private ambulance services; opportunities will be best for those who have advanced certification.
With the increasing global threats to society of natural disaster, war, terrorism and suicide attacks, bio-chemical threats and other disaster management and response programs, this will remain a growing field, where skills will be in high demand.