Becoming a first responder is a great career choice.
This guide is going to explain what it takes to become a first responder.
It is also going to explain the training and certification requirements, salary, benefits, work schedule, the career outlook for first responders, and the importance of being well-trained in CPR and AED use before becoming a first responder.
If you are thinking about pursuing this career path, this guide is going to help you find out if it is the right career choice for you.
What is a first responder?
First responders include police, firefighters, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians.
They are called upon when a person needs immediate medical attention.
The first responders’ primary responsibility is to provide treatment to the patient until they can be taken to the hospital.
How to become a first responder?
To become one, you typically need to have completed an associate or bachelor’s degree in EMT-Paramedicine or Fire Science.
If you are looking for jobs in big cities, then these degrees might not be enough because there is more competition for jobs in bigger cities.
You might need to have completed a degree in nursing, medical technology, or biology.
The hours of classes and training that you will be taking can vary.
Visit Here: wcowlnews
For example, if you are interested in becoming a paramedic then you would need to take an average of 1 year of college.
You should also look into local and state training and certification requirements.
Salary, benefits, and work schedule
The average salary for a first responder is $42,000.
This salary is going to depend on where you live and what department or company you work for.
Additionally, the pay scale changes based on what type of EMT-Paramedic certification you have.
It typically takes 2-4 years for a first responder to be fully paid as an EMT or Paramedic after completing the necessary education and training requirements.
In addition, they receive competitive benefits such as health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days.
First responders typically work a 40-hour week with rotating shifts and weekends off.
Before becoming a first responder, you can expect to work as an EMT for a year or two before moving forward into the Paramedic position.
Additionally, you should plan on working at night and on weekends during that time.
Training and certification requirements
In order to become a first responder, you typically need to have completed an associate or bachelor’s degree in EMT- Paramedicine or Fire Science.
You also need to complete a CNA training program and a CPR course that includes training with an AED.
Some states require that you take a course specific to the laws of that state.
If you are new to this career, then you might need an extensive background check before beginning your training program.
The career outlook for first responders
“The job outlook for first responders is great since there is always going to be an increased demand for it due to accidents and medical emergencies”, says Maxim Gorin.
You should expect an 11% employment increase for this career by 2022 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The importance of being well-trained in CPR and AED use before becoming a first responder
It’s important to be well trained in CPR and AED use before becoming a first responder because you’re going to need this training before taking a certification exam.
The American Heart Association (AHA) suggests that all individuals should be trained and certified in CPR and AED use.
It can take as little as 1-2 days to become CPR and AED certified through the Red Cross.
It is suggested that you should be CPR and AED certified before changing careers to become a first responder.
Conclusion
Being a first responder means taking on many difficult and sometimes dangerous situations.
It requires the individual to be disciplined, compassionate, and able to make decisions quickly in order to save someone’s life.
However, it also offers competitive pay with benefits such as health insurance and paid time off.
Therefore, if you’re interested in this career, then you might want to begin your EMT training.
To become more prepared for this career before actually starting your training, it’s suggested that you take a CPR course and an AED course.
read more : expressdigest