Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics care for the sick or injured in emergency medical settings. People’s lives often depend on the quick reaction and competent care provided by these workers. EMTs and paramedics respond to emergency calls, performing medical services and transporting patients to medical facilities.

Most EMTs and paramedics work full time. Their work is physically strenuous and can be stressful, sometimes involving life-or-death situations.

All emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics must complete a postsecondary educational program. All states require EMTs and paramedics to be licensed; requirements vary by state.

Employment of emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics is projected to grow 24 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. Emergencies, such as car crashes, natural disasters, and acts of violence, will continue to create demand for EMTs and paramedics.

This occupation supported 239,100 jobs in 2012 and 241,200 jobs in 2014, reflecting an increase of 0.9%. In 2012, this occupation was projected to increase by 23.1% in 2022 to 294,400 jobs. As of 2014, to keep pace with prediction, the expected number of jobs was 250,100, compared with an observed value of 241,200, 3.6% lower than expected. This indicates current employment trends are worse than the 2012 trend within this occupation. In 2014, this occupation was projected to increase by 24.4% in 2024 to 299,600 jobs. Linear extrapolation of the 2012 projection for 2022 results in an expected number of 305,400 jobs for 2024, 1.9% higher than the 2014 projection for 2024. This indicates expectations for future employment trends are about on track with the 2012 trend within this occupation.