ASOURCE Navi

As the "gatekeepers of life" at the scene of an emergency, emergency medical technicians are indispensable to our society. With the aging population and the increasing frequency of natural disasters, their social mission is becoming even more important. Emergency medical technicians are medical specialists who use their advanced expertise and techniques to contribute to improving the prognosis of injured people at the front lines of emergency medical care before arrival at a medical institution (pre-hospital emergency medical care), where every second counts. From this point on, we will introduce the full scope of the emergency medical technician profession and the path to qualification in two parts. The first part will focus on the specific duties of the job.

The core task of an emergency medical technician is to respond quickly and appropriately at the scene of an emergency. After arriving at the scene, they immediately check the condition of the injured person and administer the necessary first aid. In the event of cardiac arrest, they use cardiopulmonary resuscitation and an automated external defibrillator (AED), and if necessary, they also secure the airway and administer artificial respiration. For seriously ill patients, they provide appropriate first aid under close observation.
Medical treatment during transport is also an important part of the paramedic's duties. In the ambulance, they will continuously check vital signs, take electrocardiograms, and perform oxygen inhalation. In addition, under the direction of a doctor, they may perform more specialized medical procedures, such as administering fluids or securing the airway with an endotracheal tube, and the responsibility is great because the treatment before arriving at the hospital can mean the difference between life and death for the patient. In addition, since the 2021 legal amendment, the locations where paramedics can perform emergency life-saving treatment have been expanded. In addition to the traditional "pre-hospital" (inside the ambulance, etc.), treatment can now be performed in the emergency room of the hospital (under the direction of a doctor). However, patients who can receive treatment in the emergency room are limited to those with a high level of urgency and seriousness.
As part of our daily work, we must also prepare detailed records and reports on emergency activities. We also regularly inspect and maintain emergency equipment to ensure that we can respond to emergencies. We are also responsible for leading first aid seminars for local residents, contributing to improving the life-saving capabilities of the local community.

Paramedics are usually employed by firefighting agencies and work in shifts around the clock. A typical shift involves 24 hours of work followed by 48 hours off, but this can vary by region. As you progress in your career, you can be promoted to become a paramedic instructor or a teacher at a training school. There are also many different career paths available, including working in a doctor's helicopter or private ambulance, providing medical assistance in a hospital, or taking on a management role within a firefighting organization.

Emergency medical care is constantly evolving, so emergency medical technicians are required to continue learning. In addition to attending regular refresher courses, it is also essential to take additional specialized courses, participate in academic conferences and research meetings, and receive training in the operation of new medical equipment. We also strive to constantly update ourselves with the latest medical information so that we can provide advanced medical services.
The profession of emergency medical technicians is more than just a job; it is a social mission. In order to fulfill the great responsibility of protecting people's lives and health, emergency medical technicians study every day and support the safety and security of the local community. This profession requires advanced knowledge and skills, as well as a strong sense of mission, but it is also a promising professional occupation that offers the rewarding feeling of saving lives. As medical needs become more diverse and sophisticated, its importance is expected to increase even more in the future.