EMTs should possess enumerated skills due to their medical
intervention and attention among society. Personal and physical traits vary
significantly including being pleasant, sincere, cooperative, resourceful, a
self-starter, emotionally stable, leadership, neat and clean, moral/respectful
character, control of personal habits, communication/listening skills, physical
strength, etc. Considering the statistics, the U.S. had around 58 documented
fire/EMS suicides in 2014 (likely only a fraction of the actual count,
according to the Statistician). Therefore; I conclude the most important traits
as an EMT would go as followed (3 personal, 1 physical):
1.
Cognitive/Analytical/Observational Skills: ability
to process information, reason, remember, and relate new information to medical
knowledge to be able to perform medical duties.
-There isn’t a statistic needed to say that
100% of the job requires this skill. Upon arrival, the EMT is required to
observe the surrounding environment, thus acquiring information plausible to
make a personal diagnosis of the patient and prepare. Identifying and
familiarizing the setting could mean for better resourcefulness, as well. This
awareness is carried through to the connection with the patient. It is essential
to identify and analyze the many vital signs signifying the patient’s current
state of being. Once all observations and information is acquired, then comes
decisiveness. “Which hospital should we bring the patient to?” For some cases,
this decision could mean life or death. If the patient is in critical
condition, then the EMT is required to decide, by the use of his cognitive
skills, whether to bring the patient to a specialty hospital even though it
could mean a longer drive or transport the patient to a general hospital that
might not have the purposeful supplies needed to better care for the patient,
but could save precious time, for example.
2.
Communication Skills: able to convey information
to people clearly and simply, in a way that means things are understood and get
done. It's about transmitting and receiving messages clearly, and being able to
read your audience.
-Communication skills are essential in all
aspect of life and the global workforce whether it be through verbal words,
physical touch, literary communication, eye contact, etc. Communication comes
in many forms. EMTs have the responsibility to acquire appropriate
communication skills whether it be asking questions concerning the patient’s
current state, writing down medical documentation, contacting a doctor for
further guidance, making eye contact with other drivers on the road while
operating the ambulance, and/or in unfortunate circumstances, informing the
family that their loved one, communicated by name, that they have died. Not
only does this apply during the course of action taken to medically assist
patients, but in assisting the EMT themselves. Talking about emotional distress
concerning EMT employment can be a stress reliever. An EMT will be better able
to medically assist if they are at a healthy state themselves.
3.
Stable/Static Physical Health and Wellness:
physically fit to carry out duties as an EMT involving coordination,
flexibility, strength, dexterity, etc.
-It is obvious to say that an EMT is
expected to be appropriately physically fit in the case needed to carry a 200
pound human, for example. However, with the physical support and teamwork of
your co-workers on cite, the physical aspect of the job should be somewhat
controlled, predetermined, and realistic/doable. What are commonly overlooked
and taken for granted are the importance of eyesight while performing EMT
duties. Color vision can be used to identify vital signs such as skin color,
for example. You also need to be able to easily see the written instructions
and identify machinery for use in the proper fashion. Hearing is essential
while driving the ambulance, obtaining information from the patient and
society, instruction, etc. Our vital signs are important in identifying other’s
vital signs which makes them extremely important in being able to carry out the
job.
4.
Correct balance of Teamwork/Leadership: combined
action of a group of people, especially when effective and efficient.
Leadership: the action of leading a group of people or an organization.
-Direction, cooperation, management, control,
etc. are all part of this job. Leading in the sense of taking necessary
guidance to control a scene, organize crowds are essential in emergency medical
care for the well-being and safety of the patient, yourself, and the rest of society.
Teamwork allows for a more efficient approach to care and establishes
confidence in the patient and society who are overseeing that all medical staff
on duty is using their knowledge combined to better provide for their friend or
loved one suffering.
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