On the Job Vehicle Computer Work Duty Uniform The Ambulance

Annie is an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) for the New York City Fire Department. She is responsible for taking care of people in emergency situations before they are taken to the hospital. She needs to be able to think fast and use her medical training in pressure situations to help people who have been injured.

Special Skills

Besides taking a 175-hour EMT course and working in a hospital emergency room for 12 hours, there are other personal skills required to be successful as an EMT. "You have to be willing to take care of someone in need," says Annie. "They may be a total stranger."

It is also important to be good at communicating with others, to have patience and a commitment to helping people. Annie takes pride in being a good listener and being comfortable talking with all types of people. She also really enjoys helping others. Practical skills like being a good driver and being able to lift and carry an injured or sick person are also necessary for an EMT.

Annie puts in 37-hour weeks, often including evening and weekend shifts. During a typical day she is on call with her partner and may see several adults or children who are ill or have sustained some sort of injuries.

But no matter how challenging the job may get, Annie still finds the rewards very fulfilling. "There is nothing more rewarding than saving a life, bringing someone new into the world or even just comforting someone in need," says Annie.