Careers in Emergency Medical Services
A career in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) focuses on responding to medical emergencies. EMS education provides the student with the knowledge and skill to recognize symptoms of illness and injury. The training can range from the basics taught at the first responder level (EMR) to the highly skilled level of the paramedic. Courses blend experience in the classroom, laboratory and field preparing professionals to make quick, emergent decisions in patient management. Students must have a sincere desire to work with people and must be empathetic to the needs of the sick and injured. Chicago EMS systems utilize two levels of practice; a basic life support, carried out by the EMT and an advanced life support, carried out by the paramedic. Successful students in both the EMT and paramedic programs are eligible to be licensed by the State of Illinois, Department of Public Health.