Critical care technicians are responsible for the treatment of critically injured and ill patients. Critical care is provided by a variety of health care professionals, including first responders, nurses, and physicians; however, a critical care technician is typically an advanced-trained emergency medical technician (EMT). These individuals assist with initial assessments, treatment of patients as needed, and community health education events.
Critical care technicians and professionals receive specialized training to prepare them for the responsibilities of their jobs. Typically, critical care technician training and certification programs will include coursework beyond that found in a basic emergency medicine program. Airway management and ventilation, emergency pharmacology, and obstetrical emergencies are usually covered in class. Environmental emergencies, hazardous materials, behavioral evaluations, and crime scene awareness are all common topics covered in other courses.
Professionals in the field will be expected to know the fundamentals of any EMT position. A thorough understanding of ambulance operations and emergency response systems is required. A critical care technician should also have a solid understanding of emergency room communications and be able to transfer patients from an ambulance to qualified emergency medicine professionals, such as nurses and emergency room physicians, quickly and safely.
A critical care technician should be able to assess emergency situations quickly and accurately. This includes taking patients’ vital signs and determining whether any concerns necessitate immediate action, such as resuscitation or immobilization. Emergency responders should be able to assess a wide range of situations, including those involving respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological issues.
Other critical care professionals, such as nurses and physicians, are often in charge of treating patients; however, a critical care technician should feel comfortable treating patients within his or her limitations. Treatment is frequently required in trauma situations and during the transport of patients to the hospital. EMTs should be able to treat and stabilize patients who are experiencing medical emergencies like shock, allergic reactions, or overdoses.
Critical care professionals also perform tasks that aren’t part of their regular job description. They frequently assist in the planning and participation of community health fairs and wellness events. These events provide community education on a variety of general health topics, including healthy eating, exercise, and managing chronic conditions like high blood pressure. A critical care technician also assists in providing information on the various resources available to community members as a health professional.