An emergency room technician (ERT) is a healthcare worker who assists with patient care in a hospital’s emergency room in the United States. Doctors and registered nurses supervise the work of an ERT. He could be in charge of administering tests to emergency room patients, as well as setting up diagnostic machines and preparing patients for exams. Students studying to be doctors or nurses make up some of the ERTs. Others pursue further medical education in order to work as paramedics or emergency medical technicians.
To become a qualified emergency room technician, a person can pursue medical certification and typically receives on-the-job training at a hospital. ERTs have different requirements depending on the hospital and location. This position typically requires a high school diploma or GED, as well as certified nursing or certified medical assistant training. A community, junior, or vocational college is a good place to look for these certificate programs. There are also online programs available.
In addition to training, ERTs must be able to collaborate with the rest of the emergency room staff. Compassion, as well as physical and mental toughness, are important qualities to have when working in such a demanding environment. During an emergency room visit, ERTs are frequently used to keep patients relaxed and comfortable.
A technician in an emergency room is usually trained in a variety of medical procedures. He might draw blood for tests, maintain intravenous (IV) lines, monitor a patient’s vital signs, and set up and maintain emergency room equipment, among other things. ERTs are also trained to assist medical personnel in performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or emergency surgery in the event of a medical emergency. CPR certification is required for most training programs, and all ERTs should be trained in it.
Because most emergency rooms are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and schedules tend to vary, an ERT must be prepared to work both day and night shifts in a hospital. He must also be capable of dealing with patients who have experienced severe physical trauma, as well as distressed patients and their families. Working as an emergency room technician can be stressful, but it can also be rewarding for the right person.
A person with ERT training may be qualified to work as a certified nursing assistant or in other medical positions. Many ERTs use the job as a springboard to better-paying medical careers. After all, it gives you valuable on-the-job training and experience that you won’t get from a textbook.