When he was 15 years old, Peter Bonadonna had a skiing accident. The emergency medical technicians who attended to him correctly diagnosed his broken leg, even though a doctor at the hospital disputed that until seeing an X-ray.

More information National Association of EMTs 408 Monroe St. Clinton, Miss. 39056-4210 (800) 346-2368

Since that day, Bonadonna, now an EMT, says he's had a great interest in the work of health care workers.

EMTs recognize and assess a medical emergency, provide the appropriate care and transport patients to the hospital or other medical facility. "We, in a few minutes and without sophisticated machines, must make an accurate diagnosis," says Bonadonna, who is administrative chief at Monroe Ambulance.

After arriving at the scene, the EMT reports the seriousness of the patient's condition, gets the patient's vital signs (blood pressure, pulse and respiration), and begins treatment. They also get information on the patient's medical history.

There are three main levels of EMTs. The first is basic, followed by intermediate, critical care and paramedic as they add to their expertise. All EMTs are trained to restore breathing, control bleeding, immobilize fractures, give initial care to burn victims and assist in childbirth. They also treat patients for shock and care for those in cardiac arrest by using a semi-automatic defibrillator.

Eric Jensen, member of Spencerport Volunteer Ambulance Service Inc., says basic training is 120 hours of classroom work plus 8 hours of clinical training in a hospital emergency room. To become registered, they must also pass a written and practical exam from either the state or the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.

EMT-Is, or intermediate EMTs, are also trained to administer intravenous treatments and use advanced airway techniques and equipment to help those having a respiratory emergency.

The most extensive "pre-hospital" care is given by critical care and paramedic EMTs. Bonadonna, who is also chief paramedic educator at Monroe Community College, says paramedics receive an additional 1,200 hours of training.

In addition to the other procedures, paramedics give drugs orally and intravenously and perform invasive procedures such as tracheotomies, an incision in the trachea to create an artificial breathing hole.

While many work as volunteers, a 1996 survey of paid EMTs by the trade publication Journal of Emergency Medical Services, average salaries were $25,051 for EMT-Basics and $30,407 for EMT-Paramedics.

-- MICHAEL BUSS
Democrat and Chronicle