Industry Profile -- by Leanne Taylor and Mark Sproxton

Illustration by Kathy Lycka

As long as human existence continues to thrive and accidents occur, careers in the emergency services industry will prevail. With Alberta's population growing exponentially and many baby boomers planning for retirement, this industry will see many opportunities open up over the next five years.

When we think of a career in emergency services, a doctor or policeman usually spring to mind. But lest we forget the EMT who provides pre-hospital care to a patient, the 9-1-1 dispatcher who calls an incident in to the fire department, or the search and rescue team that assists police and fire crews in many life and death situations.

All of these careers require quick-thinking, fast-acting individuals, therefore making excellent communication skills and sound decision-making skills vital. The ability to remain calm, firm, reassuring and efficient under high periods of stress are paramount, as is strong leadership abilities and a keen desire to help those in need. A high degree of flexibility is also a key trait, as most of these careers can require you to be on call and available on short notice, as well as involve weekends and shift work.

Educational requirements vary greatly, from on-the-job training such as a 9-1-1 dispatcher to two years post-secondary education as an EMT-P (paramedic). Most work opportunities are expected to grow substantially over the next five years, according to an Alberta government study. Here's a look at some of the careers available in the emergency services industry:

Emergency Medical Responders (EMR) provide basic medical care to injured people, lift stretchers and assist EMTs, paramedics and hospital staff as required. This is the lowest level of emergency medical personnel. As with other jobs in this field, stress, shifts and working weekends and evenings are common. Excellent communication and leadership abilities are required. Training via an approved EMR program and provincial licensing is required. (Calgary Emergency Services does NOT hire EMRs, although many smaller services will.)

• Pay will range from $15,000 to $45,000 a year
• Above average growth is expected to the year 2005

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs or EMT-As) assess and provide pre-hospital care to the sick and injured. They will also drive ambulances, lift stretchers and in some cases work as dispatchers. This is the middle level of emergency medical personnel. As with other jobs in this field, stress, shifts and working weekends and evenings are common. Excellent communication and leadership abilities are required. Training via an approved EMT program and provincial licensing is required.

• Pay will range from $28,000 to $50,000 a year
• Above average growth is expected to the year 2005

Paramedics (or EMT-Ps) assess and provide pre-hospital care to the sick and injured and can undertake invasive procedures, such as stitching small wounds. They will also drive ambulances, lift stretchers, work as dispatchers and may be required to train other staff. This is the highest level of emergency medical personnel. As with other jobs in this field, stress, shifts and working weekends and evenings are common. Excellent communication and leadership abilities are required. Training via an approved paramedic program and provincial licensing is required.

• Pay will range from $40,000 to $60,000 a year
• Above average growth is expected to the year 2005

Dispatchers (in Calgary most work for the fire and police services) take telephone and alarm calls, collect basic information about the incident and arrange for a unit or units to respond to the scene. Shift work, long periods of sitting and high stress levels are common. Excellent communication skills, sound decision making abilities and good judgement are required. Education requirements vary, but on-the job training is common.

• Pay will range from $15,000 to $30,000 a year
• Below average growth is expected to the year 2005

Firefighters put out fires, provide minor medical care, and in some cases perform underwater, high angle or disaster rescues. Work can be emotionally, mentally and physically draining. As with other jobs in this field, stress, shifts and working weekends and evenings are common. Mechanical aptitude, physical fitness and a desire to learn are required. Educational requirements vary from department to department, but competition is keen so post-secondary training/education, volunteering and life experience all help a resume stand out. The Calgary Fire Department has a special section on recruiting and preparing women for a firefighting career on its Web site.

• Pay will range from $30,000 to $60,000 a year
• Average to above average growth is expected to the year 2005