Are you looking for a way to optimize your performance with patients on the field?

Good habits are important in every career— especially in the fast-moving, high intensity nature of EMT life.

Read along to learn more about the habits of highly effective EMTs!

1. Highly Effective EMTs don’t shy away from taking the lead.

Being alert and proactive is an important way to take responsibility as an EMT. Instead of relying on the group, you’re looking for ways to be effective. The key here is to not doubt your own abilities on the field. If you know an answer to a problem, offer your perspective. Don’t shy away because of your experience level or introverted nature. You might save a life!

2. Highly Effective EMTs prioritize urgent matters.

When on a busy call, an effective EMT prioritizes the important and plans accordingly. He or she has no issue delegating secondary tasks and eliminating tasks that are not beneficial to the emergency at hand.

3. Highly Effective EMTs are great listeners.

Seek to understand before you are understood by others. Before you think you know it all and react on a call, practice active listening with your patient. Having empathy makes you a great asset to any team and your patients will appreciate the time and care you put into helping them.

4. Highly Effective EMTs value the differences.

Respecting differences in your coworkers and anyone you encounter on the field makes you highly effective because you can relate to many people— regardless of their gender, race, disability or life experience. This mentality will help you be more empathetic and understanding of the needs of others.

5. Highly Effective EMTs plan for the future.

A highly effective EMT is motivated by their future. If you’re interested in progressing in the field of healthcare, your field experience will lay the foundation of a successful start to a medic, nursing, PA title.

Thanks for reading along! Now go practice these skills in the real world!