Career Success

Breonna Taylor: Black Emergency Medical Technician

I started this Online News Site to present careers to the Black community. I am proud to pen this flagship 'Career Success' article about Breonna Taylor: Black Emergency Medical Technician. JustasIam Career Services will #SayHerName.

March 13, 2021 marks one year since Breonna Taylor, Licensed E.M.T. was tragically murdered in her home during a botched attempt by area law enforcement to serve a warrant on someone that was not there. According to a September article published USAToday.com, Breonna was a licensed EMT, enjoying a career working as a Medical Technician and essential worker at 2 local hospitals. In a profession dominated primarily by white men, Breonna was a rare and very much needed Black EMT.

How Breonna Taylor Became an Emergency Medical Technician

To become a licensed EMT in the State of Kentucky, Breonna Taylor completed an EMT training course approved by the Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services. After completing the EMT Training course, Breonna applied and became licensed by the State of Kentucky to be an Emergency Medical Technician. The EMT training and subsequent license served as a investment in Breonna's EMT career. With it she was able to turn her skills and experience into positions at 2 local hospitals during a time where many faced unemployment due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Black Representation in Healthcare Service Professions

We need more Black healthcare service professionals. A 10-year study on minority representation in Emergency Medical Services careers, researchers of found that between 2008 and 2017, Blacks made up about 5% of EMTs and 3% of Paramedics. Because the EMT or Paramedic is often the first person you see when you have a medical crisis, the ability to communicate with someone from your culture could make the difference between life and death.

Becoming a Black Emergency Medical Technician

Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics are an in-demand field. Depending on the state and type of programs, completing an EMT or Paramedic Training program could take anywhere from 12weeks to 2 years complete. After complete of the program, you will need to study and successfully complete any license and test requirements set forth by the State licensing Agency. The average salary for EMT/Paramedic positions is around $37,000 but could vary depending on number of years experience, licensing and the state you are working in.

Increased diversity in the EMT and Paramedic professions could decrease instances of implicit bias and discriminatory healthcare treatment that plagues many U.S. healthcare settings. This increased diversity could be accomplished by more scholarship training, internship and employment opportunities, specifically targeted towards the community where diversity in the field is lacking.