Explore roles. Build skills. Start serving your community.
Choose a module below to learn the role, day-to-day realities, and how to qualify for each career.
Firefighter/EMTs in King County play a dual role: fighting fires and serving as the first medical responders at emergencies. In this module, learn what the job looks like day-to-day and the training required.
Explore Firefighter Career →
Paramedics are highly trained professionals who provide advanced life support in the most critical emergencies. In this module, learn about the skills paramedics use, the training process, and what makes this role unique in King County.
Explore Paramedic Career →
Telecommunicators are the first point of contact when someone dials 9-1-1. In this module, learn about the role of emergency call takers and dispatchers, the communication skills they rely on, and the impact they make by sending the right help quickly.
Explore Telecommunicator Career →
EMTs provide basic life support and are often the first medical providers on scene. In this module, learn about the responsibilities of EMTs, training pathways in King County, and how EMT certification can open the door to multiple careers.
Explore EMT Career →This toolkit was created in collaboration with King County EMS; Sarah Manchanda, Erica Ellis, and Wes O’Seadna from the Northwest Center for Public Health Practice; Dr. Hendrika Meischke, Nicole Stankovic, and students from the University of Washington School of Public Health.
Special thanks to our subject matter experts for their invaluable guidance: Melissa Vieth (North East King County Regional Public Safety Communications Agency), Chief Evan Van Otten (King County Medic One), Ronan Goulden (University of Washington School of Public Health), and Jon Graziani (Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority | Medical Services).
The information in this EMS Careers Toolkit was most recently updated in 2025. Some details may have changed since publication. For the most current information, please refer directly to the hiring departments, many of which are linked or attached in the modules.