You can look up information about the training and curriculum for EMT-Basic providers; it’s probably much more extensive than you think.
An EMT-B course involves more than a hundred classroom hours covering a broad range of subjects, with much attention given to patient assessment. Granted, EMT-B’s are not doctors, but there are a number of interventions they are qualified to perform in the field besides taking someone’s blood pressure.
EMT classifications continue up to EMT-P, commonly referred to as a paramedic. Much of the advanced training received by paramedics covers pharmacology and cardiac care, but the basics are identical.
In Fairfax County, where this occurred, all firefighters are at least certified EMT-B. Each of the 37 stations has an ambulance staffed with a paramedic at all times.
I took an EMT class here in San Diego. The range of the abilities of an EMT are very limited here(due to lawsuits).
It is not a requirement to have a fire fighter rated as an EMT. I think there are only two stations here that don’t require it. But you are pretty much guranteed a job if you get your paramedic rating. They are in extremely high demand here.