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EMT / Paramedic

Healthcare · Emergency Medical Services Market estimate

Respond to medical emergencies, road crashes and injuries, giving life-saving care at the scene and on the way to hospital. EMTs work with the Jamaica Fire Brigade, private ambulance services, resorts, events and industrial sites.

Salary Breakdown

$1,100,000 JMD – $1,700,000 JMD
0 - 2 years

EMT-Basic on an ambulance crew or at a resort, event or industrial site. Indicative market estimate, not a published salary scale.

Estimated Take-Home Pay

Based on the midpoint of the Entry salary range ($1,400,000 JMD), after NIS, NHT, Education Tax, and PAYE.

Est. Net / Month$108,287 JMD
Est. Net / Year$1,299,445 JMD
Show deduction breakdown
Gross (annual)
$1,400,000 JMD
NIS (3%)
−$42,000 JMD
NHT (2%)
−$28,000 JMD
Education Tax
−$30,555 JMD
PAYE Income Tax
−$0 JMD
Net (annual)
$1,299,445 JMD

Estimate only — illustrative rates and thresholds, not tax advice. Confirm current figures with Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) and the National Insurance Scheme (NIS).

Career Path Roadmap

  1. 1

    Complete CSEC Subjects

    English A, Mathematics and Biology or Human and Social Biology are important.

    Secondary school
  2. 2

    Get First Aid & CPR Certified

    Start with First Aid and Basic Life Support courses through the Jamaica Red Cross or St. John Ambulance.

    1 - 2 weeks
  3. 3

    Train as an EMT-Basic

    Complete an accredited Emergency Medical Technician programme with clinical and ambulance placements.

    6 months - 1 year
  4. 4

    Gain Field Experience

    Work on ambulance crews or emergency response teams to build hours and confidence.

    1 - 3 years
  5. 5

    Upgrade to Paramedic

    Complete advanced paramedic training, then move into supervision or training.

    1 - 2 years
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Required Education

  • CSEC English A, Mathematics and Biology / Human and Social Biology
  • EMT-Basic certification
  • Paramedic diploma (for advanced roles)

Common Local Certifications

  • EMT-Basic / Paramedic certification
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) & Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
  • Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS)
  • First Aid - Jamaica Red Cross / St. John Ambulance

Where to Train

University of Technology, Jamaica

Kingston & St. Andrew · Public University
Accredited 17 accredited programmes

A recommended place to train as a EMT / Paramedic

Local Institutions Offering Programs

  • University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech)
  • Jamaica Fire Brigade (EMS division)
  • HEART/NSTA Trust
  • Jamaica Red Cross