In the Spotlight: Emergency Medical Technicians
Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) have a lot on their shoulders. EMTs are responsible for the care of patients in emergency situations until the patients are transferred to the care of the health care facility. EMTs are reliable and quick-thinking individuals, and life and death situations are placed in the hands of these technicians.
EMTs work closely with paramedics and operators at 911. During patient transport, often one EMT drives while another EMT monitors the patient's vital signs. There are different levels of EMT certification. According to the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT), emergency medical service (EMS) providers are registered by NREMT at four levels: First Responder, EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate and EMT-Paramedic.
First Responders provide basic care to patients, and like their title, they are often the first EMTs on the scene. First Responders can often be the firefighters or police officers to first arrive to the scene.
EMT-Basics represent the first level of emergency care. EMT-Basics (or EMT-1) provide care to the patients on the initial scene of the accident and then provide additional care through the direction of a higher level technician or physician.
EMT-Intermediates provide a higher level of care to the patients both on the scene and during transport. EMT-Intermediates provide all of the care outlined above and also assist in higher level care, such as administering lifesaving shocks and aiding in respiratory emergencies. EMT-Intermediates will take charge of the care if they have the highest level of training on the scene.
EMT-Paramedics obtain the highest level of training and certification and perform medical care for patients. EMT-Paramedics perform more analysis of a patient's situation than the other levels. Once the paramedic deciphers what has caused a problem, he or she may administer medications on the spot as well as interpret readings on various equipments.
In 2000, there were 172,000 jobs for EMTs at all levels. Two out of 10 of those positions were employees of hospitals. At Inova Health System, EMTs work in the emergency rooms and with Inova Air Care.
To find out more information on certification, or if you are interested in becoming an EMT, check out these links:
- National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians
- National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician
- Virginia Department of Health: Office of Emergency Medical Services
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