Who am I talking to?
We all deal with EMS almost every day, but I’m not entirely sure we’ve been as educated on what the different levels of EMS providers are.
So here’s a quick overview. Worth noting that the scope of providers ranges pretty heavily from region to region/state to state. This is a basic overview and some of these rules do not completely apply to NYC EMS providers for a multitude of reasons. Regardless its worthwhile to have a vague idea of what’s going on so here it is. Thank you and you’re welcome
The basic level is the Emergency Medical Responder
they require roughly 60 hours of training! Woah!
SKILLS: basic first aid and airway (OPA/BVM)
AED
Epi-Pen
The next level is the Emergency Medical Technician (the former EMT - Basic)
How much training you ask? Of note the official book says the number of hours requirement doesn’t exist its just about competency, this goes for all further levels as well…. But estimated time is 150-200 hours!! Bazing!
SKILLS: basic first aid and airway (OPA/NPA and BVM)
assisting patients in taking home meds!
limited medication administration (we’re talking ASA, oral glucose - but really depends on the medical directors in the area)
that sweet sweet oxygen administration
and last but not least - monitoring vitals
Guess what, there’s more - Now w’re talking about the Advanced EMT
How much training you ask? **expected** 300-450 hours!! Yaowza
SKILLS: start IVs and IOs!! Super important to identify these if you’re doing event medicine.
limited med admin again as per medical directors
Cardiac monitoring and 12-lead ECG - now we’re thinking notifications
Airway management (supraglottic airway but NOT Endotracheal tube)
Now we’re at the big boys on the block - Paramedics
How much training you ask? **expected**1000-2000 hours!! **thud** that was me passing out and hitting the ground
SKILLS: IVs and IOs
IV Med administration
Cardiac Monitoring and 12-lead
Manual defibrillation and cardio version
Transcutaneous pacing!!
Endotracheal tubes
Needle Chest Decrompression
Needle/surgical cricothyrotomy
And there you have it. Take it all in and respect your EMS providers
Happy resuscitating!