topic Re: Ever Wonder the difference between Emts and Paramedics?? in Community Chat

Ever Wonder the difference between Emts and Paramedics??

foundinlv — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 09:48:07 GMT

I often wondered the difference when I had to call 911 for lift assistance only, to help my dad back into the bed. Strangely enough, I could get him out of bed and into a wheelchair and into the car but couldn't do the reverse. An employee of the clinic I took him to always helped him into their facility and then back into the car when he was done with his appointment. I always worried about utilizing 911 when it wasn't an actual life threatening situation and so made a point of telling them Emts only. Here's the difference between the two.

EMTs usually complete a course that is about 120-150 hours in length. Paramedic courses can be between 1,200 to 1,800 hours. EMT and paramedic courses consist of lectures, hands-on skills training, and clinical and/or field internships. EMTs are educated in many skills including CPR, giving patients oxygen, administering glucose for diabetics, and helping others with treatments for asthma attacks or allergic reactions. With very few exceptions, such as in the case of auto-injectors for allergic reactions, EMTs are not allowed to provide treatments that requiring breaking the skin: that means no needles.

Paramedics are advanced providers of emergency medical care and are highly educated in topics such as anatomy and physiology, cardiology, medications, and medical procedures. They build on their EMT education and learn more skills such as administering medications, starting intravenous lines, providing advanced airway management for patients, and learning to resuscitate and support patients with significant problems such as heart attacks and traumas.

Hope this helps others who are caring for their loved ones.

Re: Ever Wonder the difference between Emts and Paramedics??

Yardlie — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 16:27:09 GMT

I never knew that. Thanks for the info, ~foundinlv~.

Re: Ever Wonder the difference between Emts and Paramedics??

10sluvr — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 16:30:26 GMT

that good, interesting info. did the co. you called, send the right people? do they charge less? i have mom in a wheelchair and always wondered what to do in "lifting" emergency.

Re: Ever Wonder the difference between Emts and Paramedics??

croemer — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 16:36:12 GMT

Good to know, I have always wondered what the difference is.

Re: Ever Wonder the difference between Emts and Paramedics??

Wild Cherry — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 16:39:35 GMT

Is this thread a passive aggressive slam against the EMT who posts here?

Re: Ever Wonder the difference between Emts and Paramedics??

RedTop — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 16:47:19 GMT

I am familiar with the difference, as my younger brother started out as a rescue squad volunteer, then became an EMT, followed by a paramedic, then took the test to become a nationally certified paramedic, then decided to go to nursing school, got his RN license, spent many years in the ER, and also works as a flight nurse in helicopter transport. He just happens to be one of those health care professionals who has to experience every aspect of emergency care, and would never be satisfied to work as a floor nurse in med surg, orthopedics, etc.

Re: Ever Wonder the difference between Emts and Paramedics??

hennypenny — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 17:49:13 GMT

I certainly didn't think that this was any kind of slam. It is important to know the difference and to be able to request the type of service needed. Several of my son's friends are EMTS and they do fabulous work.

Re: Ever Wonder the difference between Emts and Paramedics??

JJsMom — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 18:04:17 GMT

I took (and passed) an EMT course years ago, so I knew the difference. Paramedics require much more training. The EMT course was more like advanced First Aid.

Re: Ever Wonder the difference between Emts and Paramedics??

tansy — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 18:32:15 GMT

Interesting...I thought the two terms were interchangeable.

Re: Ever Wonder the difference between Emts and Paramedics??

Yardlie — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 18:43:01 GMT

I didn't take it as a slam either. I think it's good to know what the different terms mean. I was a dental hygienist, and people never knew the difference between the dental hygienist, dental assistant, and dental lab tech. They often called us all dental technicians or dental nurses. LOL!

Re: Ever Wonder the difference between Emts and Paramedics??

MrsLorraine — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 19:39:06 GMT

Very interesting; thanks for giving us this information.

Re: Ever Wonder the difference between Emts and Paramedics??

151949 — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 19:43:09 GMT

I have 2 nephews who are paramedics - both attended community college to get an AD in their profession, plus yearly attend classes to stay updated to keep their licenses.

Re: Ever Wonder the difference between Emts and Paramedics??

151949 — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 19:45:00 GMT

I believe paramedics are licensed and EMTs are not - at least in Pa.

Re: Ever Wonder the difference between Emts and Paramedics??

occasionalrain — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 19:46:09 GMT

On 1/21/2014 tansy said: Interesting...I thought the two terms were interchangeable.

I thought that too. Thanks to the OP for telling us something we didn't know.

Re: Ever Wonder the difference between Emts and Paramedics??

PIT-HAG Melissa — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 19:55:22 GMT

I didn't take it as a slam at all..Although Founds definition is misleading..

I have posted this info for JAWAM in the past...

They are ALL technically EMT's.. For example, I am a certified EMT-P (paramedic)..Then there is an EMT B..(basic)...

I believe some states still have the EMT- I's (Intermediate)..Illinois does not...

BTW, NOT to diminish anyone, the Basic test is NOT easy at all and they ARE certified...

Re: Ever Wonder the difference between Emts and Paramedics??

PIT-HAG Melissa — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 20:09:35 GMT

Noel. I JUST edited because I saw HH's definition which is also WAY off, at least in Illinois...

The B's go through EXTENSIVE schooling, ambulance rides, and E.R time crammed into 3 months...and HAVE TO B E CERTIFIED...

In our classes the students HAVE to keep an 80% or they are out because the testing at state level is HARD!

Re: Ever Wonder the difference between Emts and Paramedics??

JJsMom — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 20:09:55 GMT

Honestly, I thought the basic EMT course and test were pretty easy. I never actually practiced it on live people in real emergencies though. I would think that is where the real work and skill comes in.

Re: Ever Wonder the difference between Emts and Paramedics??

PIT-HAG Melissa — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 20:10:50 GMT

On 1/21/2014 happy housewife said:
I have 2 nephews who are paramedics - both attended community college to get an AD in their profession, plus yearly attend classes to stay updated to keep their licenses.

Continuing Ed is for ALL the levels, Paramedics just require many more...

Re: Ever Wonder the difference between Emts and Paramedics??

croemer — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 20:12:49 GMT

Glad you came along EMT, I was hoping you might see this thread.

Re: Ever Wonder the difference between Emts and Paramedics??

PIT-HAG Melissa — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 20:13:00 GMT

On 1/21/2014 JJsMom said:
Honestly, I thought the basic EMT course and test were pretty easy. I never actually practiced it on live people in real emergencies though. I would think that is where the real work and skill comes in.

Maybe in your day they were easier...