ITHP Lesson 3.2.2

• define emergency medical services

• explain how EMTs and paramedics provide emergency care to a patient

• identify certifications and career progression necessary to become an EMT or paramedic

• identify the skills and personal qualities that enable EMTs and paramedics to do their jobs

emergency medical services - provide immediate pre-hospital treatment, stabilization, and transportation to appropriate care for patients with serious illnesses and injuries.

EMR - emergency medical responders also known as first responders.

EMT - provide medical attention to patients from the site of the accident to the hospital throughout their ambulance transport.

Paramedics - can offer more comprehensive prehospital care

Provide immediate pre-hospital treatment, stabilization, and transportation to appropriate care for patients with serious illnesses and injuries

Emergency medical services carry a recognizable symbol called the "Star of Life". It is a blue 6-pointed star with a white border around it. It can be found on ambulances, medical personnel uniforms, and othe emergency medicine and first-aid related items
The 6 points symbolize the 6 tasks of the emergency service providers

1) Early Detection- The initial recognition of an emergency

2) Early Reporting- Calling for professional help, which connects to emergency dispatch

3) Response- The arrival of first responders and their initial provision of first aid.

​4) On-Scene Care- Emergency medical personnel provide care at the indident location

5) Care in Transit- Transporting the patient by ambulance or helicopter to a hospital.

6) Transfer to Definitive Care- the patient receives specialized care at the hospital

1. EMR

2. EMT

3. Advanced EMT

4. Paramedic

• Training: ~50–60 hours (shortest training level).

• Scope of Practice:

  • Provides immediate lifesaving care until higher-level providers arrive.

  • Basic skills: CPR, using an AED, bleeding control, splinting, oxygen administration, assisting with childbirth.

• Limitations: Cannot transport patients in an ambulance (unless paired with higher-level personnel).

• Training: ~150–200 hours (most common entry level).

• Scope of Practice:

  • Builds on EMR skills.

  • Patient assessment, basic airway management, administering some medications (like epinephrine auto-injectors, glucose, oxygen, naloxone depending on state protocols).

  • Can transport patients in ambulances.

• Role: Foundation of most emergency medical services (EMS) systems.

• Training: ~300–400 hours.

• Scope of Practice:

  • Includes all EMT skills plus more advanced care.

  • IV therapy, advanced airway devices (like supraglottic airways), administering a broader range of medications (dextrose, nitroglycerin, albuterol, etc. depending on protocols).

• Role: Bridges the gap between EMT and Paramedic. Often used in rural or resource-limited systems.

• Training: 1,000–2,000+ hours (often a 2-year associate degree program).

• Scope of Practice:

  • Highest prehospital care level.

  • Advanced airway management (including intubation), cardiac monitoring, defibrillation, pacing, synchronized cardioversion.

  • Interpreting EKGs, giving a wide variety of medications, starting IVs and intraosseous (IO) lines.

  • Can perform invasive procedures (needle decompression, surgical airway in emergencies).

• Role: Considered the “mobile intensive care unit” provider in the field.

1. Immediate response-responding to 911 requests promptly

2. Treatment course- assessing and evaluating the patient's condition, determing the best course of treatment, and documenting the details of the patient's condition

3. Pre-hospital care-dispensing pre-hospital care and giving first-aid or life-saving care

4. Patient transfer-carrying a stretcher, securing the patient, transporting the patient, moving patients

5. Equipment disinfection- disinfecting the ambulance's interior, managing the stock of emergency medicines and medical supplies in the ambulance

1. Complete your High School Diploma or GED

2. Gain CPR Certification

3. Complete an EMT Program

4. Pass the Cognitive Exam- computerized test covering medical topics

5. Pass the Psychomotor Exam- demonstrate a number of emergency skills

1. Medical and Technical Skills

2. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving- rapid decision-making, situational awareness, prioritization

3. Interpersonal and Communication Skills- calm under pressure, compassion and empathy, teamwork, clear and concise communication

4. Personal Qualities and Physical Skills- physical stamina, emotional resilience, adaptability, professionalism

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of EMTs and paramedics is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, which is faster than average for all occupations.
As of May 2024:

• EMTs: median annual wage ~$41,340

• Paramedics: median annual wage ~$58,410 For paramedics, there is a wide range:

  • Lower 10th percentile: ~$40,130

  • Upper 90th percentile: more than ~$82,420

• Pay will vary depending on:

  • Geographic location (urban vs rural, cost of living)

  • Type of employer (municipal EMS, hospital-based EMS, private ambulance services)

  • Experience, certifications, special skills

  • Shift differentials, overtime, hazard pay

Next Class: Friday, 3/20/26

Lesson 3.2.3- Phlebotomists and Lab Technicians