Whats the difference?

[mach158]

Whats the difference between a First responder/EMT/Paramedic?

To m understanding a paramedic is the most highly trained one of the 3 in the field but beyond that i dont know and was curious as i am looking to possible become a first responder or emt.

[Dubbsy]

It's all in what you're allowed to do.

(from my experience in ND)
First Responder was 40 hours of classroom with a test in class and a state license. The only 'thing' you can give is Oxygen, otherwise it's your job to assess and treat thing such as bleeding, breaks, shock. Here you can also ride as a secondary medic on a BLS ambulance (must be EMT-B+ to be primary medic)

EMT-B (basic) is 120 hours of classroom, clinicals that vary depending on school site, in-class test with certificate and a national registry test (practical and written) with a national certification. Also had to apply for state licenses after I recieved national cert. What you can do will vary. Here we were finally allowed nebs and combi-tubes. Otherwise, apply oxygen, assist with nitro, inhalers, and epi per medical direction.

EMT-I (intermediate) is in there as well. I believe you can start IVs but are severly limited on medications you can give (I'm not sure on this, someone else will have to add here)

EMT-P (paramedic) is the highest trained of the group. From what I've seen it's 9 months to 2 years for the program plus clinicals everywhere from detox to ER. Allowed to start IV/give meds and intubate among other things.




To figure out which level you want to train at, you need to decide what you're going to do with it. If you're going to joing a volunteer squad (fire or EMS) check with them and see where they want you to train (probably EMT-B). Same with a job that may require training (or promote it).

If you just want this to have it, I'd reccomend First Responder. It'll require a lot less of you throughout the certification (primarly continuing ed hours) but you'll still have the knowledge to apply in an emergency.

[mach158]

Well i am joining a volunteer unit and becoming a driver since i have no current training.

I am out of state mon-thurs and come home friday so i dont know if i will be able to obtain the training needed. I would however like to become atleast a first responder so i can help out more in the field since our unit is so short of people (12 counting me)

[Dubbsy]

I am out of state mon-thurs and come home friday so i dont know if i will be able to obtain the training needed. I would however like to become atleast a first responder so i can help out more in the field since our unit is so short of people (12 counting me)


Yeah, your biggest hurdle is going to be finding classes (although if you're in a more populated area they may run classes during the times you are home. Here they ran 1 class at a time 2 nights a week).


With a schedule like yours I would still reccomend becoming a First Responder (atleast initially) instead of a Basic.

[CH47Doc]

Training is offered at progressive levels: EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate, and EMT-paramedic. The EMT-Basic represents the first level of skills required to work in the emergency medical system. Formal classroom experiences are enhanced with combined time in an emergency room and on an ambulance. Coursework typically emphasizes emergency skills such as managing respiratory, trauma, and cardiac emergencies and patient assessment. The program also provides instruction and practice in dealing with bleeding, fractures, airway obstruction, cardiac arrest, and emergency childbirth. Students learn to use and maintain common emergency equipment, such as backboards, suction devices, splints, oxygen delivery systems, and stretchers. The course is a prerequisite for further training as an EMT-Intermediate or EMT-Paramedic.



EMT-Intermediate training requirements vary from State to State. In Texas, EMT-Intermediates receive additional training in assessment, trauma, physiology, airway management, and medical emergencies. Training commonly includes 250 hours of additional instruction beyond EMT-Basic coursework. Prerequisites for taking the EMT-Intermediate examination include certification or registration as an EMT-Basic, required classroom work, and a specified amount of clinical experience. EMT-Intermediate is not a prerequisite for EMT-Paramedic training.



The most advanced level of training for this occupation is EMT-Paramedic. At this level, the caregiver receives additional training in physiology, pharmacology, patient assessment, cardiology, trauma, airway management and extensive training in other body systems. The Paramedic Professions program lasts eighteen to twenty-four months and can result in an associate degree in applied science. Such education prepares the graduate to take the NREMT and the State Credentialing Examination and become certified as an EMT-Paramedic. Extensive classroom, clinical and field training is required. Due to the longer training requirement, almost all EMT-Paramedics are in paid positions. Refresher courses and continuing education are available for EMTs and paramedics at all levels.



Advancement beyond the EMT-Paramedic level usually means leaving fieldwork. An EMT-Paramedic can become a supervisor, operations manager, administrative director, or executive director of emergency services. Some EMTs and paramedics become instructors, or dispatchers, while others move into sales or marketing of emergency medical equipment. A number of people become EMTs and paramedics to assess their interest in healthcare and then decide to return to school and become registered nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, physicians, or other health care workers.

[MarionMedic]

First responder/EMT/Paramedic

First it's schooling - six weeks/six months/two years
Second it's skills -

First responder = "glorified" first aid (sorry guys). In some areas can't even start Oxygen without online order from ALS responding.

Basic = Can give EpiPen, Oral Glucose, assist with Nitroglycerine, Start O2 by standing orders, Etc...

Paramedic = Can give drugs, intubate, needle decompress, start IV, and defib.

That's the short answer.

About drivers..........
Drivers, EMS Driver Certification, should only be allowed as an add on to Basic or above.
Think about it, when the big box arrives and two "guys" jump out, don't you expect that both will be able to "do something" to help you????

A driver is not Certified to do anything but drive.

Services like the driver because he is generally paid much less than an educated employee. But say you have a MVC with Two patients who are some distance apart.
How can a Paramedic and a Driver give care to both? They can't.
(And I'm not talking about the drivers who do it illegally)
At least a Basic/Driver would be able to treat patients to his level of care.