Emergency Medical Services

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is an exciting field that is very serious. The community depends on EMS personnel in times of dire need such as an auto accident, heart attack or other medical emergencies. The training is intense yet rewarding in knowing that you are serving the community in multiple ways that other careers just cannot offer. The beginnings of EMS began, even as crude as it was by our standards of today, when battles were fought centuries ago and wounded soldiers were cared for and brought from the front lines. World War I and World War II brought forth treatment standards that carried over to the Korean and Vietnam era. The EMS of today began in the United States in the 1960's with the realization that emergency care in the field does save lives. In the 1970's the first published curriculum for EMT was presented, laying the foundation for what we have today. Each State has a government office that deals with oversight of EMS and is usually referred to as the Bureau of EMS or Department of EMS. This agency directs and assures that the training meets the National Highway and Traffic Administration Federal Guidelines and in many cases inspects the EMS agencies that provide care.

The first step is becoming an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). This is usually a 16-week program that is offered by a state approved school and follows the National Training Curriculum. The participant learns the basic skills ranging from CPR, airway control, trauma care, and medical emergency treatments. Once completed, a state exam must be passed so that the EMT candidate can become certified in that state. Once certified, the EMT may work for either the public or private sector. Many will begin with the private sector to gain experience that will prove to be beneficial in the years to come. EMTs may work in other sectors such as hospitals, boating, industrial settings, and law enforcement. If the EMT is cross certified in the Fire Service they may work for a Fire / Rescue service.

The next advancement in EMS is to become a Paramedic. The Paramedic is responsible for the emergency scene as well as the care that may be needed. The Paramedic learns the higher levels of care that involves cardiac monitoring readings, Intravenous lines, medication therapy, and advanced trauma care. Higher levels of pediatric care are also emphasized since not all emergency calls involve adult treatment. Paramedics work in a wide area of interest ranging from Private Ambulance Services to Fire / Rescue. Many Paramedics work in the hospital Emergency Department and onsite clinics at major corporations, providing emergency and preventive care. Special Response Teams or SWAT has at least one Paramedic in the group. This Paramedic must be a law enforcement officer and receives special training relating to providing care while in dangerous situations or under fire.

As time progresses so will your education. EMS personnel advance themselves by obtaining a degree in EMS or many others areas that will advance them to manager, supervisor, or administrative positions. Specialty training is obtainable that advances ones career in areas such as Hazardous Materials, Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support, Anti-Terrorism, Special Operations, and Incident Command.

EMTs and Paramedics also serve in the all branches of the Military, Coast Guard, and Customs and Border Patrol. Let's not forget the many volunteer services that benefit communities throughout the U.S. and the world that need EMTs and Paramedics. Many EMTs and Paramedics become trained in order to enhance oneself and career no matter what career that might be. The yachting industry possesses individuals that have an EMT certification, making that crewmember even more of a valued asset. Theme parks also have EMTs and Paramedics that work to care for the guests that visit to have fun and yet can become injured or experience a medical emergency.

EMTs and Paramedics are the life blood to the world and when called upon do so without reservation. These men and women are dedicated to the preservation of life that not only affects the patients they care for but the families and loved ones of those that call for help in a time of need.

Editorial provided by Todd Soard, an EMT and Paramedic in Florida since 1982 and holds a Texas license. He is the President of Emergency Educational Institute and the Florida Association of EMTs and Paramedics.