What is the difference between an EMT and a paramedic?
EMT stands for Emergency Medical Technician. EMTs have about 110 hours of training in basic life support. EMTs may perform CPR, artificial ventilation, oxygen administration, basic airway management, defibrillation using an AED, spinal immobilization, vital signs, and bandaging/splinting. Paramedics have 1,000 or more hours of training in advanced life support and may perform all basic emergency medical skills as well as advance airway management (such as endotracheal intubation). They may obtain electrocardiographs (ECGs or EKGs), start intravenous lines, administer numerous types of medications and perform other advanced procedures.
An EMT can perform basic life support procedures. EMTs can take vital signs, bandage and splint injuries, administer oxygen, use a semi-automatic defibrillator, and provide oral and nasopharyngeal airways. A Paramedic can perform basic and advanced life support procedures including the functions of an EMT plus start intravenous lines (IVs), administer cardiac and pain management medications, perform chest decompressions, and utilize cardiac monitor/defibrillator to diagnose and treat life threatening heart rhythms.
