The difference between an EMT and a paramedic is not only in the amount of training they receive, but also in the scope of what they can do once they arrive on scene at an emergency. EMTs typically receive 100 to 150 hours of training, whereas paramedics can receive up to 1,800 hours. One rule of thumb is that an EMT cannot break a patient’s skin, such as giving a shot, whereas a paramedic can give injection-type medications.
When referring to an EMT and a paramedic, the term “paramedic” is commonly used. It is, however, unacceptable to refer to an EMT as a paramedic. A two-year college degree in paramedicine is available to paramedics. An EMT can only obtain a certificate, not a degree. EMTs are only taught basic life support, whereas paramedics are taught life-sustaining medicine.
An EMT or a paramedic can be dispatched to an emergency situation. It is also true that all ambulance drivers must have completed EMT training. This allows the ambulance crew to perform life-saving procedures on a patient who is being transported. Only a paramedic may inject drugs or establish an airway once on scene and it is determined that the victim requires medical treatment.
When comparing an EMT to a paramedic, the EMT is only permitted to administer oxygen or an asthma inhaler. The paramedic, on the other hand, is trained to administer up to 40 different medicines to a patient. Ambulance crews in some parts of the United States can be made up of two EMTs, an EMT and a paramedic, or two paramedics. The type of crew manning the ambulance is often a deciding factor in which ambulance is dispatched to a particular call.
In an inter-facility patient transfer by ambulance, an EMT and a paramedic can both provide care, but only the paramedic can administer medications. As a result, the patient is frequently accompanied by an EMT and a paramedic during the transfer. Because a paramedic is paid more than an EMT in most cases, an EMT and paramedic are frequently paired on a shift to save money.
Both medical personnel are first responders, and their actions have the potential to save a life. The EMT is a valuable support team member because they are trained in the most important aspects of emergency training. The paramedic, on the other hand, has been trained to treat patients after the initial resuscitation.