What is the difference between an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and a Paramedic?

An EMT is trained in Basic Life Support (BLS) skills such as assessment, triage and treatment of medical and trauma patients, control of bleeding, Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), the use of Automatic External Defibrillator's (AEDs), and the delivery of oxygen.

A Paramedic is trained beyond the BLS level to the ALS (Advanced Life Support) level to include advanced skills such as cardiac rhythm interpretation, the application of an external cardiac pacemaker, endotracheal intubation (the placement of a breathing tube), Intravenous (IV) and Intraosseous (IO - placement of needle into bone marrow) fluid therapy, as well as the ability to administer various cardiac, respiratory and pain medications.

Show All Answers

1. Can I burn a pile of lawn and tree clippings in my back yard?
2. How do I check my smoke detector to be sure it is working properly?
3. How do I know if my child's car safety seat is installed properly?
4. If I lock my keys inside my vehicle; will the Fire Department unlock it for me?
5. What does Advanced Life Support (ALS) mean?
6. What is a Knox Box?
7. What is a Cadet?
8. What is the difference between an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and a Paramedic?
9. Where can I get my blood pressure checked?
10. Why does the fire truck respond when I call for an ambulance?