Prehospital Registered Nurse (PHRN)
The State of PA recognizes the important role that nurses have in the delivery, provision, and occasional oversight of prehospital care. Qualified nurses can provide care similar to that of a registered paramedic. The PHRN must complete the usual training courses such as the Emergency Vehicle Operator's Course (EVOC) and the industry standard life support courses such as ACLS, BCLS, and PHTLS/ITLS. Prehospital RNs also serve as part of specialty transport teams for patients in need of medications or procedures that are outside of the paramedic's scope.
The State of PA recognizes the important role that nurses have in the delivery, provision, and occasional oversight of prehospital care. Qualified nurses can provide care similar to that of a registered paramedic. The PHRN must complete the usual training courses such as the Emergency Vehicle Operator's Course (EVOC) and the industry standard life support courses such as ACLS, BCLS, and PHTLS/ITLS. Prehospital RNs also serve as part of specialty transport teams for patients in need of medications or procedures that are outside of the paramedic's scope.
Prehospital Physician Extender (PHPE)
The State of PA also credentials physician assistants to serve as members of an ambulance crew. PHPE's must complete additional course requirements and demonstrate proficiency in the prehospital skills such as immobilization and endotracheal intubation. In certain cases, they may have to be "authorized" by a medical command physician.
The State of PA also credentials physician assistants to serve as members of an ambulance crew. PHPE's must complete additional course requirements and demonstrate proficiency in the prehospital skills such as immobilization and endotracheal intubation. In certain cases, they may have to be "authorized" by a medical command physician.
Prehospital Physician (PHP)
Not all physicians have experience with the delivery of prehospital care. To that end, physicians interested in functioning as part of an operational EMS unit must apply for approval from the state EMS agency. Typically, PHP's must complete a skills assessment to verify proficiency in the practice of prehospital medicine. The PHP designation is one of the more detailed, in that the state of PA outline specific pathways towards the PHP credential. Emergency medicine physicians or physicians who have completed specialty specific courses such as Advanced Pediatric Life Support and Advanced Trauma Life Support may be eligible for recognition as a PHP.
Not all physicians have experience with the delivery of prehospital care. To that end, physicians interested in functioning as part of an operational EMS unit must apply for approval from the state EMS agency. Typically, PHP's must complete a skills assessment to verify proficiency in the practice of prehospital medicine. The PHP designation is one of the more detailed, in that the state of PA outline specific pathways towards the PHP credential. Emergency medicine physicians or physicians who have completed specialty specific courses such as Advanced Pediatric Life Support and Advanced Trauma Life Support may be eligible for recognition as a PHP.