Currently, there exists much variation in the way of EMS provider credentialing. Though the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians delineates specific training requirements and recommendations for provider certification, each state is responsible for licensing its emergency medical services providers. PA providers are classified according to the following scheme. The PA Department of Health is the lead agency for EMS, and the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services is charged with the coordination and administration of the statewide system.
Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)
Similar to the National Registry classification, an EMR is a member of a quick response service capable of stabilizing an emergency medical condition until the arrival of a higher level of care. EMR's must be at least 16 years of age and are usually trained by the department in which they serve. Skills typical of an EMR include external hemorrhage control, basic airway management, and splinting. EMR training can be expanded to include other basic life support skills. Training typically consists of skills based practice and 30-50 hours of classroom instruction
Similar to the National Registry classification, an EMR is a member of a quick response service capable of stabilizing an emergency medical condition until the arrival of a higher level of care. EMR's must be at least 16 years of age and are usually trained by the department in which they serve. Skills typical of an EMR include external hemorrhage control, basic airway management, and splinting. EMR training can be expanded to include other basic life support skills. Training typically consists of skills based practice and 30-50 hours of classroom instruction
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
An EMT is trained to perform basic life support skills and support the practice of "advanced" level providers such as the paramedic. EMTs can administer oxygen, provide hemorrhage control, and splint fractures. In addition to the skills contained within the EMR scope of practice, trained EMTs can administer a limited number of medications. EMT instruction incorporates skills based practice and up to 200 hours of classroom instructions. The EMT certification is most common type of provider found on an ambulance.
An EMT is trained to perform basic life support skills and support the practice of "advanced" level providers such as the paramedic. EMTs can administer oxygen, provide hemorrhage control, and splint fractures. In addition to the skills contained within the EMR scope of practice, trained EMTs can administer a limited number of medications. EMT instruction incorporates skills based practice and up to 200 hours of classroom instructions. The EMT certification is most common type of provider found on an ambulance.
|
|
Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT)
The AEMT is the first "advanced" prehospital provider designation. AEMT's complete basic EMT training and then undergo additional testing to cover some expanded practice medications. Credentialed AEMTs are permitted to initiate intravenous access and administer medications such as epinephrine and albuterol. AEMTs can provide airway management via extraglottic devices such as the King airway.
The AEMT is the first "advanced" prehospital provider designation. AEMT's complete basic EMT training and then undergo additional testing to cover some expanded practice medications. Credentialed AEMTs are permitted to initiate intravenous access and administer medications such as epinephrine and albuterol. AEMTs can provide airway management via extraglottic devices such as the King airway.
|
|
Paramedic
The paramedic is an advanced life support provider capable of the full scope of prehospital interventions. Paramedic training usually incorporates additional courses in anatomy, physiology, and cardiac pharmacology. Paramedics can perform endotracheal intubation and administer the usual complement of advanced life support medications. Graduates of modern paramedic programs must go through an "accredited" system of instruction which includes hospital based, field clinical, and specialized rotations. Paramedic school is typically three semesters in length.
For information on nationally registered emergency medical technician certifications, please visit the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Website (NREMT)
The paramedic is an advanced life support provider capable of the full scope of prehospital interventions. Paramedic training usually incorporates additional courses in anatomy, physiology, and cardiac pharmacology. Paramedics can perform endotracheal intubation and administer the usual complement of advanced life support medications. Graduates of modern paramedic programs must go through an "accredited" system of instruction which includes hospital based, field clinical, and specialized rotations. Paramedic school is typically three semesters in length.
For information on nationally registered emergency medical technician certifications, please visit the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Website (NREMT)