This section of the NREMT Web site is intended for a member of the general public to receive an overview of EMTs and to learn how to become involved in Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
There are a variety of publications, magazines, television shows and methods to learn about EMS. It is important to know that EMS is a local service and therefore differs in capability, who delivers the services, and in a variety of ways across the nation. We would recommend that if you want to become involved in EMS that you stop by your local EMS provider and talk with some of the leaders in your area.
To understand EMS you have to know the types of providers that provide the service and what type of support they receive. You should also know that the National Registry of EMTs knows more about national EMS models and issues and likely can't provide you with a lot of expertise on a local system. In fact, if you want to know something about your local system, you should contact them and not the NREMT.
When a person becomes ill or injured and ‘911’ is dialed on the telephone, the phone should be answered by an Emergency Medical Services Dispatcher. These individuals typically have street level experience and training in priority dispatching of medical emergencies. It is important for those calling ‘911’ to remain calm, speak with a clear voice, and answer all of the dispatcher’s questions as accurately as possible. At times the dispatcher may give the caller some patient care instructions that need to be followed in order to maximize the success of resuscitation.
The EMS Dispatcher then sends EMS providers to the scene. These providers may be educated as First Responders (who have about 40 hours of training) along a continuum of training to Paramedics (who have about 1,000 or more hours of training). EMS crews also have EMT-Basics (with 110 hours of training) or EMT-Intermediate (who have about 200-400 hours of training). The make-up of an EMS crew is a local decision and is based upon local resources and the priorities of those who fund the resources. EMS providers are serious about providing the best possible care under the best possible circumstances.
The training of EMTs takes place at local community colleges, technical schools, hospitals, EMS academies and Universities. If you are interested in EMT training you should contact your State EMS Office via their Web site (see
State Offices) and if you’re interested in Paramedic training you should contact the
Committee on Accreditation for EMS Professionals. Both of these agencies will help you find local training in your area. Your instructor may be a member of the
National Association of EMS Educators.
When EMTs complete patient care at the home, they transport patients in ambulances to the hospitals. EMTs and Paramedics work under protocols approved by local physicians. Many of these doctors are members of the
National Association of EMS Physicians. The doctor overviews the care of patients in EMS systems, he or she is knowledgeable about patient care interventions and how EMS systems deliver care. Typically they work in conjunction with local EMS leaders to assure quality patient care.
EMS care may be provided by the fire department, an ambulance service, a county or government based service, a hospital, or by a combination of the above. EMTs may be paid or be volunteers in the community. Paramedics are paid providers.
Every state in the Unites States has an EMS lead agency or State Office of Emergency Medical Services. Many of these offices have Web sites and provide information to the public in their state (see
State Offices). State EMS Offices have great responsibility and are in place to assure the general public receives adequate patient care. State Offices are funded by state legislatures. Each state has a state director and these officials are members of the
National Association of State EMS Officials.
State EMS Offices issue licenses to EMS providers, ambulances, and do a variety of tasks. Each EMS office also works with EMS education programs and has someone who can help with EMS training issues, typically called the State EMS Training Coordinator. Currently 45 states require their EMTs to meet the requirements (certification) of the National Registry of EMTs in order to gain a license as an EMS provider in their state. Some states require their EMTs to maintain certification with the NREMT as part of the continued license and others have their own system. All EMTs have to complete continuing education and the
Continuing Education Coordinating Board for Emergency Medical Services establishes guidelines for approval of courses and helps assure that EMTs receive a quality education experience.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of the US Department of Transportation (DOT) sets the lead in establishing EMS education standards. The Congress has not designated or funded an EMS lead agency at the federal level, so EMS works with many federal agencies to help guide some national EMS agendas and issues.
Trauma or medical emergencies touch every person’s life at one time or another. There are over 800,000 EMS providers delivering care in this nation. Thousands of physicians and nurses support the system and continue the patients care after they arrive in the hospital. Many organizations have a role in supporting the EMS system to assure quality care. The National Registry of EMTs works with these organizations to assure our standards meet public expectations for patient care. Everyone in EMS is involved in meeting these goals. We are always welcoming participation and we encourage you to support or become involved in EMS.
