Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics give care to ill or injured people in emergency situations. If patients need more care, they drive them to medical facilities.

EMTs and paramedics respond to calls from dispatchers who send them to the scene of an emergency. They determine the nature and extent of the injury or illness and record patients' vital signs. They may also talk to other emergency personnel who are present, such as police and fire fighters.

EMTs and paramedics provide emergency care by following guidelines learned in training or instructions provided by a physician overseeing their work.

EMTs and paramedics use equipment such as:

• Backboards to restrain patients
• Defibrillators
• Resuscitators

Occasionally patients are trapped in cars or buildings. EMTs and paramedics free them or provide care while others free them.

EMTs and paramedics transport patients to medical facilities. They continue monitoring patients and providing medical care during transport. They may call ahead to alert the medical staff or talk with doctors for advice on how to treat patients. They record patients' reactions to drugs and care.

At the medical center or hospital, EMTs and paramedics transfer patients to the emergency room. They report the status of patients to emergency room staff and record what treatment was given on patients' charts. They may stay and provide additional help or information.

After patients are delivered to a hospital, EMTs and paramedics clean and decontaminate their ambulance. They replace supplies and check equipment.

The specific duties of EMTs and paramedics depend on their level of training and the state they work in.

EMT basic

An EMT basic provides care to patients at the scene and on the way to the hospital. They are certified to assess a patient's condition and manage respiratory, cardiac, and trauma emergencies.

EMT intermediate

An EMT intermediate provides the same care as an EMT basic. In addition, they are certified to administer emergency or intravenous medications to patients.

Paramedics

Paramedics are trained to provide the most extensive level of emergency care. In addition to providing the same care as an EMT basic and EMT intermediate, they are certified to use electrocardiograms (EKGs) to monitor patients.