Emergency Medical Technicians/Paramedics

Individuals who are dispatched to the scene of an automobile accident, drowning, gunshot wound or other medical emergency by a 911 operator and work cooperatively with police and fire personnel to care for people who are sick or injured. At the scene, they determine the nature and extent of the patient's condition while trying to ascertain whether the patient has preexisting medical problems. Following strict rules and guidelines, they give appropriate emergency care and, when necessary, transport the patient to a health care facility. Emergency treatment for complicated problems is carried out under the direction of medical doctors by radio preceding or during transport. There are four levels of EMTs, the highest being paramedics who are permitted to administer drugs orally and intravenously, interpret electrocardiograms (EKGs), perform endotracheal intubations and use monitors and other complex equipment.