EMT vs. Paramedic: Is There Really A Difference?

Is there a real difference between being  paramedic or emergency medical technician? The news anchors all use the words interchangeably. Even the magazines and books switch the words occasionally.

Emergency medical technicians or EMTs and paramedics work in a field that requires exception education, extensive training, and lots of experience. The lives of many people are in their hands. This job demands good and strong physical health, emotional stability and mental acuity.

If you have been considering entering this field, you’ll want to know as much as you can about the requirements that are set forth by your state. This is because your state regulates who can work in the field of emergency medical services. If you do not have certification from the state, you cannot find employment as an EMT. It is illegal. Therefore, you want to be sure that you only take training programs from schools that are approved by your state. It is better to spend extra money for a state approved training program, then to go dirt cheap with a school that will only get you rejected when it comes time to take your license exams.

Both Paramedics and EMTs are considered to be first responders. They are usually working together in teams on a truck or helicopter. They arrive on the scene of medical emergencies such as car accidents, fires, violence injuries, or natural disasters. They help give life support to the people who need it.

While the EMT does have extensive training in how to work in an emergency medical situation, the paramedic will have much more advanced knowledge and skills on hand. He or she also will have more field experience than the EMT basic. Often, paramedics end up training new EMTs on the job. They have EMT trainees that also do internships with ambulance companies, during their studies.

There are differences between paramedics and EMTs. The first thing to know is that EMTs are not paramedics, but paramedics are definitely EMTs. One of the main differences between the two careers is the amount of education and training that is required. An EMT does not receive as much education and training as the paramedic does. During the time that you are an EMT, you will not have as much responsibilities as the paramedics do. Paramedics can perform most, if not all of the procedures the EMT can, and also can perform more advanced procedures.

If you’re interested in becoming an EMT instead of a paramedic, then it will be a lot easier to complete. The average levels for emergency medical technician certification are as follows:

1. EMT-Basic

2. EMT-Intermediate 1995 and 1999 (there are two categories)

3. EMT-Paramedic

If you’re thinking about the paramedic profession, then you’ll have to start at the EMT-Basic level. For more information on this, visit the NREMT site. Also, you can begin your EMT training by simply searching the internet for schools near you. Paramedic or EMT, both careers are well established and respected in society. It is not just a job that pays the bills, but a career that is an altruistic profession.