When you think of EMT vs Paramedic, the first thing that comes to mind is emergency medical care. Both groups of professionals have the knowledge and skills to provide patients with emergency care as they rush them to hospital. EMTs and Paramedics make a significant contribution to society, as, without them, many patients would not be alive today. What then, are the comparisons to note when thinking about EMTs vs. Paramedics?
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Education
EMTs go through a program that lasts between 120 and 150 hours for the entire course. The EMT training program takes a few months to complete and involves lectures, at least 10 hours of internship and field (hands-on) training. An EMT post is also referred to as an entry-level position in the Emergency Medical Services field.
Paramedics, on the other hand, go through between 1000 and 1800 hours of instruction, which includes classroom training, internship, and field training. This program is college-based, and may take up to two years to complete. Once you are licensed as a Paramedic, you can choose to specialize in a particular area like Pediatric Advanced Life Support, Critical Care, etc.
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Responsibilities
When considering the responsibilities of EMT vs. Paramedic, it is worth noting that the primary role of both service providers is to provide emergency medical care. EMTs are trained to provide life support and patient care, as well as beginning medication for victims who are on their way to the hospital.
Paramedics provide basic life support just like the EMTs, as well as advanced life support where required. Paramedics are trained to perform life-saving medical procedures and are authorized to perform them on patients before they reach the hospital.
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Procedures
The main difference between EMT and Paramedic lies in the scope of procedures they are allowed to do. An EMT is licensed to perform procedures that encompass basic life support, including:
- Administering glucose for diabetics
- CPR/ Automated Defibrillation
- Artificial Ventilation
- Oxygen administration
- Basic airway management
- Spinal immobilization
- Bandaging/splinting/wound care
- Managing allergic reactions
- Rescue operations
Paramedics are the highest skilled pre-hospital care providers and as such, are trained to do up to 40 medical procedures. The care that they give to patients is similar to that given in the emergency room.
Procedures that Paramedics are licensed to perform include:
- Administering medications
- Starting IV lines and giving medication through them
- Advanced airway management
- Endotracheal intubation (breathing tube)
- Manual defibrillation and artificial pacemaking
- Electrocardiograph (ECG) monitoring
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Salary
Are you wondering which job pays better? How do the pay packages of EMT vs Paramedic compare?
EMTs earn around $33,664 per year, while Paramedics earn $ 40,598 annually. Paramedics are paid more, as they shoulder more responsibility in the line of duty. Both careers are however in demand, as there can never be enough emergency medical workers to go around.
EMTs vs. Paramedics – the differences lie mainly in the scope of responsibility and the amount of training involved. Both careers, however, have great growth possibilities, and the chances of landing a stable job are high. Lastly, whether you become a Paramedic or an EMT, you will have an opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives!