What is EMS?

EMS is the broad term given to system which provides medical assistance in times of emergency. This includes dispatchers, First Responders, EMTs, Paramedics, Pre-Hospital Registered Nurses (PHRN) and well as the nurses and doctors found in the Emergency Department.

Others who help in medical emergencies include police officers and firefighters.

Pennsylvania currently has the following categories of pre-hospital EMS providers:

First Responder (FR)

• Course is approximately 58 hours
• Performs general patient assessment
• Provide emergency care such as:
  • bleeding control
  • spinal immobilization
  • oxygen administration
  • the use of the automated external defibrillator (AED)
  • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation(CPR)

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

• Course is approximately 140 hours
• Performs general patient assessment
• Provide emergency care such as:
  • bleeding control
  • spinal immobilization
  • oxygen administration
  • the use of the automated external defibrillator (AED)
  • complex immobilization procedures
  • airway management
  • may assist patients in the administration of certain medications
  • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation(CPR)

Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic (EMT-P)

• Course range from 14 months to 2 years (certification program or associate degree)
• Performs the same skills as the First Responder and EMT, plus:
  • advanced patient assessment
  • airway management
  • intravenous fluid therapy
  • trauma management
  • pharmacology
  • cardiology
  • other medical skills

Pre Hospital Registered Nurses (Health Professional)

• Registered nurses who perform in a manner similar to paramedics in a pre hospital environment