What is the difference between Paramedic and EMT?

EMTs have a basic level of training and are focused on providing emergency medical care, including basic life support, patient assessment, and transportation to a healthcare facility. Their scope of practice is more limited compared to Paramedics.

Paramedics have a more advanced level of training, typically 1-2 years of education, and are authorized to perform a wider range of advanced life support interventions, such as endotracheal intubation, administering medications, and providing advanced cardiac care.

Paramedics are trained to assess patients more thoroughly, develop differential diagnoses, and make more complex treatment decisions in the field. They have a deeper understanding of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology.

Paramedics are often the highest level of pre-hospital emergency care providers and may work in more autonomous roles, collaborating with medical control physicians to determine the appropriate course of action.

The education and training required for Paramedics is more extensive, covering topics such as pharmacology, advanced airway management, cardiac emergencies, and trauma care in greater depth.

Paramedics are generally able to provide a higher level of care than EMTs, allowing them to better stabilize and treat patients in the field before transport to a healthcare facility.