Difference Between Paramedic and EMT

Both paramedics, as well as EMT professionals, are trained under the Emergency Medical Services system. Though trained under the same system, their courses are separate, and so are their training and the duration of the course. Both of them provide emergency medical services and work closely and in full coordination with the emergency doctors and nurses.

Paramedic vs EMT

The main difference between Paramedic and EMT is that the level of education they receive and the scope of practice, and the level of care they can provide their patients. Paramedic is required to go through a course of approximately twelve months of about 1,200 to 1,800 hours at the max. However, EMT, or as the full form stands for Emergency Medical Technician, goes through a course of 170 hours.

The paramedics are referred to as “Next to Doctors” as they always attend to patients in the absence of the doctor and assist them during a life-threatening and critical medical situation. They even manage the team of less experienced medical staff, as well. The paramedics perform CPRs, give or prescribe IV medication, etc.

The EMTs are the medical professionals who give the basic medical care to patients and also are qualified enough to conduct the basic medical tests. They also attend the 911 medical calls. The emergency medical technicians are less experienced when compared to the paramedics. The EMTs are not required to have a medical, educational background to pursue this particular course.

Comparison Table Between Paramedic and EMT

What is Paramedic?

The word “Paramedic” can be divided into two terms, para and medic, which give meaning to the word. The first half means “next to”, and the latter one means doctor. They are capable enough to give life-saving support to a critical patient until they are taken to the doctor. The paramedic works along with the doctor in several situations.

The paramedics are required to train and learn more than that of an EMT. They are more qualified to handle a critical emergency medical situation.

When the doctors are not around, they are qualified enough to supervise the rest of the team comprising of less experienced and less qualified staff like an EMT.

They are required to take a course of a minimum of 12,000 hours. Some of the courses might even go up to 18,000 hours if required.

After the completion of the course, one is required to sit for an exam demanded by the state. One needs to take a valid certification from a government-authorized place within two years after passing the exam.

During a critical situation, a paramedic can do a few of the following things:

• CPRs
• Clear airway
• Give or prescribe IV medication
• Prescribing or giving someone a tracheotomy

What is EMT?

Emergency Medical Technicians, or as they are called EMTs, are the most common type of providers who attend EMS situations patients. They learn and are train to assist during a life-threatening situation. Many of these professionals pursue their careers further by taking an advanced course for the same. Some even train further to become a paramedic.

The course which they take on is approximately 170 hours long. In general, an EMT is not required to have a medical, educational background to pursue this particular course. But there are a few age restrictions in several states. There are a few other requirements that depend on the particular school. These requirements might differ from school to school.

The EMTs are trained and educated to analyze and detect emergencies where someone’s life is at risk. These risky situations may include serious allergies, vehicle accident victims, or even doing CPR when a patient is experiencing a cardiac arrest.

The EMTs are required to carry a medical toolbox with them when on duty. The EMTs are required to take several motor and cognitive tests to make sure they can work in high-pressure situations. Also, they are required to make on-spot, instant decisions to save someone from a life-threatening situation.

Main Differences Between Paramedic and EMT

1. The meaning of the name Paramedic means “Next to Doctor”, whereas the name EMT means Emergency Medical Technicians.
2. Hours required to become a paramedic ranges from between 12,000 hours to 18,000 hours. Whereas in the case o EMTs, they are required to go through a training course of about 170 hours.
3. The paramedics are trained to provide specialized medical attention to patients in life-threatening and extremely critical medical situations. Whereas the EMTs are trained to give basic medical care to patients and conduct basic medical tests.
4. The level of responsibilities of the paramedics is less than that of doctors but more than that of less experienced staff, as the EMTs, whereas the level of responsibilities of the EMTs is less than that of the paramedics.
5. The major responsibilities of the paramedics are as follows:
6. CPRs, clear airway, Give or prescribe IV medication, prescribing or giving someone a tracheotomy, etc. Whereas the major responsibilities of the EMTs are: Conducting basic medical tests, assisting medical emergencies via 911 calls, etc.

Conclusion

Both the paramedic and the EMT are two extremely essential professions in the medical industry. Without these two professions, it would be very difficult to manage the industry. The major differences between these two professions are the level of responsibilities and the hour of training they are required to take. To become a paramedic, one is required to take a training course of about 12,000 hours to 18,000 hours, whereas to become an EMT, one is required to take a course of about 170 hours.

The EMTs are less experienced than the paramedics, and most of them train further to either become an advanced EMT or a paramedic.

References

1. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1197/j.aem.2005.02.013
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0092867416307966