A Closer Look at Emergency Medical Services
Emergency medical services are a critical part of the health industry. When someone is in an accident, or suffers the sudden onset of illness, or even injures himself or herself falling, it is critical that they be treated quickly to avoid long-term health problems. Providers of Emergency Medical Services are usually available 24 hours a day to ensure these sorts of health problems are addressed as quickly as possible, often saving lives in the process.
The History of Emergency Medical Services
The study and practice of Emergency Medical Services is literally ancient. While EMS is also called several other things (the emergency squad, first aid, rescue squad, etc.), the goal is simple; to provide urgent care to those whom without it may perish before having access to more intensive medical services. The New Testament contains a parable describing a man providing on the scene assistance and then using a donkey as a make shift ambulance to take him elsewhere to be cared for. Under Napoléon special vehicles were uses to remove wounded soldiers from battle to safe places they could be treated. Still it was not until the mid-1800s that vehicles carrying first responders, and emergency medical technology were used by hospitals.
The Purpose of Emergency Medical Services
Emergency Medical Services primary consideration is to stabilize patients, so they can be brought to a safe place where more intensive care can be provided. This includes things like stopping blood loss, stabilizing heart rate, and blood pressure. Other Emergency Medical Services include restoring a heartbeat in patients whose heart has stopped beating. Typically transporting patients to a hospital is a common responsibility of EMS professionals. In some areas EMS professionals aid in removing patients from vehicles and buildings, or aid in transporting patients between hospitals.
The Stages of Pre-Hospital Care
During the first moments of pre-hospital care there are six different stages.
- Stage 1: Early Detection - Survey, and approach the scene. Access the number of injured, and observe what could be a danger to yourself when treating the injured. Prioritize who needs treatment.
- Stage 2: Early Reporting - Rapidly access patients and treat those with an immediate threat to life. Ensure the patient is breathing and has an open airway. Check circulation, and perform CPR if necessary.
- Stage 3: Secondary Survey - Take a closer look at the scene, and gather a more detailed history of the situation, and patients. Closely monitor and record vital signs.
- Stage – 4: Patient Management and Transport - Manage serious wounds and fractures. Consider if transporting patients is necessary, and if so prepare patients to be transported.
- Stage 5 – Reevaluation - Examine whether treatment has been responded to successfully. Consider whether there is more that can be done or needs to be done.
- Stage 6 – Pre-Alert - Inform the destination treatment facility about the incoming patient. Convey the situation, and the information about patients as well as the current vital signs of patients.
Emergency Medical Service Personnel
There are many types of EMS professionals, and depending on the task involved there are different education requirements, or certifications a professional must have. Some volunteers have only very basic training, and largely aid EMS personnel who possess more education. Emergency medical services often employ the use of complex equipment that requires education to operate, and EMS drivers have to be educated in how to drive in emergency situations. There are also types of EMS personnel for different situations like water or air rescue.
Ambulance Care Assistant (ACA)
ACAs transport non-emergency patients between hospitals, or other health care facilities. Sometimes they are also called Patient Transport Services. Despite the name, depending on the patient, they may not require an ambulance, instead working in a car, or other vehicle, with a limited amount of specialized equipment.
Ambulance Driver
Ambulance drivers, obviously, drive ambulances. Ambulance drivers require a lot of specialized training given their job responsibilities. On one hand patients often need to come to a hospital very quickly, but also a patient’s condition may require extensive treatment during transit, and so Ambulance drivers must ensure that driving is not erratic or disruptive of care.
Critical Care Paramedic
Critical care paramedics are specialized paramedics who deal specifically with the care of patients in critical condition, or those in immediate need of intensive care. They are trained with how to transport patients who are in critical condition, and keeping them stable as they are transported to hospitals or other critical care facilities.
Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD)
Emergency medical dispatchers communicate with ambulances and hospitals. They play a role in ensuring patients are directed to hospitals, and case centers which can accommodate their needs. They also help Ambulance personnel to get to these facilities quickly.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
EMTs work primarily in an ambulance, working to ensure patients are stable. In certain places they are called primary care paramedics. Most EMTs require specialized training, although even after this training they may work only on a voluntary basis.
First Responders
First responders are the first people on the scene. Often they are engaged far more in evaluating the situation, and determining what care needs to be provided rather than providing care. Thy also play a critical role in making sure the right personnel and transport are requested.
Paramedic
Paramedics are a specific type of emergency care provider. Most Paramedics work in ambulances, or other medical transport vehicles, and are trained in providing emergency care for those who need to be transported to a hospital. Some work in hospitals, and are involved in admitting patients who have arrived from medical transport services.
Paramedic Practitioner / Emergency Care Practitioner
Most emergency care practitioners come from a paramedic background. Usually ECPs have a university degree, as well as other specialized emergency care training. ECPs may work at hospitals, Emergency Care Centers, prisons or other medical service facilities.
Becoming an EMT
An Emergency Medical Technician is a type of EMS professional who works in an ambulance. They are specially educated in transporting persons who are in a situation calling for emergency care. Keeping patients stable in emergency situations itself is a difficult challenge. Doing so while also trying to keep pace inside a fast moving ambulance, helicopter, or boat can be far more challenging. Because of this EMTs require highly specific EMS training.
Emergency Medical Services for Kids
Most children know what an ambulance is and, thanks in large part to early education, generally understand they should trust doctors. That said, in an emergency situation fast moving EMS professionals, and bright lights can be overwhelming for anyone, especially children. It is important to plan ahead and educate children what to do in the event of an emergency so they do not interfere with the job of professionals, or otherwise get in the way of their own well-being.
Other Resources Related to Emergency Medical Services
EMS is a difficult, but critical profession that is critical to saving lives 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Though the above explains the fundamentals, and history of EMS it is only an overview of all the multifaceted tasks involved in Emergency Medical Services. The following are other important EMS resources.