Around 80% of all firefighter related calls are concerning a medical emergency rather than a fire related one. This means that it becomes important that a firefighter receives adequate training in administering first response medical aid in any given situation. Today most fire departments expect all firefighter to have received a basic EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) level training, and most fire academies now include mandatory training in EMT services, although most new recruits may have already taken the time to get certified as EMTs or even as Paramedics.

One of the most common misconceptions as related to firefighting medical services is that an EMT and a Paramedic are in fact the same position under different names, and indeed in most cases the two terms are used in lieu of each other. However, this statement is entirely inaccurate!

An EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) is an individual, in this case a firefighter who has received a basic level training in administering medical aid in an emergency situation; the services performed by an EMT is primarily restricted to performing resuscitation such as   administering CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and using aided breathing mechanisms such as inhalers, oxygen masks etc to sustain the life of the victim.

However, they are not authorized to perform any higher level medical function such as administering drugs or injections, the only possible exception to this rule being an EMT allowed to administer “Epinephrine” otherwise known as an “Adrenaline Shot”, if required.

A paramedic on the other hand is a certified medical expert on scene and therefore is authorized in performing advanced medical services in addition to the services that an EMT can perform. These include;

a. Performing Artificial Breathing Measures such as intubation in case of a blocked or collapsed airway.

b. Administering any injections/fluids that will aid in prolonging the life of the victim, or in alleviating or otherwise lessening the symptoms of a suffering victim.

c. Using a Defibrillator, in case of cardiac arrest.

d. Aiding in the transport and treatment of patients with broken bones or fractures, especially relating to spinal or neck injury.

e. Aiding in stabilizing and transporting a patient suffering from more serious injuries and performing medical services on the way to the hospital.

In addition to these, there are many other functions that a paramedic is capable of performing, that would be impossible to list as most functions relate to a specific situation. It is also worthwhile to note that most EMTs do make the transition from EMT to EMT Paramedic at some point in their careers by going back to the academy or to a college offering courses on the same. This is done to improve one’s knowledge overall as well as provide a higher quality of medical service in any given emergency situation. It also comes with the added benefit that, a firefighter Paramedic is eligible for the highest pay grade in relation to any other firefighter rank of the same qualification and level.