The levels of emergency medical services (EMS) personnel—EMT, AEMT, and Paramedic—differ in their training, scope of practice, and responsibilities.
EMT (Emergency Medical Technician):
EMTs provide basic life support, including CPR, basic airway management, and first aid. They have around 120-150 hours of training and can administer limited medications.
AEMT (Advanced Emergency Medical Technician):
AEMTs have advanced skills beyond EMTs, such as advanced airway management, starting IVs, and administering a wider range of medications. They undergo approximately 200-300 hours of training.
Paramedic:
Paramedics offer the highest level of pre-hospital care. They can perform advanced procedures, like intubation and cardiac monitoring, and administer a broad range of medications. They complete around 1,000-1,800 hours of training.