Differences between EMT and Paramedic
EMT vs. Paramedic[edit]
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and Paramedics are both essential providers in emergency medical services (EMS), but they differ significantly in their level of training and the scope of medical care they are authorized to provide.[1][2] Paramedics undergo far more extensive education, which allows them to perform advanced life support (ALS) procedures, whereas EMTs are certified to provide basic life support (BLS).[3][4]
The primary distinction lies in the complexity of medical interventions each role can perform. EMTs focus on stabilizing patients and providing immediate, non-invasive care.[1] This includes assessing patients, performing CPR, administering oxygen, controlling bleeding, and splinting fractures.[3][5] Paramedics can perform all the functions of an EMT, but also have a much broader scope of practice that includes invasive procedures. They are trained to administer a wide range of medications, establish intravenous (IV) lines, perform advanced airway management like intubation, and interpret electrocardiograms (EKGs).[3]
To become a paramedic, an individual must typically first be certified as an EMT and often gain experience in the field. The training for an EMT generally involves 120 to 170 hours of coursework. In contrast, paramedic programs are significantly longer, requiring between 1,200 and 1,800 hours of instruction, and can take one to two years to complete.[5] This advanced training covers subjects such as pharmacology, cardiology, and advanced patient assessment in greater depth.
Comparison Table[edit]
[3][1]| Medication Administration || Limited to assisting with prescribed medications (e.g., epinephrine auto-injectors) and administering a few basic medications like oxygen and glucose || Can[5] administer a wide range of medications intravenously, intramuscularly, or orally [4]| Intravenous (IV) Access || Cannot start IV lines || Can establish intravenous and intraosseous (IO) access| Category | EMT | Paramedic |
|---|---|---|
| Level of Care | Basic Life Support (BLS)[3] | Advanced Life Support (ALS) |
| Training Hours | Approximately 120–170 hours | Approximately 1,200–1,800 hours |
| Airway Management | Basic procedures such as oxygen administration | Advanced[1] procedures including intubation |
| Cardiac Care | Can perform CPR and use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) | Can[1] interpret EKGs, perform manual defibrillation, and administer cardiac medications |
| Scope of Practice | Non-invasive procedures focused on patient stabilization and transport | Includes[4] invasive procedures and advanced medical decision-making |
