When people are in frantic need of critical care, it is vital for the first responders to ascertain the victims receive prompt and the best possible medical care services. According to John Rose Oak Bluff, the objective of emergency medical services (EMS) is to provide specialized professionals who have experience working amidst crises like fire, and natural disasters to respond and render their dedicated services to save people and properties.
With the rising number of emergency incidents and a deficient number of workers available to play such crucial roles, teams should have easy access to the needed resources without which the ultimate goal or response will get derailed. Rose says having an insight into the framework of EMS systems and the role of EMTs (emergency medical technicians) within the system is important to recognize their contributions to society.
EMS Systems – Organization
EMS systems involve a thoughtfully designed network to render prompt medical intervention beyond traditional healthcare systems. At its core, it is equipped with an emergency control center with an emergency call number ‘911’ accessible 24×7 to attend emergency calls from different corners. On receipt of the call, the skilled dispatchers, evaluate the situation and arrange for sending out the needed support team and resources to the site. Being the initial contact point, dispatchers remain responsible for collecting complete and all vital information for effective responses.
Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs): Aka first responders. EMRs are mostly found as the first personnel on the crisis site. Backed by detailed training, EMRs are specialized to provide basic life support (BLS) management such as CPR, and hemorrhage control, and stabilize patients before the arrival of the advanced medical care team.
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs): Acknowledged as the backbone of emergency medical services, EMTs remain responsible for providing intermediate-level care service while the patients are being carried to medical institutions. In addition, during their training, EMTs are made skilled in areas including medicine administration, trauma management apart from airway management, and making sure that patients receive the highest level of medical attention and care, says John Rose Oak Bluff.
Paramedics: As pre-hospital care providers, Paramedics occupy the highest level and are well-trained to provide advanced life support (ALS) interventions. Training also makes these professionals specialized to expertly deal with complex medical situations and administer medication, monitor the cardiac status of patients, and other services.
To safely carry the patient to healthcare settings, EMS is equipped with a range of transportation options, including ambulances, specialized vehicles as well as helicopters.
Roles of EMTs in EMS Systems:
The multiple roles EMTs play in EMS systems include
Evaluation of Patient: The foremost job of EMTs is to assess the problems, injuries, and condition of the patients, check vital signs, assess ailments or injuries, and set the order of medical intervention based on the patient’s condition. Effective assessment in this stage is vital in formulating suitable medical procedures essential for optimal results.
Administer Medical procedures: Stabilizing the patient’s condition is vital prior to hospitalization. For this, EMTs perform a range of medical procedures from providing oxygen to checking cardiac problems and administering medication to controlling bleeding, etc.
Medical Advocacy: They also listen to the patients carefully, soothing them and providing reassurance to their worried family members. As a part of their professional, EMTs, need to undergo continuous Education to stay updated with the advancements in prehospital care, and boost their know-how level for meeting the needs of communities.
In conclusion, EMS systems are complex and multifaceted networks of a range of professionals that aim to deliver prompt and emergency care to those who are in crisis. EMTs hold the top levels embody their committed services of ems and save the community in collaboration.