When You Call 911

Emergency Medical Technicians - Paramedics

Emergencies

• Accidents• Allergic reactions• Bleeding,

uncontrolled • Breathing difficulty• Broken bones

• Burns• Heart attack• Overdose• Stroke• Unconsciousness

Almost everyone finds themselves in need of emergency services sometime in their life.

Emergency Medical Service Providers

• City or county government • Fire department• Hospital• Private ambulance service• Or a combination of the above

EMS care may be provided by a:

Emergency Medical Service Responders

• Paramedics• EMT-I - Emergency Medical Technicians -

Intermediate• EMT - Emergency Medical Technicians - Basic• ECA - Emergency Care Attendants

EMS responders are generally categorized as:

Emergency Medical Service Dispatchers

When you call 911, an Emergency Medical Services Dispatcher will answer.

Emergency Medical Service Dispatchers

• Calm the caller• Get needed information about the emergency• Send the Emergency Medical crew to the scene of

the emergency• May give the caller instructions to help stabilize

the patient until help arrives

The dispatcher will:

EMS providers respond to emergency scenes in several ways:

• First Responders – generally smaller, quick vehicles that can easily negotiate traffic. – Equipped with basic first aid tools.

• Ambulances – Mobile ICUs. Equipped with advanced life saving supplies and equipment. – Transports patient.

• Aircraft – Includes fixed-wing or helicopters. – For quick and/or long distance transportation.

• Fire Engines – Carry equipment for heavy rescue and extrication. – For example: Jaws of Life®

Emergency Departments

Medical care continues when the patient arrives at the Emergency Department.

Features of Emergency Departments

• Physicians trained in Emergency Medicine• Nurses trained for trauma care • Support Staff • Emergency Medical Technicians• X-ray Technicians• Respiratory Technicians• Specialized trauma equipment