this post was submitted on 24 Jun 2024
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In the US, at least, there are two levels of medical emergency responders. An EMT is a basic first responder, and receives 170-200 hours of training. A paramedic has more advanced training (1200-1800) and is able to perform more procedures and administer medicine. Most ambulance crews are one EMT and one paramedic.
I have an EMT license in America and am currently in medical school. EMT training is entirely centered around "stabilize the patient and get them in front of a physician". They have a limited range of capabilities, but the training they do have is focused on the things that will kill you quickly, and a brief overview of other things.
I think i know what you're trying to say but it sounds really really bad
But the "stabilize and transport asap but keep stable" is pretty much the goal for all ambulances world wide.
What I mean by that is there is a lot of training for heart attacks/cardiac arrest and significant trauma, but not a whole lot for general illnesses or more minor health problems.
Well yeah, but isn't that the ideal though? Stabilize the patient if needed, transport patient to where the doctors are who can then determine if it's something small or of they're about to die and require emergency surgery or something
That's the idea.
What I mean by that is there is a lot of training for heart attacks/cardiac arrest and significant trauma, but not a whole lot for general illnesses or more minor health problems.
A EMT is in no way qualified to handle emergencies on their own (and yes,I know their curriculum very well). And no, the majority of ambulances are not paramedic-staffed in the US - Actually only 25% of all licenced providers are Paramedics and there are large areas which have only BLS available in a reasonable timeframe. Or no EMS at all, as ambulance services are NOT an essential service in most states. (Only 11 States see it differently).
So no, not even remotely "most ambulances" are paramedic staffed. Mathematically impossible.
Besides: The shortest current timeframe in the US for paramedic training is 6 months.
That is incredibly short in international comparisons, especially when one does compare it to the skills allowed with it.
Comparison: Australia: 3 year bachelor degree to even make it on a Emergency ambulance (not counting very rural WA&NT), a master degree for the more serious skills.
Germany: 3 Year apprenticeship to be in command in the ALS ambulance, but emergency physicians are tasked to more serious cases
Switzerland: 3 year degree, emergency physicians being somewhat common, though, often additional nursing and critcare degree required for more serious cases.
Hungary: 2 Year EMT course for EMT, 4 year Bachelor for Paramedic
Poland: 3year Bachelor as minimum.
South Africa: 1year minimum for the entry, 2 year's for most jobs, 4 years for paramedic.