Page 14 - Participant Manual

Box 1-2. The Emergency Medical Services

(EMS) System

The EMS system is a network of professionals
linked together to provide the best care for people
in all emergencies.
The system begins when someone sees an
emergency and decides to take action by calling
9-1-1 or the designated emergency number.
This action allows the EMS dispatcher to take down
information about the emergency and provide it to
the trained EMS professionals who will respond
to the scene. Many EMS dispatchers are also
trained to provide first aid and CPR instructions
over the phone to assist the lay responder until the
professional responders arrive.
EMS professionals have advanced training that allows
them to provide medical care outside of the hospital
setting. EMS professionals have different roles and
responsibilities, based on their level of training:

■ Emergency medical responders (EMRs),
such as police officers, fire fighters, ski patrol
personnel, park rangers and athletic trainers,
are trained in some of the most time-sensitive
lifesaving measures, such as using an AED
or an epinephrine auto injector. (Unlike lay
responders, EMRs have a legal duty to act in
an emergency.)

■ Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) are
qualified to provide more comprehensive basic
life support care at the scene of an emergency,
in addition to performing the duties of an EMR.
■ Advanced EMTs (AEMTs) are EMTs who have
received additional training that qualifies them
to perform certain advanced life support skills
and administer some medications at the scene
of an emergency.
■ Paramedics are trained to give the highest
level of advanced medical care at the scene of
an emergency, including the administration of
medications and advanced airway support.
Once on the scene, these professionals will take
over the care of the person, including transportation © 2011, 2016 The American National Red Cross. All rights reserved.
to a hospital or other facility for the best medical
care if needed.

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