EMT Tasks
The EMT may function alone or as a member of a multi-member team.
Tasks which the EMT may perform include the following:
Tasks which the EMT may perform include the following:
- Receive calls from a dispatcher, verbally acknowledge the call, read road maps, assist in the identification of the most expeditious route to the scene, and observe traffic ordinances and regulations in route to and from the emergency scene.
- Upon arrival at the emergency scene, insure the vehicle is parked in a safe location; perform a size-up to determine the scene’s safety, what caused the injury or illness, determine the total number of patients, and request additional help if necessary.
- In the absence of law enforcement, the crew is responsible for creating a safe environment for the protection of the injured and those assisting in the care of patient(s).
- Determine the nature and extent of illness, take vitals such as pulse, blood pressure, respirations, determine O2 levels, visually observe changes in the patient’s condition, and establish a priority for emergency care. Based on assessment findings, render emergency care to adults, infants, and children.
- Establish and maintain an airway, and if necessary, ventilate patients, perform cardiac resuscitation, use automated external defibrillators, provide prehospital emergency care of single and multiple system trauma such as controlling hemorrhage, treatment of shock, bandaging wounds, and immobilization of painful swollen and deformed extremities.
- Manage medical patients to include assisting in childbirth, management of respiratory, cardiac, diabetic, allergic, behavioral and environmental emergencies, and suspected poisonings.
- Search for medical identification emblems, bracelets, or cards that provide emergency care information. Additional care is provided based on assessment of the patient and obtaining past medical information.
- Assist patients with prescribed medications including sublingual nitroglycerine, patches, epinephrine auto injectors, and hand held aerosol inhalers.
- Administer oxygen, Narcan, epi-pen, or oral glucose when needed
- Reassure patients and bystanders by working in a confident, efficient manner and avoid mishandling patients and undue haste while working expeditiously.
- Where extrication is required, assess the extent of injury and give all possible emergency care and protection to the patient. Use recognized techniques and equipment to remove patients safely.
- Radio dispatchers for additional help as necessary. Following extrication, provide additional medical care and triage injured victims in accordance with standard emergency procedures.
- Comply with regulations on the handling of crime scenes and pre-hospital death by notifying appropriate authorities and arrange for protection of property and evidence.
- Carry and lift the stretcher, placing it in the ambulance and see that the patient and stretcher are secured. Continue care enroute to the appropriate facility.
- Determine the most appropriate facility for patient transport unless otherwise directed by medical control. Report the nature and extent of injuries, the number of patients being transported, and the destination of patients to ensure prompt medical care in accordance with protocols.
- Observe and reassess the patient enroute, and administer care as directed by medical control.
- Assist with lifting and moving the patient and appropriate equipment from the ambulance into the emergency facility.
- Report verbally and in writing, observations and emergency treatment given to the patient, at the scene and in transit, to the receiving staff for record keeping and diagnostic purposes.
- Upon request, provide assistance to the receiving facility staff.
- After completion of the call, restock and replace patient care supplies; clean all equipment following appropriate decontamination and cleaning procedures; make careful examination of all equipment to ensure availability of the ambulance for the next call; refuel the ambulance if necessary; maintain the ambulance in an efficient operating condition.
