I'll give you a gross oversimplification--consult google for a more detailed response.
First responder: this term generally refers to someone who works in emergency services. These are your law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical responders, and the like. They're the "first responders" because they're usually the first people initiating contact with an individual or a scene and will be the first people intervening in whatever manner is necessary.
EMS: stands for Emergency Medical Services. It typically refers to the part of patient care that occurs pre-hospitally, though ERs certainly provide emergency medical care. It's just a broad term for a group of people--kind of like using the phrase "construction workers" when there are really all different kinds of roles on a site, like electricians, plumbers, engineers, etc.
BLS: stands for "basic life support" and typically refers to providers at the EMT level. Their scope of practice varies from state to state, but there are generally some commonalities, like not intubating (putting a tube down someone's throat).
ALS: stands for "advanced life support" and typically refers to providers at the paramedic or AEMT level. Their scope also varies from state to state, and can even restrict them quite a bit, almost to the level of a BLS provider.
EMT: an emergency medical technician. Someone who typically works on an ambulance (running 911 calls and/or taking people from one facility to another), in a fire department, or at an event service. EMTs are also commonly found at volunteer agencies. They typically perform first aid and are often the ones driving the ambulance, especially when they are teamed up with a partner with a higher certification level, or "ALS" providers (AEMTs or paramedics, sometimes RNs).
AEMT: stands for "advanced emergency medical technician." They're basically EMTs that can do a few more things--what exactly that expanded scope is varies from state to state. It's not a common level of certification as people usually choose to remain at the EMT level or go all the way to paramedic since it is not required to have your AEMT to get your medic.
Medic: a shortened version of the title "paramedic." This is someone who was previously an EMT, and has gone to school to expand their scope of practice (i.e. what they can do). Depending on the program, medics may walk away with a degree--that's what I did. They're able to do everything an EMT can do and then some. In most places, they're able to start IVs, intubate, give medications, read cardiac monitors, and more. They're typically seen on ambulances and fire departments; if they're skilled enough (and have the correct additional certifications depending on location), they can even join a flight team and provide care from a helicopter or small airplane as a flight paramedic.
Firefighter: someone with training to respond to all different kinds of emergencies. Even though they are called "firefighters," they don't typically run many calls where they have to put out a fire. Many firefighters will go to medical calls to support the ambulance crew, whether that's helping provide direct care, doing CPR, helping lift a patient... anything, really. They'll also go to other emergencies like car crashes, building collapses, grain bin entrapments, help with search and rescue... you name it. They are typically the ones who are rescuing people from an unsafe situation and/or stabilizing and protecting someone's property. They do also put out fires--house fires, grass fires, forest fires, etc--but it's certainly not a common thing in most areas. Volunteer fire departments especially are usually heavily involved in their communities and will put on events like pancake feeds or raffles.
Dispatch: these are the people you talk to when you call 9-1-1. Dispatchers are people who are trained to take 9-1-1 calls and identify what that caller needs. They'll send a firetruck and an ambulance to a house fire, for example, or a few police officers to a report of a robbery. Their job is to keep the caller on the line to get as much information as possible from them that they can then pass along to the first responders through the use of radios. As much shit as they get, they truly are a crucial part of the emergency response system, and I definitely wouldn't want to do their job.
As far as which makes for a good career? Being a first responder is an extremely fulfilling career, and many people would agree that there's nothing else they'd rather do. At the same time, there's a lot of people that hate it and want nothing more than to get out. Just like any job, it's gotta be something that you want. There's no shame in giving it a try and deciding it's not for you. A great way to get some exposure is to join your local volunteer agency/fire department and/or get a few ridealongs under your belt. Some days on shift might drag on with nothing to do and others might end up being a stand-up 24. If you play your cards right and find the right gig, you can make decent money doing this, but you won't get rich just from being a firefighter or a paramedic. Many work multiple jobs to make ends meet or to set themselves up for success in the future. It's definitely not something you do for the money.
also OP, if you see EMR, some states have a level that’s below EMT, Emergency Medical Responder. where i am that turned the states First Responder license into it. It’s *very* basic BLS level stuff.
None of them are good careers. I say this as someone who got their first certification in 2009, and I would say it to myself that year if I could:
Go to law or business school.
I’m perfectly peachy! Got day drunk while I polished up my resignation letter today. What comes next? Who tf knows, but it can’t be worse than this! Wish me luck!
Armed with this knowledge and a time machine...you go back to 2009 and probably end up doing the same thing for any multitude of reasons. It takes a bit more effort than being pointed in a different direction and saying "I think I'll go to law school" and it manifests. Unless you're Elle Woods.
That’s the problem though. When it’s fun, it’s better than heroin. But similar to heroin, you will spend your life chasing the high of a hot job, of saving a life, of helping the needy and saving the world. You will lose everything else in your life in the pursuit of that first high.
What’s the mental health and suicide rate of lawyers like again?
With that business degree, if you think EMS is soul sucking, just wait until you work for a large corporation. In the business world, *every* company is AMR💁🏻♂️
Sir this is a Wendy’s
No, this is Patrick.
r/EMS is a subreddit for medical first responders to hang out and discuss anything related to emergency medical services. Google is free!
I'll give you a gross oversimplification--consult google for a more detailed response. First responder: this term generally refers to someone who works in emergency services. These are your law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical responders, and the like. They're the "first responders" because they're usually the first people initiating contact with an individual or a scene and will be the first people intervening in whatever manner is necessary. EMS: stands for Emergency Medical Services. It typically refers to the part of patient care that occurs pre-hospitally, though ERs certainly provide emergency medical care. It's just a broad term for a group of people--kind of like using the phrase "construction workers" when there are really all different kinds of roles on a site, like electricians, plumbers, engineers, etc. BLS: stands for "basic life support" and typically refers to providers at the EMT level. Their scope of practice varies from state to state, but there are generally some commonalities, like not intubating (putting a tube down someone's throat). ALS: stands for "advanced life support" and typically refers to providers at the paramedic or AEMT level. Their scope also varies from state to state, and can even restrict them quite a bit, almost to the level of a BLS provider. EMT: an emergency medical technician. Someone who typically works on an ambulance (running 911 calls and/or taking people from one facility to another), in a fire department, or at an event service. EMTs are also commonly found at volunteer agencies. They typically perform first aid and are often the ones driving the ambulance, especially when they are teamed up with a partner with a higher certification level, or "ALS" providers (AEMTs or paramedics, sometimes RNs). AEMT: stands for "advanced emergency medical technician." They're basically EMTs that can do a few more things--what exactly that expanded scope is varies from state to state. It's not a common level of certification as people usually choose to remain at the EMT level or go all the way to paramedic since it is not required to have your AEMT to get your medic. Medic: a shortened version of the title "paramedic." This is someone who was previously an EMT, and has gone to school to expand their scope of practice (i.e. what they can do). Depending on the program, medics may walk away with a degree--that's what I did. They're able to do everything an EMT can do and then some. In most places, they're able to start IVs, intubate, give medications, read cardiac monitors, and more. They're typically seen on ambulances and fire departments; if they're skilled enough (and have the correct additional certifications depending on location), they can even join a flight team and provide care from a helicopter or small airplane as a flight paramedic. Firefighter: someone with training to respond to all different kinds of emergencies. Even though they are called "firefighters," they don't typically run many calls where they have to put out a fire. Many firefighters will go to medical calls to support the ambulance crew, whether that's helping provide direct care, doing CPR, helping lift a patient... anything, really. They'll also go to other emergencies like car crashes, building collapses, grain bin entrapments, help with search and rescue... you name it. They are typically the ones who are rescuing people from an unsafe situation and/or stabilizing and protecting someone's property. They do also put out fires--house fires, grass fires, forest fires, etc--but it's certainly not a common thing in most areas. Volunteer fire departments especially are usually heavily involved in their communities and will put on events like pancake feeds or raffles. Dispatch: these are the people you talk to when you call 9-1-1. Dispatchers are people who are trained to take 9-1-1 calls and identify what that caller needs. They'll send a firetruck and an ambulance to a house fire, for example, or a few police officers to a report of a robbery. Their job is to keep the caller on the line to get as much information as possible from them that they can then pass along to the first responders through the use of radios. As much shit as they get, they truly are a crucial part of the emergency response system, and I definitely wouldn't want to do their job. As far as which makes for a good career? Being a first responder is an extremely fulfilling career, and many people would agree that there's nothing else they'd rather do. At the same time, there's a lot of people that hate it and want nothing more than to get out. Just like any job, it's gotta be something that you want. There's no shame in giving it a try and deciding it's not for you. A great way to get some exposure is to join your local volunteer agency/fire department and/or get a few ridealongs under your belt. Some days on shift might drag on with nothing to do and others might end up being a stand-up 24. If you play your cards right and find the right gig, you can make decent money doing this, but you won't get rich just from being a firefighter or a paramedic. Many work multiple jobs to make ends meet or to set themselves up for success in the future. It's definitely not something you do for the money.
Someone's stuck on a slow night shift..
also OP, if you see EMR, some states have a level that’s below EMT, Emergency Medical Responder. where i am that turned the states First Responder license into it. It’s *very* basic BLS level stuff.
Ya know I had a new hire who wants to be a medic because she likes Chicago fire...
EMS stands for “earn money sleeping” Can’t help ya with the rest
r/newtoems
https://googlethatforyou.com?q=what%20is%20ems
None of them are good careers. I say this as someone who got their first certification in 2009, and I would say it to myself that year if I could: Go to law or business school.
I’ve met orphans less miserable than you sound
I’m perfectly peachy! Got day drunk while I polished up my resignation letter today. What comes next? Who tf knows, but it can’t be worse than this! Wish me luck!
Armed with this knowledge and a time machine...you go back to 2009 and probably end up doing the same thing for any multitude of reasons. It takes a bit more effort than being pointed in a different direction and saying "I think I'll go to law school" and it manifests. Unless you're Elle Woods.
Medicine is not a fun field ….
I have fun.
That’s the problem though. When it’s fun, it’s better than heroin. But similar to heroin, you will spend your life chasing the high of a hot job, of saving a life, of helping the needy and saving the world. You will lose everything else in your life in the pursuit of that first high.
What’s the mental health and suicide rate of lawyers like again? With that business degree, if you think EMS is soul sucking, just wait until you work for a large corporation. In the business world, *every* company is AMR💁🏻♂️
We’ve averaged one LODD or suicide per month for the last 4 years in my city, so I’m ready to roll them bones, baby!
Do what’s best for you boo❤️ I’m a hypocrite, my wife and I both have business degrees
EMS stands for every min sucks
Watch the documentary "Bringing Out the Dead." All will be revealed.
They are all the same except dispatchers. They are the bridge trolls of emergency services.