EMT Chapter 1 Vocabulary
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system
a highly specialized chain of resources designed to minimize the impact of sudden injury and illness on our society
Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)
a level of EMS training designed for the person who often is first at the scene of an emergency. The emphasis is on activating the EMS system and providing immediate care for life-threatening injuries or illnesses, controlling the scene, and preparing for the arrival of the ambulance.
Advanced EMT
a level of EMS training that is the same as the EMT with additional training in order to provide a minimum level of advanced life support (ALS), such as the initiation of intravenous (IV) lines, advanced airway techniques, and administration of some medications beyond those the EMT is permitted to administer.
Paramedic
a level of EMS training that requires significantly more training than an EMT, specifically in advanced life support procedures including invasive procedures such as the insertion of endotracheal tubes, initiation of IV lines, administration of a variety of medications, interpretation of electrocardiograms, and cardiac defibrillation
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
a level of EMS training with emphasis on assessment and care of the ill or injured patient and in most areas is considered the minimum level of certification for ambulance personnel
Medical director
a physician who assumes ultimate responsibility for the patient care aspects of an EMS system
Quality Improvement (QI)
a process of continuous self-review with the purpose of identifying and correcting aspects of the system that require improvement
Standing orders
a type of protocol that allows the EMT to provide specific types of treatment or medications for specific patients
On-line medical direction
instructions consisting of orders from the on-duty physician or designee given directly to an EMT in the field by radio or telephone
Off-line medical direction
instructions consisting of the medical director's standing orders, which allow EMTs to give certain medications or perform certain procedures without speaking directly to the medical director or another physician
Medical direction
oversight of the patient-care aspects of an EMS system by a licensed physician referred to as the medical director
Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD)
specially trained dispatchers who not only obtain the appropriate information from callers but also provide medical instructions for emergency care, including instructions for CPR, artificial ventilation, and bleeding control
Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP)
the agency responsible for answering 911 calls
Protocols
written guidelines for patient care approved by the medical director of an EMS system
