EMS personnel are part of a healthcare profession that has multiple layers. An emergency medical technician’s primary role is to provide patient care outside of the hospital setting. Professional behaviors required in EMS include integrity, self-motivation, empathy, appropriate appearance/personal hygiene, self confidence, good written and verbal skills, effective time management, teamwork and diplomacy, respect, patient advocacy, and careful – mindful delivery of services.
If you are interested in obtaining more information about how to become an emergency medical provider, see our education page. Classes are routinely offered at Jackson County EMS.
Apparatus Operator (AO): An apparatus operator can drive ambulances and assist EMS personnel, without providing hands on patient care. AO’s are usually volunteers. Training includes vehicle operations, CPR/AED, and scene logistics.
Emergency Medical Responder (EMR): Usually the first EMS-trained provider to arrive on scene, the EMR’s role is to stabilize the patient until more advanced EMS personnel arrive. Trained to perform a general patient assessment and to provide emergency care such as bleeding control, spinal stabilization, and CPR. They may be trained in the administration of oxygen and in the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). Once certified, the EMR is required to attend 16 hours of CE every two years. An EMR replaced the “First Responder” certification in the 2011 Kansas criteria change.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT): This EMS provider is trained to do all that a First Responder can do, plus perform complex immobilization procedures, restrain patients, and drive and staff ambulances. The EMT also may assist in the administration of certain medications and perform basic airway procedures. The class for certification lasts approximately 5 months. Classes are usually 4 hours long on two weekday evenings and requires a few Saturday’s 8-5. Once certified, the EMT is required to attend 28 hours of CE every two years. An EMT replaced the “EMT-Basic” certification in the 2011 Kansas criteria change.
Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT): The AEMT has all EMT skills and is competent in advanced airway management, intravenous fluid therapy, first-line AHA cardiac administration, other medications, and certain other advanced skills. The technician must be an EMT-B in order to take the advanced class. The class for certification lasts approximately 5 months. Classes are usually 4 hours long on two weekday evenings and requires a few Saturday’s 8-5. AEMT’s are also required to be PHTLS, EPC, and ACLS certified. Once certified, the AEMT is required to attend 44 hours of CE every two years. An AEMT replaced the “EMT-I” certification in the 2011 Kansas criteria change.
Paramedic (EMT-P): As the most advanced EMS provider, the paramedic is trained in all AEMT skills, plus advanced patient assessment, trauma management, pharmacology, cardiology, and other medical skills. They complete advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) and pediatric advanced life support (PALS) courses offered by the American Heart Association. Basic trauma life support (BTLS) or pre-hospital trauma life support (PHTLS) course completion is also common. The class for certification lasts approximately 18 months, which includes 325 hours of clinicals and 525 hours of field internship hours. Paramedic students are required to obtain prerequisites & finish with an Associate Degree in Applied Sciences. Classes are usually 4 hours long on two weekday evenings and requires a few Saturday’s 8-5. Once certified, the EMT-P is required to attend 60 hours of CE every two years. A EMT-P replaced the “MICT or Mobile Intensive Care Technician” certification in the 2011 Kansas criteria change.
Available Job Opportunities will be posted as they become available! For more information or to inquire further about an open position, contact Brent Teter here! Or to fill out an application, go to the Available Positions tab and click on the link!