What do “EMT” and “EMS” stand for?
An “EMT” is an Emergency Medical Technician. This individual is certified by the State of Texas to perform certain out-of-hospital interventions such as bandaging and splinting, spinal immobilization, oxygen administration, and automated external defibrillation. There are also two higher levels of EMT. An EMT-Intermediate can perform intravenous fluid therapy, administer certain medications intravenously, and perform advanced airway procedures. A certified or licensed Paramedic, the highest level of EMT, can additionally administer a multitude of medications, perform manual defibrillation, and may perform other invasive procedures, as permitted by the agency’s medical director. “EMS” stands for emergency medical services.
