Are Emory EMS medics actually first responders?
No. Emory EMS is staffed by providers at the level of EMT-Intermediate or above, meaning that each medic completed a course involving 200 or more classroom hours and 24 hours of hands-on clinical experience. These medics are experienced in patient assessment, stabilizing a wide array of injuries that are encountered in the field, and are competent in the use of some medications. However, a “certified first responder” only takes a 40 hour course in the absolute basics of stabilizing a patient involved in a limited number of medical and trauma-related emergencies.
