What is the difference between Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and paramedics?
Paramedics are not a replacement for the local Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs.) EMTs provide a level of care known as basic life support. This care includes patient assessment, CPR, bandaging, splinting broken bones, administration of oxygen and defibrillation. Local rescue squads are staffed by paid and volunteer EMTs educated and certified by the New Jersey State Department of Health at the basic EMT level. EMTs are the backbone of the emergency medical system. Paramedics are trained and certified to provide care in advanced life support. The MICU paramedics join with EMTs from local squads to form a team (which also includes members of the police and fire departments) to provide the highest quality emergency care to an ill or injured patient at the scene of an emergency.
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