Q: Are ambulance drivers doctors?

Answer:

No, ambulance drivers are not doctors. But, when they take care of the sick and injured outside the hospital, they function as the eyes, ears and hands of the doctor. They communicate with a doctor at the hospital, relaying vital information about the patient they are transporting to the hospital, which will also help emergency personnel to prepare for the arrival of the patient. In return, the doctor will provide them with life-saving information to help care for the patient until he or she arrives at the hospital.

Ambulance drivers are correctly known as EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians). They are a very vital part of the healthcare team. There are three recognized levels of EMTs. The EMT-Basic attends school for approximately 150 hours and can provide general care like controlling bleeding, providing CPR and oxygen, and caring for broken bones. The EMT-Intermediate attends school for an additional 75 hours and can provide basic and advanced care, as well as giving IV fluids. The EMT-Paramedic (top level) attends school for more than 500 hours and can give life saving medications, care for a cardiac arrest victim, insert a breathing tube and provide much of the same care in the back of an ambulance that the patient would receive in the hospital Emergency Department. Some Paramedics also work on medical transport helicopters. All levels of EMTs have to pass a state administered certification test and have education updates every year.

As you can see, EMTs and Paramedics are a lot more than just “ambulance drivers.” Remember to be safe, and always dial 911 in an emergency.

Tracy Stell, RN, BSN, EMT

Find It!

Look in today’s Healthy Living Section of The Herald-Sun. Find an article about physical fitness. Study the article and discuss with your classmates which physical activities would be beneficial for an EMT.