Paramedic Courses

EMTs and Paramedics are representative of a more elite part of emergency response teams. Because of this, there are much fewer practicing EMTs and paramedics then the more basic or intermediate EMTs. Actually statistics show that about 90% of ambulances are staffed by basic and intermediate-level EMTs. This 90% consists of what would be referred to as a Basic Life Support ambulance (or also known as BLS). Only a mere 10% make up ALS ambulances. ALS or also known as Advanced Life Support specialist ambulances are equipped and staffed by advanced paramedics with higher certifications. Different levels of teams and ambulances are dispatched depending on the severity of the case which an ambulance may be responding to. In the most extreme medical emergencies a Medevac and a hospital owned and operated helicopter is dispatched to help injured victims. In this case, an EMT with paramedic-level training is required to be on board to administer any pre-hospital care which may need to be administered while in the air. Though paramedics are not MDs, their dynamic role in saving and carrying out emergency medical care involves quick assessment and insightful pre-hospital care under prescribed physician protocols. Paramedic courses are easy to take on-line if you are interested in this career path.