MMiz

I work as an EMT, and of all the hospitals I've visited, almost always registration puts it on the patient.

As an EMT I did my clinical rotation, and often transfer patients to one of the top 10 largest hospitals in the country. In that hospital, like in many others, ER Techs have varying levels of training. In this hospital, all ER Techs were EMT-Basics, or EMT-Paramedics. All could start and maintain IVs per additional inservice training if needed. Triaging was handled by two ER Techs. You must remember that EMTs are the masters of triage. My ability to diagnose illnesses is limited, but with great confidence I can label that patient a priority. In general, ER Techs work alongside and with RNs, but by no means have the same responsibilities. ER Techs start IVs, take vitals, get basic patient information, move patients around the ER and hospital, and help work full traumas. The RNs do most of the drug, consulting, and discharge work. While many ER Techs have ACLS certification, all nurses in the ED do. During a code, the ER Tech will usually do compressions or bag, attach electrodes, and start IVs. The nurses will intubate, push drugs, and carry out the more difficult treatments. The doctors will facilitate and monitor the whole process, stepping in where assistance is needed. The ER Techs are part of a team, and depending on your illness, they may be in charge of more or less of your treatment. I hope that helps!

As an EMT, I can't tell you how much I truly appreciate when I get a "cover sheet" and extensive medical background. There is no better feeling than transporting a patient and knowing the details. There is also no better feeling than being able to take off 30 - 60 minutes of paperwork. Thank you to all those nurses who take a minute or two and give us history and maybe even copies of a chart. :)

Hello, I know I'm new to the forum, and I'm digging up an older post, but I really felt as if I had to comment on this one. I currently work as an EMT for a private ambulance company. We do BLS, ALS, Critical Care Unit work, along with having quite a few other services. It's an honor to work in a field with you professionals, and I hope that you value us as much as we value you. I think its critical to understand that EMS professionals have their place in Emergency Medicine, just like you do. Sure I only took a shorter class, but what I learned was very focused. It's not our job to diagnose complex illnesses, we're there to provide pre-hospital emergency care to those who need our assistance. Just like my knowledge of physiology is limited, I'd like to place you at an accident scene and see what you do. I have very specific treatments that will be given for specific problems, and sometimes I'll even think outside the box. I can't tell you how much as an EMT we rely on qualified nurses and doctors, but sometimes our treatments will differ. To the person why said not to give a COPD patient in respiratory distress oxygen, I'll like to see that get by my Quality Improvement (QI) board. In EMS I'd apply high-flow oxygen via non-rebreather. Unless our transport is a couple of hours, it is protocol, and part of the National Registry of EMTs standards. But there are a million of these situations. Working in the pre-hospital setting, we only get to see patients for a very short period, and our goal is to stabilize and treat serious life-threatening wounds. Lastly, I know my colleagues and I see nurses as part of a larger medical team. My partners and I have always treated you with respect, knowing that your day most likely has been as hectic as ours. Understand that the thrill of the lights and sirens is not why we do this job. It doesn't rationalize the low pay and long hours. We do this because we truly care, and hope that our treatment, whether it be complex, or a simple reassuring smile, is able to comfort and help the person. When it comes down it it, we're here for many of the same reasons you are :)