EMT Responsibilities: A Comprehensive Guide to Patient Care & Transport

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) provide pre‑hospital care and transport. Core competencies:

1. Patient assessment: Primary survey (ABCs), vital signs, SAMPLE history, focused exam.
2. Life‑saving interventions: CPR, AED, hemorrhage control (tourniquet, packing), airway adjuncts (OPA/NPA), oxygen, assisted ventilations (BVM).
3. Medical/trauma management: Splinting, spinal motion restriction, glucose administration, nitroglycerin/aspirin/epinephrine per protocol.
4. IV access (EMT‑Advanced/Paramedic): Fluid resuscitation, medication administration.
5. Transport: Safe ambulance operation, continuous monitoring, hospital communication (radio/phone).
6. Documentation: PCR (patient care report)—narrative, vitals, interventions, times.
7. Communication: Patient/family, dispatch, receiving facility, medical control.
8. Professionalism: Confidentiality (HIPAA), cultural sensitivity, ethical decision‑making.
9. Continuing education: NREMT recertification (40 hrs/2 yrs), protocol updates.
10. Teamwork & safety: Crew resource management, scene safety, PPE, vehicle checks.

Scope varies by certification level (EMR, EMT, AEMT, Paramedic) and state protocol.