about EMS - FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is EMS?	EMS stands for Emergency Medical Services and includes Dispatchers, First Responders, EMTs, Paramedics, Hospital Emergency Departments and personnel such as physicians and nurses. All work together to provide appropriate emergency treatment to those in need.
What is the difference between First Responders, EMTs and Paramedics?	First Responders are trained medical personnel whose primary purpose is to provide life-saving care to patients until a transporting emergency service arrives. First Responders can administer oxygen, stop bleeding, perform airway procedures, and provide defibrillation. FR's are found on many fire departments and other non-transport rescue services, as well as some law enforcement agencies and factories. EMTs have the qualifications of a First Responder, plus additional training in use of immobilization devices and other types of equipment carried on an ambulance. THe EMT curriculum covers more information on various conditions a patient may have. EMT-Basic, trained with the National DOT EMT-Basic curriculum is the minimum level of EMS provider required to attend a patient being transported in an ambulance. In order to be eligible to take an EMT-I or Paramedic class, a person must first be an EMT-B. EMT-Intermediates, trained with the 1985 Intermediate curriculum, are EMT's with the qualification to initiate and administer intravenous (IV) therapy in patients either needing fluid or a route for IV medications. EMT-Paramedic and Paramedic Specialists have extensive training in medical emergencies, trauma and cardiac conditions. They are able to provide medications to patients, and have advanced airway management skills. Paramedics are trained to interpret cardiac rhythms on a cardiac monitor and provide care accordingly. Iowa has two levels of Paramedics: Iowa Paramedic, trained with the 1998 National DOT EMT-Intermediate curriculum, and Paramedic Specialists, trained with the National DOT EMT-Paramedic curriculum. Paramedic Specialists may also become endorsed as Critical Care Paramedics.
How long does it take to become an EMT?	Most First Responder and EMT classes in our area are held two evenings per week, with the FR course taking about 8 weeks and the EMT class 16 weeks. There may be courses that are held in the daytime full-time. SWCC offers a hybrid class option. For example, the EMT class still last 16 weeks, but classroom sessions are held just once a week for skills practice, and the bookwork, quizzes, and discussions are done online. This is a great way for busy, self-motivated people to take the class! The Iowa Paramedic program is about 1 year in length for classroom time of 8 hours/week, and the Paramedic Specialist course takes 1 1/2 to 2 years. In addition to classroom education, all levels have requirements of clinical and field training with qualified preceptor. This is similar to on-the-job training.
Is there continuing education required for EMS providers?	First Responders are required to complete 14 hours of continuing education every two years. EMTs are required to complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years. EMT-Is are required to complete 36 hours of continuing education every two years. EMT-Ps are required to complete 48 hours of continuing education every two years. PS's are required to complete 60 hours of continuing education every two years. Opportunities for continuing education are provided locally, regionally, statewide and nationwide, and are often provided by the department the EMS provider is affiliated with. Several classes are either State or Federally mandated for EMS providers. You can visit the Classes page to view these. Some of these classes count toward the required number of continuing education hours listed above. In addition to the classes listed on the Classes page, Emergency Vehicle Driving training is required for ambulance personnel. This is offered locally.
Where can I take a FR or EMT class?	Locally, Southwestern Community College providers EMS Education opportunities. You can contact Cheryl Blazek, SWCC Adult Education Dept. for more information. All community colleges across Iowa provide EMS education, as well as some private or hospital affiliated training programs.
What opportunities are there in EMS?	Almost every rural community in the state has a volunteer service that can use additional personnel certified in EMS. If you are interested, check with your local fire / rescue department to see what level of EMS they prefer, and opportunities for tuition assistance they may have. Some volunteer services pay a stipend for responses; others are completely volunteer. Hospital-based ambulance services, some fire departments, private services, and larger ambulance departments provide career opportunities for EMS providers who want to pursue full-time employment in emergency medical services. Some EMS providers teach EMS courses, and are employable in other health-care settings. Paramedics are being utilized in cardiac cath labs, cardiac clinics, emergency rooms, and other areas.

Related resources for questions of EMS providers

Visit the Iowa Department of Public Health, Bureau of EMS website for information about EMS rules, laws, and scope of practice in Iowa. They also have a link to all of the EMS training programs in Iowa.
Click HERE to go to the National EMT-Basic curriculum, on the NHTSA website. This is a detailed curriculum, including objectives, outlines and content.
The change in scope of practice has made the news for quite some time. It is closer to becoming a reality. Click HERE to see the National Scope of Practice Model.
If you've been wondering about the various levels of EMS that will come with the change in the scope of practice, click HERE. This describes the Emergency Medical Responder, EMT, Advanced EMT, and Paramedic training levels, and overview of course content. Publishers are working to produce materials, and the Bureau is looking at needed law and rule changes to put the new levels and scope in place.