Ballywho News

When accidents happen or severe medical conditions arise, the life-saving efforts of your local Emergency Medical Service are invaluable. The term Emergency Medical Service, refers to a coordinated group of professionals. EMTs and ambulances are a huge part of this life saving network, but they are not the only ones involved.

The service starts when the first responder (who may have medical background or may be a police officer, fire fighter, family member or good Samaritan) contacts a dispatch unit that send medically trained personnel to the scene. It ends at the hospital, after the patient has been delivered and the personnel have given pertinent information to the hospital’s medical staff. The local EMS is a vital link between emergency patients and the medical care that they vitally need at the hospital.

Who’s on the EMS Team?

Many people work to save patients. Some of the positions in the EMS network are:

· Dispatchers- These personnel are at a central location. They manage the communication efforts between the first responder, the response team and even the hospitals. They must understand how to question a potentially distressed caller in order to assess the situation offsite, in order to dispatch the correct onsite personnel. They must gage the seriousness of the injury and send help accordingly. They brief onsite personnel to prepare them as they race to the scene.

· Ambulance Driver- This position requires the skills in not only driving, but communication between dispatch and the hospital in addition to having the medical training to assist with injured patients. Drivers are often cross trained and may serve more than one purpose.

· Ambulance Care Assistant( Or EMT Basic)- This position works directly with patients under EMTs. They assist in moving patients and backing up the EMTs. They work at accident scenes, in the ambulance and upon arrival at the hospital to save lives.

· Paramedic(Or EMT Advanced)- This position represents the most advanced level of onsite responders. An advanced EMT is in a position to administer medications, start IV’s, and assess the patient’s situation. These responders will communicate with doctors and emergency room staff about the state of the patient.

Why are EMS Staff Important?

For hospitals and other medical facilities, it is increasingly important to have sound working relationships with multiple EMS providers. They are our patients’ first lifeline. Their services save lives and prepare patients to be received by the hospital. Their actions can stop or minimize damage that may otherwise occur as time passes between injury and arriving at the hospital. They collect valuable information about the patients, their current condition and their medical history that the doctors at the hospital require. If you are ever in a position in which you are being assisted by such personnel, we advise that you cooperate fully as their efforts support ours. EMS workers are our allies in the field.