Emergency Medical Service 101
Emergency Medical Service a.k.a. EMS are dedicated to providing a service to people with illnesses, patients who need transportation to a different facility, or first response to medical emergency. EMS also be known as rescue squads, first aid squad, ambulance service, life squad, ambulance corp., depending on the location.
The goal of most Emergency Medical Service is to provide treatment or medical attention to those in need of urgent medical care, or a timely removal of a patient to another medical facility. EMS evolved from a term meaning medical transportation to a service that actually provides medical treatment and attention while en route.
Emergency Medical Service exists to fulfill the basics of First Aid, which are to Preserve Life, Prevent Further Injury, and Promote Recovery. As seen on most Emergency Medical Service vehicles, the Star of Life represents the six steps all EMS individuals must follow when caring for a patient. The six steps in Emergency Medical Service are early detection, early reporting, early response, good on scene care, care in transit and transfer to definitive care.
There are also a few different levels of care in EMS. Emergency Medical Service can be provided in a variety of different methods. The two main methods of Emergency Medical Service (EMS) are Basic Life Support, Advance Life Support. Emergency Medical Service (EMS) can also have many different titles including, EMT, Ambulance Technician, and paramedic.