Crime & Safety
Patch Asks Intermountain: What's the Difference Between an EMT and Paramedic?
Firefighter/EMT Drew Loftus tells Ramona Patch readers what separates a paramedic from an EMT.
In January, we asked readers what they would ask one of our volunteer firefighters over at Intermountain Fire and Rescue.
The department was established by "a concerned group of citizens who wanted to provide better fire protection for their community" and serves an area of 125 square miles bordering Ramona, Julian, Lake Henshaw and Palomar Mountain.
Readers submitted a variety of questions on the comments, like "How does it feel fighting fire?" and "How many calls do you get on a weekly basis?"
This week, Drew Loftus tells readers how his experience at Intermountain Fire and Rescue has changed his perspective:
My name is Drew Loftus and I've been with Intermountain for two and a half years and I'm a firefighter/EMT. I'm here to serve the community and gain experience to become a paid, full-time firefighter.
What's the difference between an EMT and paramedic?
The main difference is paramedics are allowed to use a lot of different drugs that are going to help—they can administer medications.
As an EMT the only drugs you can administer is oxygen. You can't give any kind of pain meds or anything like that, but you can assist with heart medications. A paramedic has a bigger scope and they can help out a lot more.
Have a burning question? Submit it in the comments below or to melissa.phy@patch.com
Patch would like to put out a special thanks to the Intermountain Fire and Rescue Department for not only volunteering their efforts as firefighters, but for also giving time to Patch and the community for Firefighter Friday!
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