They faithfully serve their communities, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
At the scene within minutes, the medical care they provide for patients often means the difference between life and death. Even when life-saving maneuvers are not required, the care and compassion they show to their patients can help bring calm to a stressful situation.
They are your emergency medical services or EMS providers.
In honor of National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week, Kettering Health Network would like to recognize and show appreciation for this army of unsung heroes, who are the front line of healthcare and an integral part of the communities they serve.
The role of an EMS provider is to deliver out-of-hospital, acute medical care; transport to a healthcare facility; and other medical transport to patients who, due to injury or illness, cannot transport themselves.
“EMS providers are often the lifeline for patients between the location of the incident and the healthcare facility to which they are being transported,” said William Mangas, director of trauma and EMS outreach for Kettering Health Network.
Types of EMS
Communities can provide emergency medical services to their residents in a variety of ways:
“People wonder why both the fire department and EMS will arrive at the scene, especially when there isn’t a fire reported,” said Mangas. “Sometimes, getting a patient from the scene of the incident into the ambulance is difficult for the two EMS providers alone. Having the fire department there makes the lifting of the patient easier, safer, and faster.”
Types of EMS certification
There are several different types of EMS certifications available, each with the ability to provide different levels of care:
How to become certified
“Most vocational schools and community colleges offer EMT/paramedic certification programs,” said Bob Kidd, director of Kettering Mobile Care, one of the largest hospital-branded fleets in Ohio. “EMT certification is a relatively short three-to-four-month certification program, and then you’re employment-ready with lots of opportunity here in the greater Dayton area.”
Both Kidd and Mangas agree that, not only is the job of an EMS provider a rewarding one, but the job market locally and nationally is ripe with opportunity for those interested in this profession.
“EMS providers truly make a difference in the lives of the people they serve,” said Kidd. “You may not always remember their names, but you will never forget the way they cared for you.”
Take a moment to thank an EMS provider in your community.
Click here for more information on how to become an EMS provider.