Emergency Medical Technician

Assessment guides all emergency care.

• Begin with scene safety and a general impression.
• The primary assessment checks ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation).
• Gather vital signs and a SAMPLE history.
• Reassess continually and prioritize life threats.

BLS sustains life until advanced care arrives.

• CPR provides chest compressions and rescue breaths.
• Use an AED for cardiac arrest.
• Manage the airway and control severe bleeding.
• High-quality compressions save lives.

Trauma care addresses physical injuries.

• Control bleeding and treat for shock.
• Stabilize fractures and spinal injuries.
• Assess for internal injuries.
• Rapid transport is critical for serious trauma.

EMTs respond to sudden illness.

• Common emergencies: cardiac, respiratory, stroke, diabetic, seizure, allergic.
• Recognize signs and provide supportive care.
• Assist with medications like epinephrine or an inhaler.
• Rapid recognition improves outcomes.

EMTs care for children and assist deliveries.

• Children differ anatomically and physiologically from adults.
• Use appropriate assessment (pediatric triangle).
• Assist with normal childbirth and newborn care.
• Recognize emergencies unique to these groups.

The environment can cause life-threatening conditions.

• Heat illness (heat stroke) and cold injury (hypothermia, frostbite).
• Drowning, bites, stings, and poisoning.
• Remove the patient from the hazard and treat.
• Prevention and rapid care limit harm.

Some calls require special protocols.

• Mass-casualty incidents use triage to prioritize.
• Hazmat, terrorism, and behavioral emergencies need special care.
• Ensure responder safety first.
• Coordination and communication are key.