What is the difference between a paramedic and an EMT?

EMT vs paramedic... difference?

• I just asked an EMT question and got a great answer but it mentioned EMT vs Paramedic. What's the difference? Thanks!

• Answer:

  It's basically the same thing. Car accidents, heart attacks, poisonings, fires, unscheduled childbirths, cave-ins, and natural disasters—when people experience such traumas, they need help fast! This is where paramedics come in. It’s their job to rush to the scene of emergencies, provide immediate medical care, and get the patient to the hospital. Time is of the essence in this job. Fast and effective treatment saves lives and lessens the seriousness of many people’s injuries. In most states paramedics are called emergency medical technicians (EMTs). In these areas, only the most highly trained people within the profession are given the title of “paramedic.” There are 3 levels. LEVEL 1: EMT-Basic RESPONSIBILITIES: Driving emergency vehicles; administering first aid; performing basic procedures such as opening airways, giving oxygen, immobilizing fractures, and bandaging wounds; following instructions given by other medical professionals. LEVEL 2: EMT-Intermediate RESPONSIBILITIES: Driving emergency vehicles; administering first aid; performing basic procedures as well as advanced procedures such as administering intravenous fluids, using defibrillators to give life-saving shocks to a stopped heart, and other intensive care procedures. LEVEL 3: EMT-Paramedic RESPONSIBILITIES: Performing a wide range of medical procedures, including more advanced procedures such as administering drugs orally and intravenously, interpreting electrocardiograms (EKG's), and performing endotracheal intubations; diagnosing and treating minor injuries. All have different earnings, requirements, and responsibilities.