What is the skill difference between an EMT and a Paramedic?

Every state will vary for what "skills" it will allow an EMT or Paramedic to do. For NJ: EMT-B 8:40A-10.1 (near the bottom) will tell you the scope of practice for an EMT-B. It also give the education and certification requirements. You only need to be 16 years old and complete 120 hours of training at an EMT program. http://www.state.nj.us/health/ems/documents/njac840ar.pdf Paramedic http://www.state.nj.us/health/ems/documents/njac841ar.pdf You only need 1100 hours more of training. The above link describes the Paramedic's scope of practice and breaks down the education.

Hi Fargo, The main difference between an EMT and a Paramedic is training. Paramedic is the highest level of EMT Certification. EMTs perform Basic Life Support like CPR and patient assessment. Paramedics perform more Advanced Life Support procedures and are able to start IVs and administer various drugs and a lot more. Paramedic training courses take about 1200 hours and you have to get your EMT certification before you can start training as a Paramedic. Hope that helps! Frank

Hi Fargo, The main difference between an EMT and a Paramedic is training. Paramedic is the highest level of EMT Certification. EMTs perform Basic Life Support like CPR and patient assessment. Paramedics perform more Advanced Life Support procedures and are able to start IVs and administer various drugs and a lot more. Paramedic training courses take about 1200 hours and you have to get your EMT certification before you can start training as a Paramedic. Hope that helps! Frank