EMS Practice Lecture Notes

A set of vocabulary flashcards defining key EMS provider levels, administrative processes, and contemporary healthcare models based on the lecture transcript.

EMS (Emergency Medical Services)

An organized system of healthcare professionals, equipment, and resources that provides emergency medical care, transportation, and access to definitive care.

EMR (Emergency Medical Responder)

An entry-level EMS provider trained to provide immediate lifesaving care while awaiting the arrival of higher-level EMS personnel.

EMT (Emergency Medical Technician)

An EMS provider trained to assess, treat, and transport patients using basic life support (BLS) skills and selected emergency medications.

AEMT (Advanced Emergency Medical Technician)

An EMS provider with additional training beyond the EMT level who can perform limited advanced life support (ALS) skills, including IV therapy and certain medications.

Paramedic

The highest level of prehospital EMS provider, trained to deliver advanced life support, including advanced airway management, cardiac monitoring, medication administration, and other advanced procedures.

Certification

Official recognition that an individual has successfully met educational and examination requirements for EMS practice, such as the National Registry of EMTs (NREMT).

Licensure

Legal authorization granted by a state to practice as an EMS provider after meeting state requirements.

Credentialing

The process by which an EMS agency verifies an EMS provider's education, certification, licensure, and competency before allowing them to practice.

Quality Assurance (QA)

A process that reviews EMS performance to ensure patient care meets established standards and identifies problems after they occur.

Quality Improvement (QI)

An ongoing process of evaluating and improving EMS performance through education, data analysis, and system changes to enhance patient care.

Medical Direction (Medical Control)

Physician oversight that provides guidance, protocols, and authorization for EMS providers through online (direct) or offline (protocol-based) medical direction.

Social Drivers of Health (SDOH)

Nonmedical factors such as housing, education, income, transportation, food access, and social support that influence a person's overall health and healthcare outcomes.

Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH)

A healthcare delivery model in which EMS providers work with other healthcare professionals to provide patient-centered care outside of emergency responses, helping reduce unnecessary hospital visits.

Community Paramedicine (CP)

A specialized EMS program in which paramedics provide preventive care, chronic disease management, follow-up visits, and health education to improve community health and reduce hospital readmissions.