Yes, we know, that sounds like the start to a really bad joke. But in the medical world there are literally thousands of different skills, specialisms and ranks you can achieve all while wearing the same uniform. While there are a lot of basic skills and training that is shared between them, each have their own unique set of skills and attributes that makes them perfect for their specific job. And one of the questions we get asked a lot as medical staff in green uniforms is – ‘what’s the difference between what you all do’? So today, we’re going to explain it.
Ambulance Technicians
Ambulance technicians (also known as EMTs) are an important part of the first response team, and they are able to perform immediate life support and basic interventions to keep patients stable until they arrive at a hospital. They can also administer a small range of oral and intramuscular (injected) medication when needed.
Technicians are fully trained in basic clinical examination and paramedic assistance skills, which is why they are often found alongside paramedics to give support and help when tending to a patient. But they can also work independently and are considered the minimum level of skill who are able to work alone in most ambulance services. They’re the backbone of many emergency services, and for smaller events may be the perfect level of medical support.
Paramedics
This is where a lot of the confusion lies, because paramedics and ambulance technicians often come in pairs. But unlike ambulance technicians, paramedics are registered professionals. They hold a registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC), and are qualified to degree level (from 2012 onward), and follow JRCALC guidelines (Joint Royal Colleges Ambulance Liaison Committee). They are also trained in further education of their choice, such as advanced practice or paediatrics. Depending on the company or trust the paramedic is working for they may or may not be able to use certain skills.
At Canopy Medical Services we aren’t limited in our professional practice, so they can perform any skill or intervention they need to. Some of the more advanced skills paramedics can perform as necessary include:
· Intravenous cannulation
· Administration of an array of prescription, emergency and controlled drugs
· Administering IV fluids
· Defibrillation
· Endotracheal intubation
· Advanced life support
· Intraosseous access (drilling into a patient’s bone)
· Surgical airways (needle cricothyroidotomy)
· Chest decompression (thoracocentesissis)
· Advanced clinical examination and ECG recognition
And more. In short, paramedics are the best you can get in an emergency medical situation, and are highly trained individuals. They are most suitable for larger events, or where a more specialised need is present. For example, at a large festival for young families, you would want a multi-skilled paramedic present.
Doctors
Many people think that anyone who works in the medical field is a doctor, but this is absolutely not true. Paramedics and ambulance technicians are emergency medical staff, and they are highly trained in emergency and life-saving care. Their role is to keep patients alive and well until they arrive at a hospital for more specific treatment.
Doctors on the other hand are medical professionals who diagnose and treat patients for a wide variety of illnesses and injuries. They examine patients, order tests, interpret results, prescribe medications and provide treatment. They can also provide support to patients on things like birth control, quitting smoking and preventative care, and make referrals to specialists as and when necessary. Their training is longer and more involved, and they typically work in hospitals, clinics, GP surgeries or private practices, as well as research labs and even educational institutions.
Doctors only fulfil very specific roles in event medical cover. Either as part of air ambulance response, on site for extremely high-risk events, or in a preparatory role to advise on certain medications.
So there you have it. While medical uniforms can help you identify some different professions, it can be tricky to tell exactly what someone does just by the colour scrubs they’re wearing. And this is one of the reasons hiring medical cover for events can feel difficult – how are you supposed to know what type of person you need? At Canopy Medical Services we have a wide range of medical professionals on staff, including ambulance technicians and paramedics, and can help you understand your obligations and provide the right staff for you. To find out more, just get in touch with the team today.