6 of 10 Providers must be trained to meet expectations and requirements in programs that comply with regional and national standards. Training includes didactic, clinical, and field components. Most states require that candidates pass written and practical examinations prior to certification. Additionally, EMTs are required to receive continuing didactic and clinical education to maintain certification. Education also is used to reinforce proper patient care, update standards and protocols, and remedy perceived deficiencies in patient care.
Physician involvement is essential to assure appropriate utilization of skills and equipment.
Protocols are developed to deal with operational, administrative, and patient care issues. They define a standardized, acceptable approach to commonly encountered problems. Protocols should reflect regional and national standards, as well as the uniqueness and limitations of the local environment. The medical director has the responsibility to address protocols dealing with patient care, such as triage and treatment. Triage assesses the condition of each patient, sorts patients into treatment categories, and optimizes use of field resources for treatment and transportation.