Specialized facilities required to care for the severely injured are not available in every hospital. Local communities need to establish regional protocols to provide clear guidance for the transport of patients in unstable condition to categorized facilities. Patients who are in unstable condition because of special problems, such as trauma and burns, can be transported to regionally designated hospitals, bypassing closer facilities. 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.