Drive and operate emergency vehicles. Clean, maintain and inspect medical and rescue equipment. First Responders control bleeding, perform CPR, provide oxygen and stabilize fractures. EMTs assess patients' conditions, immobilize broken bones, deliver babies and treat for shock, serious illnesses, or cardiac problems. Shock-Trauma Technicians start intravenous fluid lines, administer limited medications and employ specialized airway techniques.
Paramedics offer the highest level of pre-hospital care in Virginia.
They receive expanded medical, trauma, and pediatric emergency training, including extensive in-hospital clinical rotations. Paramedics can administer a greater variety of drugs and do specialized cardiac monitoring and trauma care. In Virginia, medevac helicopter units employ specialized flight nurses or paramedics. The higher level the position sought, the more additional education and training required. Continuing education is necessary for recertification.