An EMT is considered the first line in EMS. They are trained to provide Basic Life Support (BLS) such as first aid, oxygen, newborn delivery, some medicines and are skilled in emergency transport. You can spot them by the blue patches they wear on their right shoulder or by their rank on their uniform shirt.
A Paramedic is the highest level certified by the state of Texas. Paramedics can perform Advanced Life Support (ALS) in the field. ALS skills include EKG interpretation, Defibrillation, Intravenous access, life saving drug administration, endotrachael intubation and some minor surgical techniques. You can spot them by the red patch on their right shoulder or by the rank on their uniform shirt.
There is actually a third classification, the EMT-Intermediate. The Intermediate is trained to do many of the same skills a Paramedic can do such as IV therapy, some medications, and breathing tube placement. The Intermediate can be identified by the blue patch with red writing on their right shoulder or again, by the rank on their uniform shirt.