When it comes to advising on insurance coverage for your first-responder clients, be careful not to use the terms paramedic and EMT interchangeably. Though each career plays a role in promoting or addressing the safety and medical concerns of the community, these are different roles and face different risks. It is these differences that have an impact on how much insurance needs to be purchased or which policy should be used.
The Level of Education
One of the leading differences between an EMT and a paramedic is the education involved. There will some variations in the schooling requirements at teh state level, but there is a minimal amount usually required. An EMT, also known as an emergency medical technician, typically has the fewest educational requirements. Training in this field could take as little as six months and covers the basics of life support and on-scene emergency care. Some of the topics covered include:
- Dressing or bandaging wounds
- CPR
- Stabilizing broken bones or fracture
- Administering certain medications
- Treating burns
Paramedics perform these duties and more, as these individuals have much more advanced training. In many cases, paramedic training requires between one to two years of formal education (depending on the state’s requirements). Some states require completion of a college-level course in English, math and biology before being able to enroll in a paramedic training program. The training will include the areas covered by EMT training but also move into advanced life-saving actions such as:
- Manual defibrillation
- Intravenous access
- Drug administration
- Endotracheal intubation
- Advanced cardiac life support
The Level of Certification
Each state requires that those wishing to work as an EMT or paramedic be certified. The tests administered can vary, though a majority of states rely on the certification test administered through the National Registry of EMTs. Further testing or additional competency provisions may be required by the state or employer, and continuing education training is almost always required in order to maintain certification or licensure.
The Liabilities Present
The range of responsibilities both paramedics and EMTs can be held accountable for leads to the need for liability insurance. Professional liability coverage, or malpractice insurance, is useful in situations where negligence or a mistake led to bodily injury, mental anguish or medical expenses. Patient outcomes can vary in an emergency response situation, and complex investigations can be the results of a negative outcome. Comprehensive insurance coverage is important for handling the legal costs of a claim as well as the expenses associated with medical care.
The Level of Involvement
When speaking to clients about their career options and corresponding insurance needs, be sure to fully inform your clients on industry standards and trends. In addition to knowing the various training and task elements between an EMT or a paramedic, fully grasp the legal liabilities that each career faces in order to recommend the right insurance products.
About Provident Insurance Programs
With roots dating back to 1902, Provident Insurance Programs is a program administrator that serves paid and volunteer firefighters in addition to emergency medical responders with numerous custom-tailored insurance programs. We’ve also extended our expertise and experience to offer benefit plans and coverages to participant groups as well as Transportation Benefits. We are committed to continuing to provide superior customer service, and would be happy to speak with you to provide further information. Give us a call today at (855) 201-8880 to speak with one of our representatives.