What is the difference between an EMT and a paramedic?
The news media tends to use the titles EMT or Paramedic interchangeably. Both are certifications that are provided by the State. Although they are both trained to provide treatment in an emergency there are some significant differences. An EMT course is around 180 hours taught over about 3 months.

The course specializes in training to provide basic life support care. This includes bandaging, splinting, basic airway support, CPR and the use of automated external defibrillators. A Paramedic Course is an additional approximately 14 month intensive program. This additional training allows the paramedic to perform advanced procedures such as inserting a breathing tube, starting IV lines and giving several different medications. ZFD staffs minimally 1 paramedic and 1 EMT on the ambulance.

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1. Why doesn’t Zionsville Fire Department have a Dalmatian dog?
2. Why doesn’t Zionsville Fire Department have a fire pole?
3. Why do the firefighters leave the trucks running after they get out of them when they are not on station?
4. How can I get one of the green reflective address signs?
5. How can I get a copy of a fire report?
6. Where do I discard expired fire extinguishers?
7. Where do I recharge/refill my fire extinguisher?
8. I would like to have a recreational fire on my property, is this allowed?
9. I would like to burn leaves on my property, is this allowed?
10. I would like to burn clean wood products on my property, is this allowed?
11. How do I schedule a tour of the fire station?
12. Who do I call if I have questions regarding my EMS bill?
13. Why do I sometimes see a fire engine following the ambulance?
14. Who decides what hospital that I go to?
15. Are all of the firefighters also EMTs?
16. What is the difference between an EMT and a paramedic?