Progressive EMT

[Achromatic]

This isn't so much about 'education and training' but rather implementation. And, I hasten to note, not at all an attempt to bring out egos or a flame fest.

In people's opinion, what are some of the most "progressive" areas of the country in terms of EMS implementation? In terms of things such as BLS/ALS division of roles, protocols, processes and procedures, initiatives, etc?

 

[Dominion]

A service I interviewed for recently is fairly progessive on their EMT scope than most other places in the area. MOST of the EMT's in the state are limited to oral airways (naso/oropharyngeal), oral glucose, epi-pen, and admin of nitro if it's the patients and under medical direction only. Most don't let EMT's give aspirin. The service I interviewed for has an expanded scope that includes the above (oral airway, glucose, epipen) and adds in SQ epi, nitro spray (under medic or MD control), aspirin, combitube, and one other they mentioned that I can't remember at the moment. They are also currently testing the states NAEMT intermediate program. (Kentucky currently does not recognize the 'intermediate' level unless you are in this pilot program)

I don't know if that's what you mean by 'progressive' but it's certainly progressive compared to the rest of the operation areas here.

 

[JPINFV]

I'm not sure I'd equate "BLS/ALS division of roles" and increased scopes of practice, when dealing with EMT-Bs, as progressive. In some cases, expanding the roles of basics is just a way to regress away from full service paramedic level care.

 

[rescue99]

A service I interviewed for recently is fairly progessive on their EMT scope than most other places in the area. MOST of the EMT's in the state are limited to oral airways (naso/oropharyngeal), oral glucose, epi-pen, and admin of nitro if it's the patients and under medical direction only. Most don't let EMT's give aspirin. The service I interviewed for has an expanded scope that includes the above (oral airway, glucose, epipen) and adds in SQ epi, nitro spray (under medic or MD control), aspirin, combitube, and one other they mentioned that I can't remember at the moment. They are also currently testing the states NAEMT intermediate program. (Kentucky currently does not recognize the 'intermediate' level unless you are in this pilot program)

I don't know if that's what you mean by 'progressive' but it's certainly progressive compared to the rest of the operation areas here.

Michigan EMTB's are as Dominion describes. Our Specialist or, EMTS / EMTI is the 85 standard but...will soon be eliminated and called EMTB with some modification of the current scope. The plan has been talked about for 15 years. Bout time Basics get to play more

 

[Achromatic]

I'm not sure I'd equate "BLS/ALS division of roles" and increased scopes of practice, when dealing with EMT-Bs, as progressive. In some cases, expanding the roles of basics is just a way to regress away from full service paramedic level care.

Sorry, my intent was more "how they handle such" rather than "x is the definition of good (or bad)".