What is the primary role of an EMT?

The primary role of an EMT is to be responsible for assessment, care, packaging, and transport of the patient. EMTs are trained to evaluate a patient's condition, provide initial medical care, and ensure safe transport to an appropriate medical facility. This encompasses not only recognizing and responding to medical emergencies but also stabilizing patients in preparation for further medical treatment, which is a crucial aspect of emergency medical services.

While overseeing medical directors, providing advanced life support services, and managing hospital admissions are important functions within the broader healthcare system, they are not the core responsibilities of an EMT. EMTs operate as first responders in emergency situations, working within their scope of practice to address urgent health needs, hence making the assessment, care, packaging, and transport of patients their primary focus.