Everything You Need to Know About Calling 911 and Being Transported in an Ambulance

Have you ever called 9 1 1?  Have you ever been transported in an ambulance?

 Each year, many people need emergency medical care while at work, in their homes or in places outside of the hospital.  That’s when Emergency Medical Services, or EMS, is there for you – any time, any day, anywhere that you need us.

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers that may interest you.

Q:  What is the difference between an EMT, an EMT-A and Paramedic?

A:         EMT stands for Emergency Medical Technician.  EMT’s have about 700 hours of training in basic life support.  EMT’s may perform CPR, artificial ventilation, oxygen administration, basic airway management, defibrillation using an AED, spinal immobilization, vital sign monitoring, bandaging, splinting, obtain and interpret 3 Lead electrocardiographs (ECG), monitor intravenous drips, monitor blood glucose levels, administer specific oral medications, and are trained in Basic Trauma Life Support (BTLS).

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            EMT-A stands for Emergency Medical Technician Advanced.  EMT-A’s have an additional 620 hours of enhanced training basic life support.  EMT-A’s may perform all the basic emergency medical skills as well as advanced airway management with a combitube, initiate intravenous drips, obtain and interpret 3 lead electrocardiographs, administer specific intravenous and intramuscular medications, and manual defibrillation.

Paramedics have about 1700 hours of training in both basic life support and advanced life support.  Paramedics may perform all the basic emergency medical skills as well as advanced airway management like endotracheal intubation, initiate intravenous drips, obtain and interpret 12 lead electrocardiographs, and administer numerous types of medications.

Q: Can an ambulance break traffic laws?

A:            Ambulances in Saskatchewan are not granted unrestricted right of way.  In most cases, emergency vehicles must obey all signs and signals.  For example, they must stop at a red light or stop sign before proceeding through an intersection, when they have their flashing lights and siren on.  Sometimes, emergency vehicles operate contrary to traffic control devices when responding to an emergency.  Sometimes, they exceed the posted speed limit.  However, even during these times, emergency vehicle operators must drive with due regard for public safety.

Q: How much will it cost?

A:         As with any public service, there is a cost associated with ambulance transport.  Some of these costs may be paid for by the Federal Government, the Provincial Government, S. G. I., or your Health Insurance Plan, like MSI-Blue Cross, Group Medical Services or Department of Veterans Affairs.  Please check with your local EMS / Ambulance provider to learn about how ambulance transport is paid for in your community.