What Is an EMS Provider?

Emergency medical service, or EMS, encompasses several sources of assistance when an emergency occurs, requiring quick responders. Recognizable by the flashing lights of the ambulance coming on scene, EMS providers make up an entire system of emergency medical care.

First Responders

• Highly visible ambulance companies and medical flight teams are what people usually relate to EMS. These services are actually the second activated service in the network, as the emergency dispatch system in the area is activated when a call for help goes out.

Public Sector

• Fire departments and volunteer rescue squads are a part of the EMS system. Many local fire departments provide medical response and assist in serious incidents. Volunteer rescue squads in some areas serve on-call for emergencies, ready to assist when needed.

Professional Medical Services

• Hospitals are alerted the minute an emergency call goes out and are part of the information loop when a patient is being rescued, treated and transported. Hospitals often provide medical flight teams to bring a patient to the location. Emergency doctors and nurses are on standby, prepared to treat a patient in the next phase of his emergency care.