Whats the difference between an E.M.T and a paramedic?

Question

Whats the difference between an E.M.T and a paramedic?

Answer 1

An EMT is usually a trained individual who provides BASIC emergency medical treatment, or as en.wikipedia.org states:  

"The Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) exists in many countries and is a health care provider trained to provide prehospital emergency medical care.[1] EMTs are divided into numerous levels depending on location and are trained to assist higher level EMTs, paramedics, and other medical personnel (e.g. physicians and nurses). EMTs provide patient care in accordance with protocols and guidelines established by physician medical directors. Once thought of as only an "ambulance driver" or "attendant," modern EMTs perform a wide variety of medical procedures and responds to many types of emergency calls. The procedures that EMTs may perform at his or her certification level differ by country and by US state and are set by their system's medical director in accordance with local laws."

A paramedic on the other hand, is a trained individual who is typically trained and licensed to provide more ADVANCED emergency medical treatment, or as en.wikipedia.org states:

"A paramedic is a medical professional, usually a member of the emergency medical service, who primarily provides pre-hospital advanced medical and trauma care. A paramedic is charged with providing emergency on-scene treatment, crisis intervention, life-saving stabilization and, when appropriate, transport of ill or injured patients to definitive emergency medical and surgical treatment facilities, such as a hospitals and trauma centers.

The use of the specific term paramedic varies by jurisdiction,

. . . . In countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom, the use of the word paramedic is restricted by law, and the person claiming the title must have passed a specific set of examinations and clinical placements, and hold a valid registration, certification, or license with a governing body."

Also, in many states or jurisdictions, paramedics are trained in firefighting, and function as a "paramedic/firefighter", - so that when on the scene of an accident where they may be a fire, they are qualified to do both.  

EMT's typically make the least (from $8/hr and up, depending on your geographic location, level of experience and skill), Paramedics typically earn the most - (from $11 and up, again, depending on geographic location, level of experience / skill, and cost of living etc).