EMR versus EMT

What’s the difference between Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)?

We are asked this question frequently.  While the titles are similar, EMTs undergo roughly double the training hours as their EMR counterparts. EMR (formerly known as Medical Response Technician (MRT) or First Responder certification) was established to provide basic first aid treatment for emergencies and injuries by the first arriving responders, typically firefighters and police officers.

Workplace safety teams commonly have training to the EMR level so that they can render first aid care to individuals that become ill or injured at work until EMTs can arrive. An EMR usually does not transport patients to the hospital. EMTs have more advanced skills, are able to administer additional emergency medications, and are trained in the transport, stabilization, and ongoing assessment of patients.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agencies typically have crew members that are at the EMT, Advanced EMT, and Paramedic levels. In Connecticut, EMS regulation requires that at least one EMT be in the patient care compartment during transport. EMT candidates do NOT need EMR to obtain EMT certification.

How to choose which course to take:

It depends on what you plan to do.  If you’re joining your workplace safety team or join a fire or police department that does not provide EMS transport, EMR should be sufficient for your needs.

If you’re planning to work on an ambulance, in an emergency room, or a fire department that provides EMS transport then EMT is likely the best route to take.  Check out more information here.