The way I see it, EMS is just about getting people to the hospital alive. This task obviously involves several different skills. I think that EMT-Bs have an appropriate level of training for the task that they perform. They do a quick assessment to determine the severity of the sickness/injury, and they take the proper actions to ensure that the patient arrives at the hospital in order for doctors to perform definitive care. The way I see it, as long as the patient arrives at the hospital in a salvageable condition, we've done our jobs.
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The way I see it, you're dead wrong (pun intended). The purpose of EMS is goes waayyy beyond being a fast ride to the hospital. Are you going to be patting yourself on the back when you start bringing vegtables into the hospital, since they're still technically alive? EMS does include fast evaluation and transport to appropirate definitive care, but it also includes early treatment for any number of emergent conditions which can be alleviated pre-hospitally, preventing further damage. Similarly, don't underestimate the need for a detailed examination by somebody who is medically trained. Any number of minor conditions present very similarly to major conditions, and it takes a good deal of training to differentiate the two. Sending someone with a AAA back to bed for a tummy-ache is not a good thing.
And what does "salvageble" mean? Quadruple amputee? Massive brain damage? Etc. etc. There is a lot that can be done pre-hospitally that has a range of implications (miniscule-major) for long-term patient outcome. You need to do some major horizon-broadening. Maybe a few extra hours of instruction would help with that.
Additionally, some definitive care (particulary in arrest cases) can be provided pre-hospitally. And sorry to all the MD podiatrists, OB/GYNs, psychiatrists, GP's, etc. out there, but I'll take the paramedic in an emergency, thanks. Ever wonder what happens if you GP finds out you're having an MI? They call 911.