VOLUNTEER LOCAL OPPORTUNITIES: EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (EMS)

VOLUNTEER LOCAL OPPORTUNITIES: EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (EMS)

HEALTH Magazine, Winter 2025
Published by the Southwest Utah Public Health Foundation

This podcast episode is an AI-generated narration of the HEALTH Magazine article.

The full article text is provided below as the official transcript of this episode.

Volunteer Local Opportunities by Tammy Barton, Garfield County EMS Director

Narrated by Tina Hicks using AI-assisted voice

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is a system that responds to medical and traumatic emergencies with highly-skilled Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). They assess patients, provide treatment, and transport them to medical facilities for further care if needed. There are also Advanced EMTs and Paramedics, with each level building on the knowledge and skills of the previous one.

Besides the obvious role of taking care of those in a medical emergency or crisis, EMTs are often involved in educating the public in personal safety, CPR and AED training, first aid, and Stop the Bleed courses. EMTs are sometimes the first to recognize problems in a household or neighborhood, such as substance abuse, domestic violence, or lack of safe housing, enabling them to consult with partner agencies on new or worsening issues.

EMS agencies in Utah can be staffed with full-time career EMTs, firefighter EMTs, and/or volunteer EMTs who have other jobs and respond when they are available, depending on the needs of the population served.

Although not everyone is cut out for EMS work, being an EMT can be challenging and fulfilling, and they are always needed. All EMTs in the state go through the same training and testing, which is offered through many EMS agencies, colleges, universities, and tech schools.

I have been involved in EMS for nearly 33 years as an EMT, Instructor, training officer, and Director. I have seen a lot of growth and change in the field over the years, but one thing remains the same: the caring and dedication of those who work and volunteer as trained EMTs. If you think you’d like to join us, we’d love to have you!