70 Misconceptions about EMS
March 16, 2025 | Category: Article
Emergency medical services (EMS) play a critical role in healthcare, yet many people have misconceptions about how they operate. Whether shaped by television, movies, or word of mouth, these myths can lead to confusion about what EMTs and paramedics do, how ambulances function, and what to expect in an emergency. To clear up the confusion, we’re debunking 70 common misconceptions about EMS, in honor of our 70th Anniversary —some of which may surprise you!
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“EMS is just like in TV shows and movies.”
- Real-life EMS work involves more routine and less dramatic action.
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“EMS professionals are just “ambulance drivers.”
- EMS professionals are far more than just ambulance drivers—they are highly trained medical responders who provide critical care in emergencies.
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“Every 911 call is an emergency.”
- Many 911 calls involve non-life-threatening situations, but EMS still responds.
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“If you go by ambulance, you will be seen faster in an emergency room.”
- ERs prioritize patients based on medical need, not arrival method.
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“All EMS workers are paramedics.”
- EMS teams often include EMTs and advanced EMTs, each with different training levels.
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“EMS is the same everywhere.”
- EMS systems vary by country, state, and county based on for-profit / non-profit status and volunteer/paid employment.
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“You have to be a firefighter to be an EMT.”
- While many firefighters are also trained as EMTs or paramedics, the two roles are distinct. EMS professionals specialize in medical care, while firefighters handle fire suppression and rescue efforts, though they frequently collaborate during emergencies.
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“All EMS services are government funded.”
- Not all EMS services are government funded. Many are private or volunteer-based, relying on donations and billing for support. Cetronia Ambulance Corps has operated as a private, non-profit organization since 1955.
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“EMS is a male-dominated field.”
- EMS is becoming increasingly diverse, with more women and individuals from various backgrounds entering the field. At Cetronia Ambulance Corps, 38% of paramedics and 35% of EMTs are female.
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“EMS workers choose which calls to take.”
- They must respond to all dispatched calls.
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“Ambulance rides are free.”
- Ambulance services are often billed to insurance or the patient, and costs can vary widely.
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“EMS personnel can diagnose diseases on the spot.”
- EMS providers assess and provide initial care but do not diagnose conditions.
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“EMS professionals only work in ambulances.”
- They also work in emergency rooms, as flight medics, and in industrial, tactical, and event settings.
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“Paramedics cannot administer medication.”
- Paramedics can administer various medications, including pain relief, cardiac drugs, and sedatives.
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“EMS professionals do not work with hospitals.”
- EMS has strong ties to hospitals, communicating directly with emergency departments and trauma teams.
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“EMS professionals only deal with trauma.”
- They manage various medical conditions, including heart attacks, strokes, respiratory issues, and psychiatric emergencies.
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“EMS is a low-paying job.”
- EMS salaries vary, but many professionals earn competitive wages. At Cetronia Ambulance Corps, we offer competitive pay and comprehensive benefits to support our dedicated team.
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“You do not need physical fitness to be in EMS.”
- Physical fitness is important for handling the demands of the job.
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“EMS professionals do not need to know anatomy or physiology.”
- A solid understanding of anatomy and physiology is essential for assessing and treating patients.
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“EMS professionals are only needed in urban areas.”
- EMS professionals are essential in both urban and rural areas, especially where hospitals are far away, and immediate medical care is critical. Cetronia Ambulance Corps proudly serves communities across Bushkill (Northampton County), Lynn, South Whitehall, Upper Macungie, Weisenberg, and Whitehall Townships, as well as parts of Albany, Greenwich, Lowhill, and Salisbury Townships.
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“EMS is just about transporting patients.”
- EMS provides medical care, monitoring, and support in addition to transport.
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“EMS work is easy.”
- EMS work is far from easy. The unpredictable nature of emergency calls and high-stakes situations make it a physically and mentally demanding profession. EMTs and paramedics must stay sharp under pressure, often making critical decisions in challenging environments.
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“You can become an EMT overnight.”
- Becoming an EMT takes time, training, and certification—it doesn’t happen overnight. Cetronia Ambulance Corps offers a National Registry EMT Certification course to help you start your journey.
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“EMS professionals are immune to trauma.”
- EMS professionals are not immune to trauma. Repeated exposure to high-stress and traumatic situations can take an emotional and psychological toll. At Cetronia Ambulance Corps, we support our team through the CISM (Critical Incident Stress Management) Team. If you are in the profession and need assistance, please contact the hotline at 610-973-1624.
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“EMS is only a steppingstone to becoming a doctor or nurse.”
- Many choose EMS as a lifelong career, finding fulfillment in providing emergency care.
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“EMS providers do not need to communicate with patients.”
- Effective communication is crucial for understanding patient needs and explaining procedures.
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“EMS professionals only handle adults.”
- They provide care for patients of all ages, from infants to seniors. Cetronia Ambulance Corps is proudly certified by the Prehospital Pediatric Readiness Project (PPRP), ensuring specialized care for children in emergency situations.
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“EMS does not involve teamwork.”
- EMS relies heavily on teamwork, both within the EMS unit and with other emergency services.
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“EMS professionals are not involved in disaster response.”
- EMS is a critical component of disaster response and management, providing triage and treatment.
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“EMS only operates during the day.”
- EMS operates 24/7, with professionals often working long shifts, including nights and weekends.
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“EMS professionals are not trained in mental health.”
- They receive training in handling psychiatric emergencies and providing initial mental health support.
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“EMS is not a respected profession.”
- EMS professionals are highly respected for their skills, bravery, and commitment to saving lives.
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“EMS workers do not need to worry about infectious diseases.”
- They are trained in infection control and often face risks from exposure to infectious diseases.
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“EMS providers just follow protocols without thinking.“
- They must use critical thinking and adapt to rapidly changing situations.
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“EMS professionals do not need to be licensed or certified.”
- EMS providers must be licensed and certified, with ongoing education to maintain their credentials.
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“EMS does not have specialized roles.”
- There are specialized roles within EMS, such as critical care transport and tactical EMS.
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“EMS providers only work alone.”
- They often collaborate with other emergency services, such as the police and fire departments, during emergencies.
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“EMS professionals do not experience burnout.”
- EMS workers face a high risk of burnout due to the physical and emotional demands of the job.
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“EMS professionals do not have to deal with paperwork.”
- Documentation is a significant part of their job, including patient care reports and legal documentation.
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“EMS is not a science-based profession.”
- EMS relies on medical science and evidence-based practices to provide effective care.
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“EMS only deals with emergencies on the road.”
- They also respond to incidents at homes, workplaces, and all kinds of terrain.
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“EMS professionals do not use technology.”
- They use various technologies, including defibrillators, portable monitors, iPads, and electronic patient care reporting systems.
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“EMS professionals cannot perform advanced procedures.”
- Paramedics can perform advanced procedures like intubation, intravenous therapy, and needle decompression.
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“EMS is a low-risk job.”
- EMS professionals face significant risks, including exposure to violence, traffic accidents, and hazardous materials.
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“EMS professionals are not involved in emergency planning.”
- They play a vital role in community emergency preparedness and planning.
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“EMS providers do not need to understand pharmacology.”
- Knowledge of pharmacology is essential for safely administering medications.
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“EMS professionals do not provide care for chronic conditions.”
- They often manage acute exacerbations of chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes.
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“EMS professionals do not need to know about human behavior.”
- Understanding human behavior is crucial for managing patients in distress or crisis.
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“EMS is just for young people.”
- People of all ages can have fulfilling careers in EMS, with experience often being an asset.
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“EMS professionals do not have leadership roles.”
- EMS offers numerous leadership opportunities, from field training officers to supervisors and administrators.
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“EMS providers do not need continuing education.”
- Continuous education is required to maintain certifications and to stay updated on medical advancements.
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“EMS is only about physical health.”
- EMS also addresses mental health crises and provides emotional support to patients.
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“EMS professionals do not need to know local geography.”
- Knowing the local area is critical for navigating efficiently to emergency scenes.
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“EMS professionals aren’t part of the healthcare system.”
- EMS professionals are absolutely healthcare professionals. EMS is an integral part of the healthcare system, providing essential pre-hospital care.
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“EMS professionals do not need interpersonal skills.”
- Strong interpersonal skills are essential for communicating with patients, families, and other healthcare providers.
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“EMS workers do not need to understand medical ethics.”
- Knowledge of medical ethics is crucial for making informed decisions in complex situations.
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“EMS is only about emergency response.”
- EMS also involves preventive care, community education, and public safety initiatives.
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“EMS professionals do not face legal issues.”
- They must be aware of legal responsibilities and potential liabilities, including patient consent and confidentiality.
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“EMS professionals do not need cultural competency.”
- Cultural competency is essential for providing respectful and effective care to diverse populations.
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“EMS is just a job, not a career.”
- Many EMS professionals view their work as a calling and have long, rewarding careers.
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“EMS workers can refuse a call.”
- EMS providers must respond to all calls and provide care.
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“EMS workers do not need ongoing education.”
- Continuing education and training are essential to keep skills and knowledge current.
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“EMS is just about treating the patient.”
- They also need to consider and address the safety of the scene and others involved.
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“EMS does not involve community interaction.“
- They often engage with the community through education and outreach.
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“EMS organizations are for-profit.”
- Many EMS organizations are non-profit. Cetronia Ambulance Corps has been a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the community since 1955.
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“EMS workers can use sirens whenever they would like.”
- The use of sirens and emergency lights on an ambulance is regulated by state and local laws and EMS protocols.
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“You do not need to pull over on the road for an ambulance with lights and sirens.“
- Pennsylvania’s Move Over Law requires drivers to pull over for emergency vehicles with flashing lights and sirens.
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“A Cetronia Ambulance Corps subscription means you will not receive a bill.”
- A Cetronia Ambulance Corps subscription helps reduce out-of-pocket costs for emergency medical services, but it does not guarantee that you won’t receive a bill. To learn more about how a subscription can provide financial peace of mind, visit Cetronia’s Subscription Program.
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“EMTs and Paramedics are the same.”
- EMTs and paramedics have different levels of training and responsibilities, with paramedics providing more advanced care.
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“All EMS calls result in a trip to the hospital.”
- Not all EMS calls lead to hospital transport. EMS professionals assess each situation and provide the appropriate care, whether it’s on-site treatment or advising alternative options. The goal is to deliver the right care at the right time.