Emergency Medical Service (EMS) in Upper Austria - A Guide for Volunteers
Created | Updated Sep 3, 2009
Introduction
In the whole country of Austria the Emergency Medical Service is a concern of each municipality, which means, that the communities have to care for each citizen if something happens. In Upper Austria, the fourth largest state of Austria with about 1.4 million inhabitants, each and every community devolves this task unto an organization or company, which again has to install and operate an area-covering EMS. There are altogether two NPOs (Non-Profit-Organizations) and two companies, which fulfill this regulation. On the one hand, there is the Austrian Red Cross (ORK) and the Worker’s Samaritan Association (ASBO), on the one hand, there are the companies Austrian Green Cross (Hofer) and Stadler. The last ones won’t be mentioned any further, because both of them are relatively small and can only be found in two communities. Furthermore, as being companies, both of them do not base on volunteer work.
Definitions:
First of all it should be mentioned, that the English language doesn’t offer an exact translation to several terms, which are used in the Austrian Emergency Medical Service. Of course, there are terms like Paramedic or Emergency Medical Technician bit a literal translation for “Rettungssanitaeter” or “Notfallsanitaeter” does not exist. Both titles are defined by their skills. To create a higher level of legibility the term 1st grade paramedic for “Rettungssanitaeter” and 2nd grade paramedic for “Notfallsanitaeter” will be used.
Ambulance cars
In Austria there are also different vehicles used in the Emergency Medical Service. Nevertheless, only the terms “ambulance cars” and “helicopter” will be used.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training
On the 1st of July in 2002 a uniformed law was first installed, which regulates training and work of the new profession called “Sanitaeter” (=paramedic). The so-called “paramedic law” defines the different classes of paramedics, their fields of work, their duties and, of course, the training. In Austria there are two different types of Emergency Medical Technicians. On the one hand, there is the so-called “Rettungssanitaeter” (literally: “Rescue Medical Technician), on the other hand we find the “Notfallsanitaeter” (literally: “Emergency Medical Technician”). Since these terms are not as conclusive as they should be, we will stick to the titles 1st grade paramedic and 2nd grade paramedic.
1st grade paramedics
Skills
The 1st grade paramedic can be seen as the basis of Emergency Medical Service in Austria. Every ambulance car in the country is operated by at least two of them. The 1st grade paramedic has to treat and care for injured or ill persons or other persons in need before and during the transportation to the doctor or hospital. He knows how to use devices such as suction units, automatic external defibrillators and haemodynamometers (device to find out a person’s blood pressure), he is allowed to administer oxygen to the patient, to perform blood sugar measurements and to supervise and stop infusions. Furthermore he is trained in different techniques of extrication, splinting, wound care and assisting a doctor. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and knowledge about intoxications, illnesses, injuries and geriatric and pediatric emergencies are also part of his skills. To sum up, the 1st grade paramedic is the professional, well equipped and experienced version of a first aider.
Training
The paramedic law of Austria dictates at least 260 hours training, of which 100 have to be in theory and 160 in practice. During the 100 hours of the theory course, applicants are thought in human anatomy, diseases, injuries, intoxications, pregnancy and birth, theory of medical devices, legal affairs and emergency services. They are also instructed in coping larger emergency scenarios and disaster relief. During the theoretical training applicants usually have to undergo several interim audits and one final exam. After having passed the final exam, they become trainees and are allowed to begin their practical training. Trainees are on active service on an ambulance car and do basically the same work as every other 1st grade paramedic, except they are supervised by the other two paramedics within the team. Beside the regular ambulance service, trainees have the opportunity to practice what they have learned. After the 160 hours of practice the chief in command can suggest the trainees for the so-called “Freistellung”. This is the official end of the practical training and a special type of service. The trainee has to perform another service on the ambulance car, in which he is again accompanied by two paramedics. The difference to former services is that he now is not only supervised but monitored and assessed. If his performance is rated as “suitable”, the trainee may run his very last exam. The final exam consists of a practical part, in which the examinee has to perform in different specific scenarios, and a theoretical part, which takes place in front of an assessment commission, which again consists of the EMT trainer, a representative of the state and a public health officer. After having passed the exam, the new 1st grade paramedic is allowed to work autonomous and on his own authority on the ambulance car. Law dictates him to attend 16 hours of further training within 2 years to keep his paramedic status. The Upper Austrian Red Cross claims its staff to attend 10 hours of further training every year and to service at least 144 hours on the ambulance car. (eg. one 12 hours shift each month)
2nd grade paramedics
Skills
Beside the regular ambulance car there are other special rescue means of transport. These can be a larger version of an ambulance car or a helicopter. All of these vehicles are operated by a doctor and at least one 2nd grade paramedic .
The 2nd grade paramedic’s field of work includes all duties and skills of the 1st grade paramedic. Furthermore the 2nd grade paramedic has to assist the doctor treating the patient, administer drugs and contribute to scientific work.
The paramedic law knows different levels of 2nd grade paramedics. 2nd grade paramedics on the basic level are allowed to administer a number of drugs. Paramedics on the second level are in addition to it allowed to perform venipuncture. Third level paramedics finally are allowed to perform intubation.
Training
To become 2nd grade paramedic one has to be 1st grade paramedic and to undergo additional training of at least 480 hours. 160 hours have to be theoretical instruction. The rest is an internship in a hospital of at least 40 hours and 280 hours practical service which is supervised by an emergency doctor. Afterwards there again is a final exam in front of an assessment commission.
Voluntary work
As already mentioned Emergency Medical Service in Upper Austria is a branch of volunteers. Over 85 % of all 1st grade paramedics are Emergency Medical Technicians in their leisure time. EMS is an extraordinary hobby for many different people. Every single service brings along interesting encounters and exciting challenges. Soft skills are as necessary as steady nerves. EMS is a good opportunity to develop and redefine oneself. There are only a few requirements to become a 1st grade paramedic. One has to be at least 18 years old, bodily and mentally fit and he or she has to be able to speak German.
So if you are as well interested in human medicine as in helping other people, if you like varied tasks and thrilling challenges and if you want to be part of a large international organization which offers you the possibility to learn new things about yourself, inform yourself today on http://www.roteskreuz.at or http://www.samariterbund.net.
In the whole country of Austria the Emergency Medical Service is a concern of each municipality, which means, that the communities have to care for each citizen if something happens. In Upper Austria, the fourth largest state of Austria with about 1.4 million inhabitants, each and every community devolves this task unto an organization or company, which again has to install and operate an area-covering EMS. There are altogether two NPOs (Non-Profit-Organizations) and two companies, which fulfill this regulation. On the one hand, there is the Austrian Red Cross (ORK) and the Worker’s Samaritan Association (ASBO), on the one hand, there are the companies Austrian Green Cross (Hofer) and Stadler. The last ones won’t be mentioned any further, because both of them are relatively small and can only be found in two communities. Furthermore, as being companies, both of them do not base on volunteer work.
Definitions:
First of all it should be mentioned, that the English language doesn’t offer an exact translation to several terms, which are used in the Austrian Emergency Medical Service. Of course, there are terms like Paramedic or Emergency Medical Technician bit a literal translation for “Rettungssanitaeter” or “Notfallsanitaeter” does not exist. Both titles are defined by their skills. To create a higher level of legibility the term 1st grade paramedic for “Rettungssanitaeter” and 2nd grade paramedic for “Notfallsanitaeter” will be used.
Ambulance cars
In Austria there are also different vehicles used in the Emergency Medical Service. Nevertheless, only the terms “ambulance cars” and “helicopter” will be used.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training
On the 1st of July in 2002 a uniformed law was first installed, which regulates training and work of the new profession called “Sanitaeter” (=paramedic). The so-called “paramedic law” defines the different classes of paramedics, their fields of work, their duties and, of course, the training. In Austria there are two different types of Emergency Medical Technicians. On the one hand, there is the so-called “Rettungssanitaeter” (literally: “Rescue Medical Technician), on the other hand we find the “Notfallsanitaeter” (literally: “Emergency Medical Technician”). Since these terms are not as conclusive as they should be, we will stick to the titles 1st grade paramedic and 2nd grade paramedic.
1st grade paramedics
Skills
The 1st grade paramedic can be seen as the basis of Emergency Medical Service in Austria. Every ambulance car in the country is operated by at least two of them. The 1st grade paramedic has to treat and care for injured or ill persons or other persons in need before and during the transportation to the doctor or hospital. He knows how to use devices such as suction units, automatic external defibrillators and haemodynamometers (device to find out a person’s blood pressure), he is allowed to administer oxygen to the patient, to perform blood sugar measurements and to supervise and stop infusions. Furthermore he is trained in different techniques of extrication, splinting, wound care and assisting a doctor. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and knowledge about intoxications, illnesses, injuries and geriatric and pediatric emergencies are also part of his skills. To sum up, the 1st grade paramedic is the professional, well equipped and experienced version of a first aider.
Training
The paramedic law of Austria dictates at least 260 hours training, of which 100 have to be in theory and 160 in practice. During the 100 hours of the theory course, applicants are thought in human anatomy, diseases, injuries, intoxications, pregnancy and birth, theory of medical devices, legal affairs and emergency services. They are also instructed in coping larger emergency scenarios and disaster relief. During the theoretical training applicants usually have to undergo several interim audits and one final exam. After having passed the final exam, they become trainees and are allowed to begin their practical training. Trainees are on active service on an ambulance car and do basically the same work as every other 1st grade paramedic, except they are supervised by the other two paramedics within the team. Beside the regular ambulance service, trainees have the opportunity to practice what they have learned. After the 160 hours of practice the chief in command can suggest the trainees for the so-called “Freistellung”. This is the official end of the practical training and a special type of service. The trainee has to perform another service on the ambulance car, in which he is again accompanied by two paramedics. The difference to former services is that he now is not only supervised but monitored and assessed. If his performance is rated as “suitable”, the trainee may run his very last exam. The final exam consists of a practical part, in which the examinee has to perform in different specific scenarios, and a theoretical part, which takes place in front of an assessment commission, which again consists of the EMT trainer, a representative of the state and a public health officer. After having passed the exam, the new 1st grade paramedic is allowed to work autonomous and on his own authority on the ambulance car. Law dictates him to attend 16 hours of further training within 2 years to keep his paramedic status. The Upper Austrian Red Cross claims its staff to attend 10 hours of further training every year and to service at least 144 hours on the ambulance car. (eg. one 12 hours shift each month)
2nd grade paramedics
Skills
Beside the regular ambulance car there are other special rescue means of transport. These can be a larger version of an ambulance car or a helicopter. All of these vehicles are operated by a doctor and at least one 2nd grade paramedic .
The 2nd grade paramedic’s field of work includes all duties and skills of the 1st grade paramedic. Furthermore the 2nd grade paramedic has to assist the doctor treating the patient, administer drugs and contribute to scientific work.
The paramedic law knows different levels of 2nd grade paramedics. 2nd grade paramedics on the basic level are allowed to administer a number of drugs. Paramedics on the second level are in addition to it allowed to perform venipuncture. Third level paramedics finally are allowed to perform intubation.
Training
To become 2nd grade paramedic one has to be 1st grade paramedic and to undergo additional training of at least 480 hours. 160 hours have to be theoretical instruction. The rest is an internship in a hospital of at least 40 hours and 280 hours practical service which is supervised by an emergency doctor. Afterwards there again is a final exam in front of an assessment commission.
Voluntary work
As already mentioned Emergency Medical Service in Upper Austria is a branch of volunteers. Over 85 % of all 1st grade paramedics are Emergency Medical Technicians in their leisure time. EMS is an extraordinary hobby for many different people. Every single service brings along interesting encounters and exciting challenges. Soft skills are as necessary as steady nerves. EMS is a good opportunity to develop and redefine oneself. There are only a few requirements to become a 1st grade paramedic. One has to be at least 18 years old, bodily and mentally fit and he or she has to be able to speak German.
So if you are as well interested in human medicine as in helping other people, if you like varied tasks and thrilling challenges and if you want to be part of a large international organization which offers you the possibility to learn new things about yourself, inform yourself today on http://www.roteskreuz.at or http://www.samariterbund.net.
