When a person says "the EMTs will be arriving soon", he is most likely referring to EMTs at the basic level. EMT-B's ride in the back of the ambulance and work in hospitals. In an EMT-Basic class, you will learn how to take care of patients with respiratory, cardiac and trauma-related problems. This level of certification usually requires about 150 hours of classroom instruction, an eight-hour hospital clinical, an eight-hour ambulance clinical, and the passing of a written and practical exam.
The amount of training at the intermediate level varies by state, but it is usually in the range of 300 to 350 hours. At this level, EMT candidates learn how to use advanced airway devices, intravenous fluids and some medications. Like the EMT-B's, EMT-Intermediates usually work in the back of an ambulance or a hospital.
This is the highest level of EMT Certification. Paramedics also work on ambulances and in hospitals, but they are only used in extreme circumstances. Paramedics are trained in anatomy and advanced medical skills and are allowed to administer medicines, such as morphine. An EMT-Paramedic class usually takes between 1 and 2 years to complete.