What is the difference between an EMT and a Paramedic?
  In Wisconsin, there are several levels of pre-hospital emergency response. 

First aid/CPR - very minimal training. Babysitters, coaches, teachers take general first aid courses in order to recognize and initiate the emergency medical service system. Generally classes run from 4 to 16 hours.

First Responders - 
This level of training is designed for the person who is often first at the scene. Many police officers, firefighters and industrial health personnel are certified EMS First Responders. The emphasis is on activating the EMS system and providing immediate care for life threatening injuries, controlling the scene and preparing for the arrival of the ambulance (Brady 10th Edition) First Responders initiate patient care with limited equipment and interventions. First Responders are also trained in CPR and the use of the AED. One of the biggest industries that utilize a first responder program in their daily operations in Waukesha County is Quad Graphics. Training time is a minimum of 45 hours of training in basic emergency response. Generally first responders do not transport patients. 

EMT-Basic - In most areas, the EMT-Basic is considered the minimum level of certification for ambulance personnel. Certification as an EMT-Basic requires successful competition of the U.S. DOT"s EMT Basic National Standard Training Program. The curriculum for the EMT-B deals with the assessment and care of the ill or injured patient. (Brady 10th Edition) EMT-Basics in Wisconsin are trained with additional advanced skills and interventions. Initial training for EMT-Basics is 144 hours. Just a few years ago, most ambulance service providers were EMT-Basic. Wisconsin then added an additional level of service and now most Waukesha County services are at providing care at the EMT-Basic IV Tech Level

EMT-Basic IV Tech - This is a unique specialized level started in Wisconsin. Several other states are now reviewing the program and considering adding this level in their response. EMT- Basic IV Techs are able to do everything the EMT-Basic is able to do as well as start IVs and give 3 additional medications that the Basic is not able to intervene with. The additional medications include Nitro for specific cardiac emergencies, Dextrose for diabetic emergencies and Narcan for certain overdose emergencies. An additional 100 hours of schooling is required to move from EMT Basic to EMT IV Tech. 

EMT-Intermediate - 

The EMT-Intermediate has passed specific additional training programs in order to provide some level of advanced life support. They are able to intervene with additional medications for certain emergencies and they are able to use advance airway techniques to secure a patients airway. 
EMT-Paramedic - Paramedics can generally perform relatively invasive field care including insertion of endotracheal tubes, administration of many medications that are given in the emergency department, interpretation of electrocardio grams, defibrillation, pacing and cardioversion. Paramedics have the access to many interventions and medications and training, which enable them to perform at a more advanced level
It takes approximately 1100 hours of instruction to finish the paramedic program in Wisconsin. Hours may vary depending on clinical and field experiences. 

How much time and schooling does it take to become an EMT or FF?
The state of Wisconsin has set curriculums set up for both areas of study. The State of Wisconsin follows the U.S. Department of Transportation National Standard Curriculum and adds Wisconsin specific skills and interventions. 
The EMT - Basic course is 144 hours of instruction

The EMT-Basic IV Tech course is a 100 hours (in addition to the initial basic course)

The EMT-Intermediate course is approximately 350 hours (in addition to the initial basic course

The EMT-Paramedic course is approximately 1200 hours (in addition to the initial basic course)

EMTs are responsibility for continuing education every year. Licenses expire every two years. At the Basic level, continuing education includes a 30-hour refresher course and 48 hours of additional training in various topic areas. Much of the continuing education is handled each month with department trainings. 

What level of service does my area cover?
The Wales Genesee Fire Department is currently licensed at the EMT- Basic IV Tech level. Some members are licensed at the Basic level, but several members have gone on to receive additional training in order for Wales Genesee to provide a higher level of service. Wales Genesee also works closely with the City of Delafield Fire Department, which is a paramedic service. During certain emergencies, City of Delafield Paramedics are automatically called to the scene to work with Wales Genesee EMTs.

Do EMTs and Firefighters sleep at the station?
Currently our new station will have 3 dormitories available for members to use as sleeping quarters. Most of the members respond to the fire station from their homes or businesses. The dorms will be available for members who live a longer distance away and can't make it to the fire station within 5 minutes.

Are all the firefighters/EMTs full time?
Wales Genesee has 2 full time employees. 

The Fire Chief - hours vary


A FF/EMT Administrative Assistant - Monday - Friday 8:00 - 4:30 

All other members volunteer their time. Most of the members work at a profession outside of the Wales Genesee Area. 

When should I call 911?
Anytime you think you are having an emergency or if you witness something or someone in trouble. In many emergencies such as a heart attack or a stroke, time is critical and the earlier EMS is notified, the better it is for the patient. There are many early interventions that are able to be done if signs and symptoms are recognized.