SOS Double Act

In most countries, an accident and emergency technician works alongside a paramedic. Technicians respond to emergency calls and make decisions on the treatment and transportation of patients. Technicians also perform basic emergency care and draw on a wide range of skills, including resuscitation, oxygen, some drug therapy, fracture, splintage, wound dressing and pain relief. Paramedics are trained to perform IV (intravenous) medication, ECGs (electrocardiographs) and other advanced emergency procedures.

Medical attention at the touch of two or three numbers is a relatively recent phenomenon in many countries. The system of emergency paramedics was launched in Japan in 1991. Similarly, paramedics were only introduced in Hong Kong eight years ago. In the United Kingdom, about one in twenty people will use the Accident and Emergency Ambulance Service each year.