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Emergency Medical Services -> Frequently Asked Questions Photo Gallery | Frequently Asked Questions | Links | History | How many requests for service does PCEMS Respond to each year?
How many ambulances does PCEMS have?
How many ambulances are on duty at a time?
How many stations does PCEMS operate? 3 Stations
How many employees does PCEMS have?
How are the ambulances Staffed?
How do you apply for a job at PCEMS?
Download an application, fill it out completely and sign it. Return it by mail or fax to PCEMS, Attention C Shift Supervisor. See the Employment Opportunities page for more information. (link here)Include the following copies with the application:
What is an EMT?
An EMT receives approximately 300 hours of classroom instruction and clinical training. They are trained in basic management of traumatic injuries, medical emergencies, childbirth, emergency vehicle operations, hazardous material awareness, scene awareness, legal and ethical issues, patient assessment, bandaging, splinting, airway maintenance, CPR, patient moving and limited administration of drugs. We also require EMT’s to receive additional training to establish and maintain IV’s. Tennessee Technological University conducts these classes through the Extended Education Department. EMT’s are licensed professionals. They must pass a nationally recognized test to be licensed by the State of Tennessee. They must maintain a certain amount of training to keep their license. What is a Paramedic? A Paramedic must first be an EMT. Ideally, an EMT will work for 1-year prior to apply for Paramedic School to gain additional patient contacts and experience. The EMT will then apply to a Paramedic Program. The applicant must take an EMT test, Psychological Test (MMPI), general college placement test. The applicant must then appear before the Paramedic Review Board. This is an interview process that is conducted by the school. The Paramedic Review Board is made up of EMS Educators, State EMS Consultant, EMS Administrators, Paramedics and Representative from a local hospital. The board then grades the applicants and an appropriate number of students are accepted into the program. The program itself is 3 semesters, approximately 12 months. The students are subjected to over 1000 hours of didactic and clinical instruction. The students receive instruction in anatomy, physiology, medical math, pharmacology, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, Pre hospital Trauma Life Support, CPR, Cardiac monitoring, electrical therapy, advanced airway techniques, intravenous access techniques. Paramedics are well versed to manage a variety of medical and traumatic emergencies. Paramedics are professionals Licensed by the State of Tennessee. On completing training they must sit for a nationally standardized test to become licensed. They are also required to complete continuing education to keep their license. Paramedics may work: a ground ambulance, air ambulance (fixed or rotor wing), Emergency Department, industrial, fire department, some law enforcement agencies, some clinic settings, perform screening physicals and other job opportunities How is PCEMS funded? PCEMS is funded by Putnam County Government through the County General Operating Fund. PCEMS bills insurance companies and patient’s directly to recover the majority of our operating expenses. PCEMS will recover approximately 80% of the money appropriated by the county to run the service. What does PCEMS Charge for Service?
How are charge rates established?
The Putnam County Commission sets the rates that are charged. The Commission sets this rate based on current Medicare allowable rates. Why does an ambulance show up when I call for the Fire Department? PCEMS responds in support of the local fire departments on structure fires and other hazardous operations. We respond to ensure the safety of the firefighters and victims. Why does someone else show up with the ambulance? PCEMS works with a variety of other local agencies that provided medical first responders. These first responders are trained and equipped to deal with medical emergencies until EMS arrives. They also assist EMS with manpower, multiple patients, and extrication. The purpose of first responders is to get help to the patient as soon as possible in an emergency. Many of these responders carry defibrillators to “restart” someone heart if it stops. Different agencies/responders bring different capabilities and equipment to the scene. There is no competition between the agencies; we all have one goal, to render the best possible care to the patient in the quickest most efficient manner. Some of the First Responding Agencies we work with are: Cookeville Fire Department:
Monterey Fire Department:
Baxter First Responders:
Algood First Responders:
CPR/AED Responders:
These agencies have a limited number of responders within their department that are trained to perform CPR and equipped with a defibrillator.
Will PCEMS do talks for schools and civic groups?
We regularly receive and fulfill requests from the public for different educational talks. We talk to civic groups, schools, clubs, scouting groups and others. We try to accommodate any requests that we receive. Talks can be arranged for children, teens and adults. These can include a “show and tell” session with the ambulance. What can be covered in these talks? We tailor these talks to the group that request the talk. Do you offer CPR classes? PCEMS teaches a number of CPR classes each year. We provide free classes to entities that purchase AEDs that will be deployed in Putnam County. This is a join effort with Cookeville Fire Department. If you desire a class that is not related to an onsite AED, contact the Public Education Department, they will assist you in setting up a class. Several of our off-duty Paramedics teach the class. |