What is the primary responsibility of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Orange County, Florida?

The primary responsibility of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Orange County, Florida, is to provide pre-hospital emergency care and transportation. EMS is specifically designed to deliver immediate medical assistance in emergency situations, ensuring that patients receive timely care before reaching a hospital. This includes assessing patients’ conditions, administering critical interventions, and safely transporting them to medical facilities where they can receive further treatment.

Pre-hospital emergency care encompasses various activities, such as stabilizing patients, managing airway issues, controlling bleeding, and addressing medical emergencies. The transportation aspect ensures that patients are moved efficiently and safely, with ongoing care during transit, which is crucial for the best possible outcomes in emergencies.

While fire and rescue services, health education programs, and managing public health emergencies are important functions within the broader public safety and health framework, they do not represent the core function of EMS, which focuses on immediate medical intervention and transportation for individuals facing acute health crises.