What’s the difference between a paramedic and an ambulance driver?

Emergency Medical Services professionals object to the term “ambulance driver”.  The education and training required to work as a paramedic can take a full year to achieve and cost in excess of $6000.  Additionally, the Sun Prairie paramedics dedicate themselves to serving the community at great personal sacrifice including loss of family time, a job that is inherently dangerous, and considerable physical and mental stresses.  The City of Sun Prairie is committed to providing its citizens the highest possible pre-hospital medical care, and so all Sun Prairie EMS employees are state-certified paramedics; many have also earned the distinction of being Nationally Registered Paramedics through the NREMT.

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1. What does EMS stand for?
2. Where did the Star of Life symbol on ambulances come from?
3. What should the public know about Paramedics?
4. What do I do while driving when an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and sirens on?
5. What’s the difference between a paramedic and an ambulance driver?
6. Why do I see the paramedics in the grocery store when they’re on duty?
7. Why does more than just an ambulance come when I call 911?
8. Sometimes the ambulance drives with lights and sirens, and sometimes they don't. What's the difference?
9. Why don’t the paramedics run to treat patients?
10. Do I get to choose which hospital you take me to?
11. If I or someone I care for has special medical needs, how do I let the Paramedics know?
12. If I go to the hospital in the ambulance, will I be seen by a doctor sooner?
13. How do I become a paramedic?