Can an EMT who has completed the ALS Assist Training Program assist a paramedic in the use of CPAP?

A trained EMT who has completed the ALS Assist Training Program can indeed assist a paramedic with the use of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). The role of the EMT in this situation involves supporting the paramedic by preparing the equipment, positioning the patient, and monitoring the patient’s response to the therapy while the paramedic maintains overall control of the procedure and decision-making.

In Massachusetts, the protocols allow trained EMTs to assist in advanced air management tasks, including the application of CPAP, under the direction and supervision of a paramedic. This reflects an understanding that teamwork in emergency medical services improves patient outcomes, and EMTs are equipped with a foundational knowledge to contribute effectively to advanced procedures.

To summarize, the correct response is that an EMT, having completed the necessary ALS training, is indeed permitted to assist in the use of CPAP, aligning with the collaborative and hierarchical structure of emergency medical care where paramedics lead while EMTs support.