Did someone just have a bad accident at work? Put down what you’re doing and call the ‘EMS.’ This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this acronym.
Meaning
The acronym ‘EMS’ stands for ‘Emergency Medical Services.’ It’s another term for a team of paramedics, usually transporting patients to a hospital with an ambulance or an airlift. The EMS provides urgent care to victims of accidents or life-threatening natural events, such as heart attacks. They stabilize the patient on-site and transport them to the hospital for further treatment and care.
It’s common for people to refer to EMS paramedics as ‘first-responders,’ ‘first aid squad,’ ‘emergency squad,’ ‘FAST squad,’ ‘ambulance squad,’ or other acronyms like ‘EMARS’ or ‘EMAS.’ The EMS is available to the public and usually requires a person to dial ‘911’ to activate the EMS team to the scene.
EMS teams operate in public and private medical systems, using a range of vehicles to reach scenes as fast as possible. EMS agencies may conduct non-emergency transport services for patients and offer technical rescue services.
Example Usage
“Oh my goodness, John just passed out in the store room and hit his head on the floor. He’s unconscious. Someone call the EMS and get a paramedic here ASAP.”
“Timmy was playing on the swing outside and fell off. He bumped his head, and he was feeling dizzy. I called the EMS. I don’t want to move him.”
“EMS first responders are the backbone of the medical system. Without them, there would be many more fatalities across all causes of mortality.”
“We rely on EMS paramedics when we experience a medical emergency. They’ll transport you to the hospital via ambulance and ensure you get the treatment you need en route to the facility.”
“As an EMS responder, it’s my duty to race through red traffic lights in my ambulance. There’s always a risk we’ll get in an accident and need an EMS team ourselves.”
Origin
The acronym 'EMS' originates from emergency field care rendered by medical specialists since the beginning of civilization. The first use of an ambulance as an emergency services vehicle occurred in the 1800s, thanks to the ambulances' volantes,' built and designed by the Frenchman Dominique Jean Larrey. Larrey was the chief surgeon of Napoleon Bonaparte's army.
Larrey got the idea after witnessing the 'Battle of Spires' between the Prussians and the French. He was distraught at the efficacy of the 'ambulances' working on the battlefield and went about designing a new, more efficient, and effective system for the battlefield.
The first ambulance was a horse-drawn wagon used to transport soldiers from the battlefield after receiving basic treatment to stabilize their condition. In 1794, the French 'Committee of Public Safety' approved Larrey's 'flying ambulance' project. The ambulances were fielded for the first time during battles at Milan, Udine, and Padua.
Phrases Similar to EMS
- Paramedics.
Phrases Opposite to EMS
- N/A.
What is the Correct Saying?
- EMS.
- Emergency Medical Services.
Ways People May Say EMS Incorrectly
The acronym ‘EMS’ means Emergency Medical Services. However, it can have several other meanings, such as ‘Environmental Management System.’ However, the most common use of the term is to describe emergency medical services or paramedics.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase EMS
You can use the acronym EMS when referring to Emergency Medical Services. EMS services are available throughout the United States through the 911 service and private medical care facilities and groups. The acronym suits professional and social use.
Use it at the office to ask someone to call for medical assistance if a staff member or customer experiences a medical emergency on-site. Use it at home or with friends when requesting the same facilities. Most people refer to EMS as an ‘ambulance’ when requesting medical help. It’s common for people to refer to ‘EMS’ as ‘paramedics.’