earticle

영어

Purpose: The emergency medical service (EMS) system in Japan is similar to that in Korea. This studyreviewed the development of paramedics who are major personnel in the respective EMS system of theircountry. Methods: We searched law for paramedics and publications in J-stage, MEDLINE and the webpage ofJapan's Fire and Disaster Management Agency. Results: Paramedic training had started in Japan in 1991, and most paramedics were employed in firedepartments. In Japan, ambulances belonging to fire department are staffed by a three-person unit,including at least one paramedic. Medical control advisory boards were established in all Japaneseprefectures in 2003 with the purpose of upgrading the activities of ambulance personnel, includingparamedics. The scope of paramedics' work has been widened owing to the continued efforts of medicalcontrol advisory boards. This allows them to perform invasive procedures including tracheal intubation,intravenous line placement, and epinephrine administration under medical control of a physician. Conclusion: As paramedics' responsibilities expand, further development of the paramedic role and aneffective medical control advisory board system are imperative both Korea and Japan.