Who is the physician that authorizes EMTs to provide medical care in the field?

The medical director is the physician who has the authority to oversee and direct the emergency medical services (EMS) operations in a specific area. This individual provides the medical protocols and guidelines that EMTs must follow when providing care in the field. The medical director is responsible for ensuring that EMTs are properly trained and that their actions align with current standards of medical practice. By establishing protocols and overseeing the quality of care being provided, the medical director plays a crucial role in the operational framework of EMS. This authority includes licenses, as well as delegating medical responsibilities, thereby allowing EMTs to perform necessary medical interventions while in the field.