Final answer:
Major improvements in emergency medical care include integration of EMS into continuous patient care, initiation of care at the scene, and educated prehospital professionals. The use of faster driving speeds is not a highlighted improvement, focusing instead on patient safety and skilled care before transport.
Step-by-step explanation:
Emergency medical care has developed significantly from the days when the local funeral home provided ambulance service to the current sophisticated Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system. Major improvements in emergency medical care over the years include EMS becoming part of the continuum of patient care, patient care beginning at the scene of the illness or injury, and prompt response from educated prehospital professionals. However, the option that does not represent an improvement in emergency medical care is use of faster driving speeds during an emergency response to the calls. The emphasis on speed has shifted towards ensuring the safety of both EMS providers and the public, as well as providing expedited and skilled care at the scene before a safe transport to the appropriate medical facility.
Today, paramedics are highly skilled professionals, often working under the supervision of a medical director and performing a variety of critical duties and emergency procedures. They typically require 2-4 years of training and possess a deep understanding of common medical problems, the ability to administer a wide range of emergency drugs, and proficiency in complex decision-making and teamwork.