Final answer:
A medical director, who is a physician, is responsible for authorizing EMTs to perform their duties. Paramedics, with extensive training, report to the medical director and serve in different emergency response settings.
Step-by-step explanation:
The person responsible for authorizing Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) to perform is often a medical director. A medical director is typically a physician who oversees the clinical practices and protocols for emergency medical services. Under the direction of the medical director, EMTs and paramedics perform critical roles in emergency response, providing lifesaving care and treatments in the field. Paramedics, who undergo 2-4 years of training, including experience as EMTs, have a greater scope of practice than EMTs and can administer a wider range of emergency drugs and medical interventions. They work in various settings and under different employment options, such as hospital-sponsored ambulances and fire departments. A medical director ensures that they adhere to the required standards of care and protocols during their services.