Final answer:
EMTs can administer medications like oxygen and oral glucose but cannot carry prescription medications such as insulin. Insulin is used to decrease blood glucose levels after consuming carbohydrates.
Step-by-step explanation:
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) play a critical role in prehospital emergency care and are trained to provide various life-saving interventions. One of their capabilities includes administering medications in emergency situations under direct medical oversight or established protocols. They can provide oxygen, oral glucose, and assist patients with their Metered Dose Inhalers (MDIs) for conditions like asthma. However, carrying certain medications such as insulin is typically outside their scope of practice, as insulin is a prescription medication that is usually administered by the patients themselves or by advanced medical professionals such as paramedics or nurses.
Insulin is a crucial hormone produced by the pancreas that allows for the transport and storage of glucose. It acts to decrease blood glucose levels after a person consumes meals with carbohydrates, thus helping to maintain normal glucose levels in the body. Without insulin, glucose remains in the bloodstream, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.