(a) Upon certification by the department, emergency medical technicians may do any of the following:

(1) Render first-aid and resuscitation services as taught in the United States Department of Transportation basic training courses for emergency medical technicians or an equivalent course approved by the department; and

(2) Upon the order of a duly licensed physician, administer approved intravenous solutions.

(b) While in training preparatory to becoming certified, emergency medical technician trainees may perform any of the functions specified in this Code section under the direct supervision of a duly licensed physician or a registered nurse.