Paramedics

Paramedics provide advanced emergency medical care for critical and emergent patients who access the emergency medical system. Paramedics have the complex knowledge and skills necessary to provide patient care and transportation. Paramedics function as part of a comprehensive EMS response, under medical oversight. Paramedics perform interventions with the basic and advanced equipment typically found on an ambulance. The Paramedic is a link from the scene into the health care system.

[From the: National EMS Scope of Practice Model]

Respond to 911 calls for emergency medical assistance, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or bandaging a wound
Assess a patient’s condition and determine a course of treatment
Provide first-aid treatment or life support care to sick or injured patients
Transport patients safely in an ambulance
Transfer patients to the emergency department of a hospital or other healthcare facility
Report their observations and treatment to physicians, nurses, or other healthcare facility staff
Document medical care given to patients

Employment opportunities can be found in

Ambulance services
Local government including cities and town
Medical and surgical hospitals

Education and training requirements

A certificate (non-degree) training program is required to become an emergency medical technicians. Paramedics receive more advanced training than an EMTs. Individuals must first be certified and worked an an EMT before entering a paramedic training program.

Paramedics are also expected to have

Compassion. Paramedics must be able to provide emotional support to patients in an emergency, especially patients who are in life-threatening situations or extreme mental distress.
Interpersonal skills. Paramedics work on teams and must be able to coordinate their activities closely with others in stressful situations.
Listening skills. Paramedics need to listen to patients to determine the extent of their injuries or illnesses.
Physical strength. Paramedics need to be physically fit. Their job requires a lot of bending, lifting, and kneeling.