Paramedic
Career Overview
Paramedics are first responders who provide emergency medical care to people in urgent need. They work on the front lines of healthcare, often arriving at the scene of accidents, medical emergencies, or disasters to provide immediate care. Paramedics are trained to handle a variety of medical situations. Unlike emergency medical technicians (EMTs), paramedics have more advanced training and can perform more complex procedures like administering medications and advanced airway management.
Daily Responsibilities
Respond quickly to emergency calls, assessing the situation and determining the best course of action
Administer treatments, including CPR, medication, and wound care
Monitor patients’ vital signs, like heart rate and blood pressure
Safely transport patients to hospitals while continuing to provide care
Communicate with hospital staff to hand off patient information upon arrival
Education and Training
Optional Undergraduate Education - Associate Degree [2 years]
Paramedic Program - Advanced training [1-2 years]
Licensure - National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exams
Salary
Entry Level: $35,000 - $45,000
Experienced: $50,000 - $70,000+
Job Outlook
With more people living in urban areas, the frequency of emergencies requiring paramedic services is likely to rise, ensuring a steady demand for skilled paramedics.
Skills and Qualities
Calm under pressure
Quick thinking
Strong communication skills
Physical stamina
Compassion
Related Careers
EMT (Emergency Medical Technician)
Firefighter Paramedic
Critical Care Paramedic
Flight Paramedic
Emergency Room Nurse
Health and Safety Officer
Additional Resources
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0k6tWrISBM
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/paramedic
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paramedic