Paramedic
A paramedic is a certified emergency medical technician, trained to respond quickly to trauma and medical emergencies and give competent care in pre-hospital settings. They perform medical emergency procedures working as an ambulance crewmember in the absence of a physician. They are responsible for stabilizing a person's condition, from the time they get there, during transportation by ambulance, until they get the patient to a medical emergency clinic or facility. Along with basic training, a paramedic has advanced training in trauma management, cardiology, patient assessment and pharmacology. Their advanced training includes cardiac monitoring, intravenous therapy, specialized rescue techniques, defibrillation and drug administration.
A paramedic works in many different environments, such as working on an emergency department healthcare team for a hospital or providing the necessary care to patients transferring from one facility to another. Some work in remote locations such as oilrigs, where they are often the primary caregiver or in very high-traffic areas, such as sporting events, concerts and casinos. They are on standby in case there are emergencies that require immediate medical attention or a trip to the emergency room in a hospital. When natural disasters occur, such as tornados and floods, they are often one of the first on the scene, helping where they can, treating, and transporting victims.
Paramedics work under a physician both through off-line control or standing protocols and through direct contact, via a radio or phone called on-line medical control. They have the ability to provide healthcare legally through the license of a medial doctor and receive guidance when making clinical decisions through protocols that physicians have written.
Common work activities include:
- Managing the inventory in emergency response vehicles including medical supplies, equipment and non-medical equipment.
- Responding to emergency call outs while on shift.
- Providing emergency medical treatments to victims of accidents, health conditions, or other disasters as per the directions of a physician.
- Communicating patient conditions through telecommunication devices to doctors located at local hospitals.
- Following through on treatments provided by the doctors including invasive and non-invasive procedures.
- Administering medications and medical treatments until the patients arrive at the hospital or treatment facility.
- Maintaining accurate records, files and reports on all medications used, patient information and other required documentation.
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