Paramedic

A paramedic is a health professional who provides advanced medical care in emergencies for patients in critical condition. They possess the complex skills and knowledge required to provide patient transportation and care, and act as the link between the accident scene and health care system. Paramedics play a critical role in helping to save lives during emergency situations.

Education

To become a paramedic, you will need an EMT-B certification. There are 4 levels: EMR (Emergency Medial Responder), EMT (Emergency Medical Technician), AEMT (Advanced Emergency Medical Technician), and Paramedic. You will also need to get your CPR certification, although it may be part of the EMT course. Most community colleges offer EMT-B classes, and you can find descriptions of many programs online (https://www.emergencycareny.com/emt_training.html and https://www.unitekeducation.com/emt-training/ for example). You will then need to take the National Registry EMT-B exam. This is a computer adaptive test and can be very challenging. It adjusts the difficulty of its questions based on how you’ve answered the questions earlier. Its ultimate goal is to establish the level of your knowledge. If you pass this exam, you can go right into Paramedic training. You will need to get IV-certified (typically by a class) and take an EKG interpretation class. Some programs may require you to pass Physiology and Advanced Human Anatomy classes. You also need to get certified in Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support and Advanced Cardiac Life Support. Before you take the paramedic exam, make you study very hard. It is a very difficult exam and quite comprehensive. Once you get your paramedic license, it is time to search for a job. Your local ambulance company may allow you to ride along during one of their shifts which will help you get your foot in the door.

Job Description

Paramedics respond to emergency medical calls immediately. They will attend emergencies including sudden illness, road casualties, minor injuries, fires, criminal violence, and other incidents. They may have to stabilize a patient, use equipment such as a defibrillator, administer drugs, intravenous drips and oxygen, or apply spinal splints. They generally work in a two person ambulance crew, although some will work alone in an emergency response car, bicycle or motorbike. A paramedic’s day is always different, and some typical work activities include: carrying out surgical procedures (such as intubation) when necessary, assisting with patient care in health care centres or hospitals, providing immediate treatment on the scene or en route to the hospital, and driving an ambulance. Generally, a paramedic’s day is responding to numerous emergency situations while using their expertise to save as many lives as possible.

Pros & Cons

One of the biggest advantages the paramedic profession provides is the ability to constantly help people. As a paramedic, you will be directly involved with assisting someone in need and you are often saving the life of a complete stranger. This is a phenomenal feeling and really makes you feel like you are making a difference. Paramedics also have a good job outlook and pay. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the job market for paramedics and EMTs is expected to grow by 33% over the next decade. The more training you have, the more your pay will be. You also do not need a college degree to become a paramedic, although you do need to take a lot of courses and undergo significant training. There are some negatives, however. Paramedics often work long shifts (sometimes even 24 hour shifts), and are generally in high pressure situations. Lack of sleep could affect how you respond in these situations. You may also experience difficult patients. Many people you are dealing with are having the worst day of their lives, and may not be cooperative or easy to deal with. There is also a risk for worked related illnesses and injuries. You will be doing a lot of lifting, bending, and kneeling, and you may come into contact with a patient’s spit, blood, or vomit.