What does a paramedic do?

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by Kate Simmons >> more about the author

When a person needs emergency medical help, paramedics may be called to the scene. Paramedics are medical professionals who treat patients requiring immediate help. Not only do paramedics give medical care to people on the spot, they often transport patients to the hospital (for example, by ambulance), continuing to treat them while they are en-route to their destination!

Paramedics perform important, at times life-saving procedures, such as starting an IV so patients can receive fluids, conducting CPR, inserting a breathing tube, and giving medications. Many paramedics are firefighters, as these community helpers can sometimes arrive on the scene faster than can hospital paramedics.

In addition to providing medical care, paramedics must perform important behind-the-scenes jobs, such as driving an ambulance, cleaning and sterilizing an area once the patient has been treated and moved, and making sure all equipment is in tip-top shape, replacing supplies when necessary.

Paramedics stay calm under pressure and pay attention to the details that can make a difference when it comes to helping those who are sick. Thank goodness for the patience, care, and expertise of paramedics!

People sometimes confuse paramedics with medical workers called EMTs (emergency medical technicians). A paramedic is an advanced-level EMT. While an EMT can perform important basic life support tasks, such as CPR, giving oxygen, and stopping bleeding, a paramedic receives more training and can perform advanced life support duties.

For example, a paramedic may have access to more complex medical supplies and equipment, enabling him or her to do jobs such as administering medicine through an IV, and reading an EKG (electrocardiogram), which checks the heart’s electrical activity. However, when it comes to saving lives, no job is too small! Both EMTs and paramedics perform crucial roles to ensure that patients get the care they need!