THE ROLE OF THE
PARAMEDIC
A Paramedic is a highly trained and skilled medical professional who
is educated to carry out some of the duties of a Physician. Paramedics
can examine, evaluate and treat patients with equipment and medications
usually only found in the emergency department of a hospital. Paramedics
are typically utilized as emergency care practitioners on ambulances
or on first response emergency vehicles but their scope is rapidly
expanding to many other areas. Some of these include industry, elementary
and high schools, colleges, hospitals, doctor's offices. More challenging
and higher paid positions include working in specialty areas such
as cruise ship medical departments, off shore oil drilling platforms,
helicopter or fixed wing medical transport and hyperbaric oxygen chambers.
Often they are the sole or highest trained medical provider in these
areas.
One of the latest and most exciting role
is HOSPITAL EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT PARAMEDIC in positions to assist
the physician. The Paramedics are not replacing nurses but augmenting
the critical care capabilities of the emergency department and Intensive
Care Units.
The origin of the word paramedic may have
come from the military, where highly trained medics parachuted into
emergency areas. Today the term is used to signify personnel who function
as subsidiaries or supplements to Physicians. The prefix para is now
taken to mean "closely resembling; beside," and medic is
taken to mean "the Physician". A Paramedic works beside
and/or resembles the Physician. Many of the procedures and medications
administered by the Paramedic are ordered and supervised by a Physician.
This may be through direct supervision or remotely using telephone,
radio or pre-established written orders.
Paramedics must be ambitious, honest, calm,
intelligent, caring, non-prejudiced and non-judgemental people who
are strong both mentally and physically. These are some of the desired
attributes that EMT-P Program Selection Committees look for in a potential
student candidate.
According to the U.S.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of emergency medical technicians
and paramedics is expected to grow faster than the average for all
occupations through 2012. Median annual earnings of EMTs and paramedics
were $24,030 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $19,040
and $31,600. (see U.S Department of Labor, BLS, Emergency
Technicians and Paramedics)
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Water
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Frequently Asked
Questions
Is a Paramedic a Physician Assistant
or Nurse? No. Paramedics are a unique medical entity. Paramedics
receive education in many of the same areas as a Nurse or PA such
as medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology
and so on. Unlike these health care professionals, Paramedics concentrate
on emergency issues and become intensivists in OUT OF HOSPITAL EMERGENCY
MEDICINE. Paramedics at times will be called upon to fill any role
in a crisis. In essence a Paramedic is part physician, nurse, social
worker, clergy, police officer, firefighter, mediator, counselor and
teacher just to name a few.
Is a Paramedic an independent provider?
No. Much like the PA, a Paramedic is considered a "Delegated
Practitioner". The Paramedic receives the authority to practice
through a physicians license. Each practicing Paramedic has a Physician
director who is responsible to direct and review the activities of
a Paramedic.
I'm a Nurse or Physician, can I work
on an ambulance as a Paramedic? No. Physicians and Nurses,
while highly trained, need to complete an EMT and Paramedic training
program to work on ambulances in NYS. Many EMT and Paramedic programs
allow these health care professionals to challenge out of the content
and skills they already know by indepth testing. MCC does have a challenge
process for EMT-CCs, RNs, PAs, DOs and MDs.
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