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. Opportunities for more specialized employment
of experienced paramedics exist in areas such as cruise ship medical departments,
off-shore oil drilling platforms, helicopter or fixed wing medical transport and hyperbaric
oxygen chambers. Paramedics are in extremely high demand throughout the United States.
(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
The term paramedic is used to signify personnel who function as extenders of physicians.
The prefix para means "along the side of" and medic is taken to mean "physician." A paramedic works as an extender of the physician.
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-judgmental people who are strong both mentally and physically. These are some
of the desired attributes that EMT-P Program Selection Committee looks for in a potential
student candidate.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is a paramedic a physician assistant (PA) 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
focus on issues involving emergency medical care 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 physician assistant (PA), a paramedic is considered a "Delegated
Practitioner". The paramedic receives the authority to practice through a physician’s
license. Each practicing paramedic has a physician medical director who is responsible
to direct and review the activities of the paramedic.
- I'm a nurse or physician, can I work on an ambulance as a paramedic?
No. Physicians and nurses, while highly educated in their own areas of expertise,
must complete EMT and paramedic education in order to work on an ambulance in the
State of New York. Procedures exist to allow for advanced standing in EMS education
for qualified individuals. Individuals with current MD, DO, RN, or PA licensure are
encouraged to contact the Program Director for further information.
