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Paramedic |
Career OverviewParamedics are the highest ranked Emergency Medical Technicians, or EMTs. They are certified to the highest level of training to respond to medical emergencies in the field, or, as it is sometimes known, in the pre-hospital setting. Their purpose is to stabilize the condition of a patient before and during transportation to an appropriate medical facility. Paramedics have advanced life support training and extensive experience transporting patients who are in critical conditions.
Strict protocol determines the procedures that paramedics are allowed to perform. They can perform endotraceal and nasotracheal intubations, manual defibrillation, and EKG monitoring. They can also administer a range of emergency medications, including calcium channel blockers that slow the heart rate. They can also administer elective medications to relieve pain or decrease nausea and vomiting.
Unlike most other health care professionals, paramedics are not generally supervised by physicians. They operate under protocols written by physicians and these strict protocols guide any clinical decisions paramedics make.
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Career RequirementsTo apply to become an EMT, individuals must be at least eighteen years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and a valid driver’s license.
EMT-Paramedics have at least 700 hours of coursework, including hospital clinical practice and a supervised field internship. Training for EMT-Paramedics typically lasts at least nine months.
At every level, EMTs are registered with the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians once they have met the requirements for training, field experience, and examination. Each state has it’s own certifying agency.
More information is available from the following organizations:
The National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians
P.O. Box 1400,
Clinton, MS 39060
www.naemt.org
The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians
Rocco V. Morando Building,
6610 Busch Blvd.,
P.O. Box 29233,
Columbus, OH43229
www.nremt.org
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Job OutlookThe job market potential for paramedics and the lower-tier EMTs is above average. The best opportunities are with police and fire departments, as well as emergency rescue teams across the country. In the future, however, most of the opportunities will be with hospitals and private ambulance services. The job outlook in the foreseeable future is considered to be above average.
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Career TrackMost paramedics are employed by emergency departments and critical care inpatient units of hospitals. However, some also work in remote industrial locations, on oil rigs and platforms offshore, for example. Most work shifts of eight to twelve hours, although, under certain circumstances, they work shifts of twenty-four hours at a time.
Advancement is possible with specialization in a particular area of emergency medicine, such as the care of critical patients. Promotion to a management, administrative, or supervisory positions is possible with experience and demonstration of appropriate skills.
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CompensationStandard compensation for paramedics ranges between $30,000 and $50,000 per year depending upon experience and the precise nature of the job. Additional benefits may include paid vacations, medical and dental insurance, and disability insurance.
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