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0-5 years of experience
Selected from a highly competitive pool of candidates to provide advanced medical care during inter-facility transports.
- Functioned as an extensively trained primary care provider in a pre-hospital setting.
- Created accurate documentation of services provided in order to reduce liability, improve patient care, and to protect employer.
- Maintained positive working relationships with other emergency personnel such as nurses, doctors, patient families.
- Managed logistic tasks and improved ambulance transfer efficiency on a daily basis.
6-10 years of experience
Provided comprehensive and effective care to adult and pediatric patients, including assessment, management, and treatment of any medical or traumatic event, both at the scene and in transit.
- Evaluated patient response to interventions and adjust plan of care, as needed.
- Operated ambulance and conducted daily checks of emergency equipment.
- Demonstrated comprehensive assessment skills and medication administration within scope of practice.
- Consistently prioritized and delivered dependable, effective patient care in a variety of situations.
- Served as field training paramedic for new hires as well as transitioning new paramedics from the EMT role into the paramedic role.
0-5 years of experience
Provided advanced life support services during medical emergencies on scene and en route to the hospital
- Collected pertinent medical information and prescriptions from patients, family, and friends
- Administered continuous 12-lead electrocardiogram monitoring
- Initiated care plans based on patient assessments and administered appropriate medications
- Operated and maintained emergency vehicles in a safe and efficient manner while obeying all traffic laws
- Interacted with patients, families, hospital staff, and the general public
0-5 years of experience
Currently performs any and all Paramedic duties with in an Emergency 911 agency. Transport times to closest Facility ranging from 16-30 minutes and nearest Trauma I Facility 45 minutes depending on incident location
- Renders Appropriate care as needed for ALS and BLS patients per Garrard County protocols and ACLS 2010 Guidelines
- Exercises critical decision making. i.e best facility to transport sick patients when patients can not be flown due to adverse weather
- Interpreted 12 Lead EKGs, Treated Cardiac Dysrhythmias with Appropriate Medications and/or Electrical Intervention. i.e. Pacing, Defibrillation, Synchronized Cardioverting
- Successful Needle Decompressions
- Intubations to secure airway in patients under Respiratory and Cardiac arrest
- Performed EJs, (IV location at the External Jugular) and IOs (Easy IO Drill) when Peripheral Vascular access could not be established
- Administered Medications and fluid replacement via IV, IO, IM, SQ as directed by protocol
6-10 years of experience
Provided volunteer and paid-on-call fire and medical service in support of the Coal City Fire Protection District for the surrounding communities working a minimum of 24 hours per week at the Fire Station.
- Responsible for the daily and monthly inspection and maintenance of assigned fire apparatus and to ensure all equipment is in proper working order.
- Participated and provided support in several department sub-committees and charitable events.
- Maintained continuing education required to ensure necessary skills to perform advanced firefighter and Paramedic responsibilities.
0-5 years of experience
Responded to 911 and inter-facility calls in a rural and suburban environment.
- Trained new employees and helped developed new training methods to develop rural EMS responder skills.
- Worked closely with police and fire agencies to help create emergency and disaster response guidelines.
- Instructed to public and private companies in the use of AEDs and CPR.
- Helped train college students in paramedic and EMT training.
- Worked in Outstate and Metro regions.
6-10 years of experience
- Graduated from UCLA Daniel Freeman Paramedic School; graduated top 10% of class, 3.5 GPA
- Developed paramedic protocol pocket guide; averting errors in emergency medical care
- Hazmat Operator certified
0-5 years of experience
Performed basic and advanced patient assessments.
- Interpreted limited histories and used physical examinations to identify potential underlying critical issues.
- Monitored patients for changes, and reviewed and revised plans accordingly.
- Administered infusion, medications and intubation.
6-10 years of experience
Fluently manage and apply field treatment of Advanced Life Support procedures in a manner consistent with Multnomah County protocols
- Adept at quickly assessing and treating the medical needs of victims of injuries,
- Lead Paramedic and Paramedic Preceptor for Student Interns
- Seven year ambulance driving experience with zero accident record
- Five year membership on the Reach and Treat Wilderness Rescue Team
0-5 years of experience
Responsible for direct supervision and provision of emergent/critical care for hospital patients
- Assisted staff RNs with daily care of patients (assessments, dispensing of medications)
- Participated in the instruction of staff training (ACLS, 12 Lead/EKG Rhythm Interpretation)
- Participated in the development of the in-house Critical Care Paramedic program
- Responsible for development and instruction of EKG rhythm interpretation course for RNs
- Coordinated the research of regional two-way radio system
- Served on Mobile Intensive Care Unit, care for critically-ill patients during transport
- Responsible for multiple medicated IV drips, 12 Lead EKG, and ventilator operation
0-5 years of experience
- Conducted the recruitment, hiring and training of the Army’s top 2% of medical personnel for special duty assignments which enhanced the Army Medical Department.
- Flight Medic Subject Matter Expert for development of the program of instruction curriculum on testing and evaluations of medical systems and concepts.
- Serves as lead Subject Matter Expert and the Contract Office Representative for the Army’s 2.5 million dollar procurement and contract selection of the Transport Medical Training Lab for the Army’s newest Flight Paramedic Program.
- Serves as the senior enlisted coach, mentor and counselor for over 200 student personnel.
10+ years of experience
Responsible for identifying, diagnosing and treating life threatening illnesses and injuries. Maintained relationships with contracted towns, acted as liaison between the company, the Fire Department, the Police Department as well as the hospital departments.
- Dedicated 911 responder to multiple urban and suburban towns and cities within the Metro-West Boston area
- Continuing Education Instructor specializing in training to EMS, Fire and Police personnel
- Recognized by Framingham Police Department for Emergency Medical Services rendered for a Police Officer shot in the line of duty.
- Member of the Framingham Police Department SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) / TEMS (Tactical Emergency Medical Service) team.
- Delivered specialized care in conjunction with MetroWest Medical Center Framingham Emergency Department and Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory.
- Assisted 10 mothers in labor with successful deliveries in the field.
- Assumed leadership role during chaotic situations. “Bring Calm to the Chaos.”
0-5 years of experience
Supervised care of patients in the pre-hospital environment, including medical emergencies, traumatic injuries, and complex mass casualty incidents in accordance with Virginia Beach regulations and Office of Medical Director protocols.
- Volunteered over 3,200 hours as an Emergency Medical Technician and Paramedic. Provided basic and advanced life support care to over 1,200 patients in the pre-hospital environment.
- Determined nature and extent of illness or injury to 1,200 patients through effective communications with patients, family members, and bystanders; quickly determined status of patient; and identified the appropriate medical facility for transport decision.
- Utilized numerous medical devices and therapy protocols in the treatment of patients, including EKG monitors and defibrillators, intravenous (IV) access, medication administration, and endotracheal intubations.
- Identified appropriate medication based on potential interactions with other medicines and calculated correct dosages based on patient’s weight and drugs on hand.
- Triaged patients having multiple problems, identified the most life threatening issue, and prioritized treatment for life-threats first. Team member on over 15 cardiac arrests calls.
- Obtained detailed patient history and vital signs to identify underlying cause of symptoms, accurately documented findings in Electronic Medical Record, and conducted thorough turnover to emergency department. Ensured all patient records and information were kept in accordance with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) guidelines.
- Attained advanced education in dive medicine; served as marine medic to Virginia Beach Police Department Dive Team during four incidents.
- Trained EMTs in basic life support skills, including oxygen therapy, splinting, wound care, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and patient history elicitation.
- Completed Emergency Vehicle Operators Course (EVOC). Checked-off ambulances prior to shift, including basic maintenance procedures. Drove ambulance in variety of priority modes to patient’s homes and to hospital.
0-5 years of experience
- Performed critical care duties; collaborated with team physicians, nurses, and paramedics while on all pediatric transports
- Maintained intimate familiarity with Crossvent 4 and Bronchotron ventilators, INOvent and Aeronox NO Delivery Devices, Zoll CCT Monitors
- Assisted education coordinator in designing and implementing new patient scenarios, for monthly training, with high fidelity simulation mannequins
- Coordinated new-hire employment committee providing assistance to management in the new-hire process including authoring and implementing new-hire testing procedures
- Provided new-hire education and training in accordance with team training model and standards adopted by management. Assured thorough training was administered on ventilators, monitors, nitric oxide delivery systems, ABG and blood laboratory interpretation, and basic imaging interpretation
- Maintained rigorous educational standards through continuing education, simulation labs, animal/cadaver labs, and thorough article reviews
6-10 years of experience
Admission of patients to the Emergency Department, along with follow up on proper insurance and medical history gathering
- Document all interactions between doctors, nurses, patients and me
- Complete all required paper work and documentation to ensure proper billing
- Organize transport of critical care patients
- Collaborated implementation and training of hospital decontamination team of 15 members, supervised set up of decontamination tent and execution in the event of a hazardous contamination
0-5 years of experience
Lead teams ranging in size from two to several dozen to generate positive outcomes swiftly, confidently, and efficiently
- Lead and participate in approximately 8 calls in a 12 hour shift ranging from basic patient assists to severe car accidents or heart attacks
- Train new paramedics in state, county, and company protocols
- Write over 1,000 professional reports per year to maintain legal documentation of every patient contact
- Lead and assist in management decisions such as equipment purchases and hiring personnel with financial impacts of several hundred thousand dollars
- Complete 28 hours of continuing education per year in order to maintain credentials
10+ years of experience
Managed maintenance on water hoses and nozzles
- Assisted in cleaning and maintaining firefighting equipment and tools
- Managed inventory and supplies
- Provided office assistance in terms of correspondence and other paperwork
0-5 years of experience
Provide emergency medical care to the citizens of the EMSA Service Area through 911 requests for service.
- Maintain professional relationship with local Fire Department personnel as well as Hospital ED staff.
- Keep ambulance stocked, well maintained and in a constant state of readiness.
- Provide complete and accurate documentation in a timely manner.
- Maintain current certifications and licenses as well as keep current with company SOPs, Medical protocols and the most recent innovations in EMS.
- Transport patients to the most appropriate emergency receiving facility.
0-5 years of experience
ACLS Certified, PHTLS Certified, AMLS Certified, PALS Certified, BLS Instructor, CEVO III Certification
- Primary function is service on a 911 ambulance for the county
- Transfer patients in need of higher levels of care
- Assist with patient care in other areas; ER, CCU, OB, Med/Surg Floor
- Perform audits for the full time and part time staff reports every month
- Perform truck maintenance checks every week
- Familiar with transport ventilators
- Conduct mock codes for hospital staff monthly
10+ years of experience
First responder in all emergency situations in Homestead and Florida City and was the lead paramedic for my unit.
- A firetruck driver/engineer and a rescue skin diver.
- Maintained the medical equipment, the fire house, the firetruck, and the rescue equipment.
- Responsible for documenting incident reports and patient history.
- Part of a very select group of firefighter paramedics who provided emergency services for NASCAR Homestead track and the Miami Marlins.
0-5 years of experience
Plays an integral part of patient care and efficient hospital operations in the emergency department.
- Operates in a high-stress, fast paced environment assisting physicians with medical procedures and support with specific expertise
- Helps ensure continuity of care with the use of safe, evidence-based practice for all patients.
- Ensures new RNs and Paramedics have a successful start by participating in the training and onboarding process.
- Performs CPR and ACLS interventions alongside the physician and nursing staff.
- Collaborates with EMS by preparing the hospital for arriving patients.
- Advocates for patients by supporting family centered patient care.
6-10 years of experience
First licensed paramedic in Alger County. Running 911 emergent and non-emergent calls.
- Instruct EMS classes as needed within the county.
- Assist with teleconferenced classes via teleconference from Marquette General hospital school of EMT.
- Organize and instruct multiple CPR and First aid classes throughout the county for the public, businesses and first responders alike.
- Faculty for American Heart Association.
- Organize and Instruct ACLS, PALS and BLS course for the hospital and EMS personnel throughout the Upper Peninsula.
- I have served as the Medical Control Authority for Alger County for 5 years and serve on the Regional 8 Hospital Preparedness Planning Board for 6 years.
0-5 years of experience
Completed Anatomy, Physiology and Medical Terminology Courses
- Strong Educational Base in: EKG and 12-lead interpretation, ACLS, BLS, PEPP, ALS trauma, ICEMA protocols, and medical assessments and general medical terminology.
- Ability to prioritize treatments to ensure the best outcome for the patient
- Ability to efficiently lead a team toward a treating a patient in a competent and efficient manner
- Worked alongside ED and ICU staff seamlessly during trauma codes, alerts and code STEMIs
- Assisted physicians in treating emergency patients within the scope of practice as a licensed EMT-Paramedic
- Calculated dosages considering such factors as potential interaction with other medications, concentration of drugs immediately available, patient weight, etc.
- 216 hours of clinical experience in the Emergency Department, ICU, Pediatric ER, Labor and Delivery, Respiratory Therapy, Radio Room (MICN), and Operating Room Completed
- 600 hours of field experience as a paramedic Intern. Performing as a paramedic under the supervision of a preceptor
- Volunteered hours to help train EMT-B students in trauma and medical assessments
0-5 years of experience
Responds to citizen initiated 911 calls for service as well as emergency and non-emergency patient transports.
- Provides patient care to all types of patients including pediatric, adult, and geriatric patients and addressing age specific needs and illnesses and injuries.
- Provides the customer/patient with excellent customer service and patient based care at all times.
- Currently assigned to the Dade County, GA 911 Zone.
0-5 years of experience
Rapid assessment of “first impressions” of patients; Identify life threatening ECG rhythms; complete necessary ALS interventions and proper notification of the receiving facility to prepare advanced care; Completion of Patient Care Reports using EMS charts
- High success rate of attempted interventions; i.e. intubation, I.V. starts
- Providing ALS care and safe transport of patients of Millcreek Township via the local 911 Emergency Response System
- Demonstrate the ability to interact with patients from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
- Create and institute employee appreciation packages; involved with training and new employee orientation
- Completing crew chief duties
- Take control in mass casualty situations for triage purposes
- Ensure safety of both crew and patients with regular equipment and vehicle inspections
0-5 years of experience
Paramedic for Non-Emergency and Emergency Interfacility Transport
- Responsible for transporting patients needing skilled treatment while traveling by ambulance.
- Administered total patient care, vital sign monitoring, Life Pak 12 care and 12 lead interpretation.
- Experience with ventilation patients, medication responsibilities, IV medications and care, C-PAP, dialysis patients, code MI patients, code CVA patients and trauma patients.
- Certified nursing assistant/Patient Care Tech-Cardiac/ICU floor, daily patient care, tele-monitors, blood sugar count, Pre and Post Op surgery care of Cath, Stent, CABG, patients, specializing in CVA, MI, and Dialysis patients.
0-5 years of experience
- Paramedic on an ALS ambulance, responded to 911 calls and transfer requests within the Morris Fire Protection District.
- Assisted with in house EMT-B class.
- Acted as a preceptor for EMT-B students.
- Filled in at the Dwight EMS contract when needed.
0-5 years of experience
Comply with critical care guidelines and preform patient care based on the protocols written by the medical director of GEMS and Fulton county
- Mastered paramedic skills and interventions
- Responsible for treating and bandaging sick and injured patients as dispatched
- Consistently transport patients in emergent situations with an immaculate safety record and exemplary care
- Maintained professional and accurate patient reports and kept a clean ambulance and workplace
10+ years of experience
Staffed [company name] 911 paramedic unit.
- Team Leader on one thousand plus 911 calls annually.
- [company name] Police Department SWAT Team member.
- Fully armed and trained SWAT team member with specialized training in: Hostage rescue, Active School shooter incidents, Officer down incidents, warrant services and “chemical biological, radiological and terrorist incidents”.
- Director of [company name]s SWAT team medical component.
- Paramedic Department Clinical Care Coordinator. Responsible for training of EMT-Basics, Paramedics, Registered Nurses and all other department team members.
0-5 years of experience
Firefighter/Paramedic
- Responded to calls to protect life and property.
- Managed on-duty and volunteer personnel in station and on calls.
- In charge of all inventory of station. Kept all fire and medic apparatus equipped and in state of readiness to the standards of NCDOI, NCOEMS, NCOSFM, NFPA, OSHA and all other governing entities.
- Worked in community out-reach fire safety and emergency hurricane preparedness programs.
- Used medications and medical diagnostic equipment 12 leads, blood draws, capnography and Co2 meters with patients. Assisted patients in making health decisions in extremely stressful situations.
0-5 years of experience
Respond to life threatening medical emergencies throughout Somerset County NJ, as well as emergencies in Hunterdon and Middlesex County, as requested
- Interact with volunteer & career BLS providers, Fire-Rescue, and Law Enforcement Officers
- Examine patient conditions while on the scene and stabilize condition prior to transporting.
- Administer oral or intravenous drugs, read EKGs, and treat appropriately based on findings, perform endotracheal intubations, and use a variety of emergency life preserving or monitoring appliances equipped during acute and chronic medical emergencies
- Operate heart monitors, defibrillators and other equipment
- Relay important and pertinent information to emergency room staff
- Ensure all paramedic equipment is functioning properly before being called out to the next emergency & replace and used supplies and document appropriately
0-5 years of experience
Provide Advanced Life Support care and respond to 911 calls within a 360 square mile coverage area in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
- Transport patients requiring Advanced Life Support between hospital facilities
- Obtained Medial Command from Lancaster General Hospital
- The service responds to 32,000 calls for service annually
0-5 years of experience
Perform and documents all station duties as assigned by station officer.
- Ensure that all necessary equipment is prepared and functional at all times.
- Respond to 40 to 75 monthly emergency calls of service as a Firefighter Paramedic on ALS engine and ambulance.
- Teach fire prevention and safety throughout the county, Preplan commercial buildings, hydrant testing.
- Drive and pump emergency apparatus such as engine, ambulance, tanker, grass truck.
- Operate as lead Paramedic on an ALS ambulance Duties to include but not limited to IV, 12 lead interpretation, medication administration, use of Lifepack 12 &15, following protocols and online medical control.
- Prepare Patient care report on health EMS, use Firehouse Software for fire reports, Microsoft.
0-5 years of experience
Performed basic and advanced patient assessments.
- Responded to dispatched emergency assignments quickly and safely
- Monitored patients for changes.
- Abided by HIPPA regulations
- Demonstrated high standards of performance, including teamwork, communication and compassion
10+ years of experience
Operate equipment, such as electrocardiograms (EKGs), external defibrillators, or bag valve mask resuscitators, in advanced life support environments
- Perform emergency diagnostic and treatment procedures, such as stomach suction, airway management, or heart monitoring, during ambulance ride
- Observe, record, and report to physician the patient’s condition or injury, the treatment provided, and reactions to drugs or treatment
- Assess nature and extent of illness or injury to establish and prioritize medical procedures
- Administer drugs, orally or by injection, or perform intravenous procedures under a physician’s direction
- Coordinate work with other emergency medical team members or police or fire department personnel
- Maintain vehicles and medical and communication equipment and replenish first aid equipment and supplies
- Communicate with dispatchers or treatment center personnel to provide information about situation, to arrange reception of victims, or to receive instructions for further treatment
0-5 years of experience
Ensured safety and well-being of patients. Transported sick and injured patients to appropriate facilities.
- Assist with patient care in hospitals or health care centers.
- Emergency stand-by for special events.
- Assess and Document all pertinent patient information obtained.
- Check the efficiency of vehicles and equipment to maintain a state of operational readiness.
0-5 years of experience
Registered First Responder Organization # 800730 (Under the medical direction of Dr. Craig Manifold)
- Onsite medical stand bys/first aid stations
- Patient reports
- Customer Service and communication with medical staff at all levels including physicians
- Management of Client Accounts and all Employees
- Maintaining licensure and good standing with medical director
0-5 years of experience
Provided high quality care while transporting and treating emergency patients often during 24-hour shifts.
- Transported high acuity patients in PIFT (Critical Care) level transports.
- Worked closely with contracted facility personnel and fire departments.
- Active field trainer to both new employees as well as students.
0-5 years of experience
Assistant ALS Coordinator & Controlled Substances Agent
- Handled Medical Supplies, Inventory along with restocking of controlled substances, & CME classes & paperwork
- Provided Basic & Advanced Life support to sick and injured people
- Assisted in Dispatching when needed
0-5 years of experience
Respond to fire, rescue, and emergency medical calls and assist in mitigation of scene stabilization
- Served on the EMS Committee as well as a Quality Assurance member
- Current member on the City of Yuma Employee Recommendation Committee
- Maintaining station and apparatus in a state of readiness
- Assist with public appearances and public education
- Active member of Yuma Fire Departments emergency Scuba Dive Response Team
0-5 years of experience
Respond to medical and Trauma calls within the N.Y.C and Westchester 911 Division
- Medication administration as appropriate during Emergency and non-Emergency Transports
- Operate ALS Ambulances under NYS and NYC Protocols
- Restock ambulances with equipment such as ET tubes, Medications, Vents and Iv pump tubing
0-5 years of experience
Respond to 911 emergencies as part of an advanced life support crew.
- Vehicle operations and maintaining of written protocols.
- Timely patient care and transport in accordance with local protocols.
- BLS, ACLS, PHTLS, ATLS, PALS, NRP, NIMS, STABLE, CE Instructor
- Balloon pump and VAD educational certifications
0-5 years of experience
Paramedic
- Respond to emergency and non emergency calls
- Provide Advanced Life Support (ALS) under medical direction of Dr. Peter Hedberg
- Provide community education
- Maintained inventory of medical supplies
- Dispatched Police, Fire, and EMS to emergency and non emergency calls
- Provided after-hours dispatch for public works for all towns in Bryan county
- Maintained warrant file system
- Served as uniform supply officer
6-10 years of experience
Respond to and manage emergency scenes
- Coordinate and Assist in Fire prevention programs at our local schools
- Assist the Fire chief with Smoke/CO and Propane tank inspections
- Train, lead and motivate members of the fire department
- Firefighter from July 2007 to January 2011, Lieutenant from January 2011 to March 2015, Captain from March 2015 to Present
0-5 years of experience
Responsible for initial patient care in an intermediate area to include Peripheral IV access, NG/OG tube and Foley catheter placement.
- Assist RN’s and Physicians with trauma and medical patients.
- Administer oral, IV and IM medications as per Paramedic protocols.
- Admit patients to other areas of the hospital.
- Coordinate flow of patients waiting to be seen.
0-5 years of experience
- EMT Instructor responsible for initial training of new students.
- Paramedic Instructor responsible for yearly training of current Paramedics who need refresher or recertification.
- Educating both Paramedics and EMTs in current NYS Public Health Laws that articulate with their job description.
- Lectured EMTs and Paramedics on New York State Department of Health guidelines as dictated by National Standard Curriculum.
- Conducted BCLS, ACLS and PALS recitations in accordance with American Heart Association standards.
- Directed Skills Groups in compliance with New York State Health Department and NYCREMSCO standards.
- Assisted student with Cycle Motors Evaluations post lectures.
10+ years of experience
- Responsible for providing emergency services as needed for the community. Primarily provide emergency patient care and fire services.
- Responsible for administration of the department website which is viewed by public.
- Paramedic Preceptor- responsible for teaching paramedic students.
- Currently Marketing Voluntary Insurance Products.
- Worked in emergency room providing care to patients in a team environment.
- Experienced in assisting doctors with emergency procedures.
- Worked in both medical and trauma section of emergency room.
Paramedic Duties and Responsibilities
Paramedics never know what types of emergency situations they’ll be called to on a given day. However, our analysis of job postings shows that paramedics should be ready to perform the following duties regularly:
Respond to Emergency Calls When 911 calls come in, paramedics spring into action. They listen to information provided by the dispatcher to get an idea of what to expect at the scene. Upon arrival, they speak with patients and others who are around (such as family members or bystanders at an accident) to assess what treatment is needed.
Provide Medical Care Paramedics administer services on the spot and in the ambulance while traveling to a medical facility. Actions depend on the situation, but common tasks include taking blood pressure and pulse, performing CPR, cleaning wounds, and administering oxygen.
Drive Ambulances As part of their training, paramedics receive instruction on ambulance driving. They transport patients to hospitals and other appropriate urgent care centers as quickly as possible while also navigating the road safely.
Write Patient Reports Paramedics compile patient reports. These documents state basics such as the place to which they were called, the condition of the person when they arrived, and if the patient was taken somewhere for further care. The report also details the services already performed. Such information helps emergency room doctors and other medical personnel gain an understanding of the crisis. Insurance companies and law enforcement may request copies of these documents for their purposes.
Check Equipment No paramedic wants to discover a lack of IV bags when someone desperately needs fluids. Thus, replenishing supplies stored in the emergency vehicle is a routine occurrence. Likewise, paramedics regularly inspect medical equipment to ensure it will function properly when the time comes.
Paramedic Skills and Qualifications
The desire to truly make a difference in the lives of others forms the base of why most paramedics choose this profession. Success at the job, however, requires more than just a good heart. Other factors critical to the position include:
- Industry knowledge – paramedics open airways, provide CPR, control bleeding, splint injured limbs, manage patient shock, treat allergic reactions, and perform other medical procedures within their purview as necessary
- Decision-making – processing information quickly but effectively to determine what action to take is vital when every second counts
- Communication skills – careful listening helps paramedics understand what the patient is experiencing, and clearly conveying information to team members and others providing assistance promotes quick, accurate resolution
- Level–headedness – maintaining composure in a potentially dangerous environment or when others are panicking aids in easing tension and delivering proper service
- Physical fitness – movements such as kneeling, bending, and lifting are common
Paramedic Salary and Outlook
The median salary for EMTs and paramedics is about $33,000 annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The lowest 10 percent earn less than $22,000, while the highest 10 percent make roughly $57,000 per year. As baby boomers age, medical emergencies such as falls, strokes, and heart attacks are expected to increase. Thus, the BLS projects employment of paramedics and EMTs to grow 15 percent over the next decade.
Helpful Resources
Think you might have what it takes to become a paramedic? These additional resources can help you make that career decision:
National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians – this industry association covers everything from what paramedics do to how to forge a career
National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians – NREMT offers specifics on how to become a nationally registered paramedic
EMS.gov – this website developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration covers a range of topics on emergency medical services. Recent articles include ways to combat job fatigue and how to stay safe while assisting others on roadways
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs – search on “emergency services – paramedic” to find accredited programs that will get you on your way to certification
Emergency Medical Services – paramedics and similar professionals will find plenty of networking opportunities among the 32,000 members of this LinkedIn group
“What’s the Difference Between a Paramedic and an EMT?” – the UCLA Center for Prehospital Care does a great job answering this question on its website
Hands of an Angel, Mind of a Demon, Heart of a Saint: True Stories from a 10-Year Paramedic – get a close look at situations paramedics face with this firsthand account of the highs and lows experienced by a former paramedic
National Registry Paramedic Examination Strategies, Practice & Review – while this Kaplan test prep book is most useful to those already studying to become a paramedic, individuals contemplating the career may find it an interesting preview of what they’ll learn about in an educational program