In a medical emergency, trained teams of first responders are responsible for providing on-site and in-transit care to patients being transported to a hospital. Paramedics are an important part of this team as the licensed professionals with the most medical training.

Function

The permitted duties of a paramedic vary from state to state, but generally include checking patient vitals, administering oxygen, giving oral or intravenous medications, performing EKGs and inserting chest tubes.

Types

Most paramedics work in ambulances, but some are on a team on a Med-evac helicopter that transports patients to more distant hospitals for expert care in a particular field of medicine. Paramedics may be employed by hospitals or fire or police departments.

Environment

To be successful at their work, paramedics must be able to make decisions and perform tasks quickly in a stressful environment. Paramedics often work long shifts, often putting in 50 to 60 hours per week, and at the fast pace required in emergency situations, their work has the potential to be exhausting.

Education

Paramedic training programs usually last one to two years and often result in an associate's degree. Before becoming a paramedic, workers must receive EMT basic and intermediate training, which requires between 30 and 350 hours of training, depending on the state where the paramedic works.

Licensure

Before treating patients, all states mandate that paramedics become certified or licensed by passing a written examination after completing the requisite training.

Compensation

In November 2009, the average annual salary for paramedics was $53,000, according to indeed.com.

Source:

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics

Indeed.com: Paramedic Salaries