Occupational Outlook Handbook: EMTs & Paramedics
Paramedics are a highly trained healthcare professional who respond to emergency calls and provide advanced medical care at the scene and during transport to a medical facility.
Serving as a critical link in the emergency medical services (EMS) system, paramedics conduct patient assessments, administer a wide range of emergency treatments and medications (including intravenous and intramuscular), manage airways (including intubation), use specialized medical equipment like defibrillators and electrocardiogram (EKG) monitors, and make critical decisions in high-pressure situations.
Their responsibilities extend to communicating with dispatchers, other emergency responders (police and fire), and hospital staff, as well as documenting patient conditions and treatments. Paramedics must possess strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills, along with the physical stamina to handle demanding and often unpredictable work environments, which can include varied locations and challenging conditions.