What is a Paramedic?

Thinking about becoming a paramedic? What do you learn in a Paramedic program? How do you get a paramedic license? How is a Paramedic different from an EMT? Read about Paramedic salary, school length, license, and job projections!

This post reviewed by N. Pittman, A-EMT.

Paramedics are highly trained medical professionals who are responsible for providing emergency medical care in a variety of settings. They work in ambulances, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities, as well as in the field, responding to emergencies and providing critical care. Paramedics play a crucial role in the healthcare system, as they are often the first responders on the scene of an emergency when someone calls 9-1-1. I know this first hand because before I was a Hospital Medicine PA, I worked with Paramedics as an EMT through my college career. There are 4 levels of EMS certification: EMR (Emergency Medical Responder, EMT-Basic, EMT-Advanced (previously known as EMT-intermediate), and EMT-Paramedic. This blog post will focus on the EMT-Paramedic profession and will provide you with an overview of the education requirements, job responsibilities, and skills needed to be an effective paramedic.

Paramedic Education and Training

To become a paramedic, one must first complete a high school diploma or GED equivalent. After that, individuals can enroll in a state approved paramedic training program, which typically takes about 1-2 years to complete. After graduating, they must pass the national certification exam known as the NREMT and obtain licensure in the state they want to work in. 

All EMS programs include classroom instruction, hands-on training, and clinical experience. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) plays a significant role in shaping and supporting Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in the United States. NHTSA is responsible for establishing and implementing national standards and guidelines for EMS systems, including ambulance design, equipment, and personnel training. They provide funding, research, and technical assistance to improve the quality and efficiency of EMS operations. The most recent NHTSA EMS education standards dictates that EMTs of all levels have training in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, pathophysiology, public health, pharmacology, airway management, patient assessment and physical exam, building a differential diagnosis based on body systems education, documentation, resuscitation and trauma, and EMS specific operations. They learn how to work as part of a team, communicate effectively with other healthcare professionals, and respond to a variety of emergencies.

Paramedic vs EMT: What is the Difference?

There are three levels of EMT certification: EMT-Basic, EMT-Advanced, and EMT-Paramedic. A paramedic is a type of EMT who has undergone more education and has a wider base of medical knowledge. A very common question is: How long does it take to become an Paramedic? In terms of program length, EMT-Basic is the entry-level certification and typically requires 150 hours of training. EMT-Advanced requires an additional 200 hours of training, while EMT-Paramedic requires 1,200-1,800 hours of training. All three levels cover the educational objectives as stated above, however they are covered in more detail in each subsequent tier of training. EMTs also will need certification in Basic Cardiac Life Support. Paramedics will need to obtain Advanced Cardiac Life Support. Paramedics may also want to obtain specialized training in caring for pediatric patients by becoming certified in Pediatric Advanced Cardiac Life Support.

Paramedic Job Responsibilities

Paramedics are responsible for providing emergency medical care to patients who are sick or injured. They may work in ambulances, responding to calls for help from the public, or in hospitals and other healthcare facilities.

Paramedics are trained to assess patients' conditions quickly and accurately, using a variety of diagnostic tools and techniques. They may perform advanced life support procedures like intubation, administering medications, and delivering electric shocks to restart a patient's heart. They also provide basic life support services, like CPR and first aid, as needed.

Paramedics must be able to work quickly and efficiently in high-pressure situations, often making life-and-death decisions on the fly. They must be able to communicate clearly and effectively with patients, family members, and other healthcare professionals, and work closely with other emergency responders, like police officers and firefighters, to provide a coordinated response to emergencies.

Paramedic Salary and Job Projection

The national salary and job projection for paramedics in the United States reflect a promising outlook for individuals pursuing this critical healthcare profession. While specific figures may vary based on factors such as experience, location, and employer type, paramedics generally earn competitive wages. As of the most recent data published, the median annual wage for EMTs was $46,770 in May 2021, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, it is essential to note that this figure can vary depending on factors such as experience, education, location, and employer type. The job outlook for EMTs is projected to grow 7 percent from 2020 to 2030, which is about as fast as average for all occupations.

What Makes an Effective Paramedic?

To be an effective paramedic, individuals must possess a variety of skills and qualities. They must be able to remain calm and composed in high-stress situations, and be able to make quick, accurate decisions based on limited information. They must also be physically fit, as the job often requires lifting and moving heavy equipment and patients.

Effective paramedics are also compassionate and empathetic, able to provide comfort and support to patients and their families during times of crisis. They must have excellent communication skills, able to explain medical procedures and diagnoses clearly and simply to patients and their families, as well as to other healthcare professionals.

Paramedics must also be committed to ongoing learning and professional development, staying up-to-date on the latest advances in emergency medicine and continually improving their skills and knowledge.

In conclusion, paramedics are first responders who play a critical role in providing emergency medical care in a variety of settings. They are highly trained medical professionals who possess a wide range of skills and qualities, including the ability to remain calm under pressure, make quick, accurate decisions, and provide compassionate care to patients and their families. If you are interested in becoming a paramedic, there are a variety of training programs available that can help you acquire the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this challenging and rewarding career.