Posts Tagged ‘paramedics’

How To Get A Job As A Paramedic

A career as a Paramedic is both exciting and challenging.  It is also stressful and very demanding, both physically and mentally.  Paramedics must work in any weather, often in dangerous conditions.  They must constantly bend, kneel, and lift.  They may be exposed to serious illness and disease.  Nevertheless, a career as a Paramedic is extremely rewarding as it offers the opportunity to serve the public in a personal and meaningful way.

Because of their skill and knowledge, Paramedics save countless lives every day.  Paramedics are usually the first help on hand in an emergency.  They usually come in response to 911 calls and often work in conjunction with police and fireman.

DUTIES

Paramedics deal with auto accidents, heart attacks, sudden illnesses, drownings, and victims of fire, gunshots wounds, slip and falls, childbirth. and attempted suicides.  Paramedics are trained to first ascertain the nature of the problem, and then provide essential treatment.  Unless the patient is considered able to remain safely in their present environment, Paramedics provide transport to the nearest appropriate facility.

Paramedics may treat minor injuries at the scene.  However, if a patient’s condition is serious, more extensive care may be given, at the scene, or during transport.  Licensed medical doctors provide radio instruction for more complex care provided by Paramedics at the scene or during transport.

After ascertaining the patient’s immediate needs, and any pre-existing conditions, Paramedics either treat or provide transport.  During transport, one Paramedic will drive while the other monitors the patient’s condition.  Depending on their training and qualifications, and always following strict guidlines, Paramedics may administer drug orally or intravenously, administer and interpret EKGs, or perform intubation.   What Paramedics are allowed to do varies from state to state.

Once the patient has been safely transported, Paramedics report the patient’s condition to the Emergency Department.  They then return to their station, document the incident, check supplies, and clean and decontaminate as needed.

TRAINING

To become a Paramedic, candidates must first obtain a High School Degree.  The candidate must then enter an Emergency Medical Training Program.  These programs may vary from state to state but generally involve three steps, Basic Emergency Technician Training, Intermediate Emergency Medical Technician Training, and then Paramedic Training.

Basic Training covers emergency skills, use of equipment, and patient assessment.  Both an oral and practical exam must be passed before moving on the the Intermediate level.

The content and requirements of the Intermediate Training varies from state to state but always involves the teaching of more complex treatments and skills.  Those who have completed the Intermediate Training, are allowed to administer some drugs as well as use airway and intravenous devices.

Training at the Paramedic level is available from Colleges and Technical Schools.  It takes about two years, covering advanced medical skills as well as anatomy and physiology.  After passing the required exams, an Associate Degree is awarded.  With this degree, Paramedics can take the Certification exam.

CERTIFICATION

Requirements vary, from state to state, regarding the need for Certification.  Both State and National Certification are available.  To maintain Certified status, it may be necessary to take periodic updated training.  Even if Certification is optional, it is always desirable and may enhance your opportunities for employment.

Paramedics must be mature individuals with good dexterity, agility, and balance.  They must be emotionally stable,  have good hearing and eyesight, able to work under stressful conditions, have the ability to make quick, appropriate decision, and work as part of a team.

The demand for Paramedics is increasing and will continue to do so due to increasing populations, medical emergencies among the aged, and the need to replace unpaid volunteers, who find the required training too time consuming and costly.  Many Paramedics move on to other Medical Careers.