Paramedic
By: Crystal Vale
What is a Paramedic?
A paramedic is someone who provides emergency medical care, they are educated in anatomy, physiology, cardiology, medications, and procedures. They build off of their education from being an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) . Both EMT's and paramedics are trained have the knowledge to transport patients and provide them with emergency care.
What are the Daily Tasks and Responsibilities?
Some of the daily tasks and responsibilities are:
- Respond to calls
- Monitor the patients condition
- Applying splints, dressing wounds, administering medication
- Dealing with the family member at the scene
- Cleaning up afterwards
Career Choices - Paramedic
Education & Training
A Paramedic is the highest level of EMT. First you must become an EMT-B, which is an EMT Basic.You can become an EMT-B at a community college or other institutions. You must complete 120 to 150 hours of training, which can be completed in about 6 months. After that you must take the state certification test. People work as EMT's for a couple years to get experience before they take on the 1,200 to 1,800 hours of training to become a paramedic. If you want to be accepted to the paramedic program you would have to take: biology, math, and English. This consists of training in the classroom, hospitals, ambulance companies, and fire departments. If you are a paramedic trainee you would study anatomy, physiology, ALS, advanced pediatric life support, and basic trama life support. After that you must take your state licensing examination.
Preferred Job Skills
- Active listening
- Critical thinking
- Speaking
- Coordination
Job Outlook
The job outlook for a paramedic is 23% (2012-2022). Which is must faster than average.
Work Environment
Almost all paramedics work full time. They also experience a lot more work related injuries and illnesses. Most paramedics work at a fire department.
Career Connection
-”You come in about 30 minutes early, get your uniform squared away, sign up for a bunk and check your crew assignment. You punch in, check your rig, top to bottom -- everything from the oil to the expiration dates on the bottles of saline. Then take care of the station. The station bathrooms, floors, kitchen, and bunk rooms get cleaned every shift -- no matter their condition when you get in. They could be spotless and you still have to clean them.” (anonymous)
Related Courses at Leyden
- Biology - The study of life and living organisms. This course would be beneficial to me because becoming a paramedic requires quite a bit of knowledge in science.
- Medical Careers - Teaches you basics of the hospital. This is a good course to take because it will prepare me for the training that I will have to go through. Also, so I'm a little bit more familiar with things.
Extra-Curricular Activities
- FCCLA - Help students develop leadership skills. Improving on my leadership skills would definitely help me when I become a paramedic.
- Principia - Broadens the students understanding of science. it would help me better my education and understanding of science.
Work/Volunteer Expeirence
i would volunteer at the local hospital. This can be beneficial to me because I can become very familiar and comfortable with the medical supplies. This also looks very good on a college application.
Internship
I can earn an internship at any hospital that is willing to hire me. Some internships pay you. I could probably even earn an internship at the fire department. Internships are good because they give you good experience and it looks very good on a college internship.
References
- Ms.Pater (epater@student.leyden212.org) - Algebra 1 teacher.
- Mr.Schuett (kschuett@student.leyden212.org) - English Honors teacher.
- Mr. Pecucci (tpecucci@student.leyden212.org) - Digital Literacy teacher.
Top 5 Colleges
- George Washington University in Washington, D.C
- Brigham Young University in Rexburg, ID
- Stony Brook University (State University of New York)
- Pacific Union College in CA
- Broward College in Fort Lauderdale in FL