Paramedic

Issues

Paramedics are employed by various public and private emergency services providers. These include private ambulance services, fire departments (as firefighters), hospitals, law enforcement agencies, the military, or various EMS-specific, or "third service" public safety agencies. Paramedics may respond to medical incidents in an ambulance, rescue vehicle, helicopter, fixed-wing aircraft, and increasingly in fire suppression apparatus.

Related Topics:
Emergency services - Firefighters - Ambulance - Helicopter - Fire suppression apparatus

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As nursing shortages become more and more prevalent, paramedics are increasingly used in Emergency Departments and Intensive Care Units of hospitals. Often, paramedics operate with greater lattitude and autonomy than many nurses. In addition, paramedics are often used as chief medical personnel on offshore drilling platforms and on MEDEVACs and airplanes. However, paramedics may be employed in many different medical fields that do not necessarily involve transportation of patients. Such positions may include phlebotomy, blood banks, research labs and educational fields.

Related Topics:
Nursing - Hospital - Nurse - MEDEVAC - Blood bank

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In the U.S., paramedic salaries can range anywhere from unpaid, volunteer positions to as much as $90,000 a year, depending on location and experience. It should be noted that volunteer paramedics can generally provide the same level of care as those performing the service in a career capacity, depending on the local scope of practice.

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