Paramedic, << `par` uh MEHD ihk, >> is a trained medical worker who takes the place of a physician in certain situations. Most paramedics handle routine medical duties, giving doctors more time with patients who need their expert care. Some paramedics, called Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedics or EMT-paramedics, give on-the-scene aid if a doctor is not immediately available. These men and women have saved many people who might otherwise have died. This article discusses EMT-paramedics.
Duties.
Paramedics give emergency care chiefly to accident victims and to people stricken by heart attacks or other sudden illnesses. Two or more paramedics usually work together as a team called a Mobile Intensive Care Unit (MICU). They use a special ambulance that carries a variety of drugs and medical equipment. This equipment includes a device called a defibrillator, which helps correct an irregular heartbeat.
Before treating a victim, paramedics use a two-way radio to contact a physician at a nearby hospital. They report the extent of any injuries, plus such information as the victim’s pulse, blood pressure, and breathing condition. For victims of a heart attack, paramedics have an instrument that can send the doctor an electrocardiogram, a recording that describes heart activity. Such basic information helps the doctor determine the proper treatment. In serious cases, paramedics continue to treat the victim on the way to the hospital.
Training.
People who wish to become paramedics must complete an extensive medical training program given by a hospital or college. First they learn basic life-support techniques. These include treatment of shock and bleeding and restoration of breathing. Then the students learn such advanced medical procedures as treatment for heart attacks and the use of certain drugs. Graduates of the training program are certified by a hospital as Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedics. They must get additional instruction every year.
Paramedic service was introduced in the mid-1960’s in the United States. Most major cities and their metropolitan areas have paramedic programs. Paramedics also serve many rural areas.
See also Defibrillator ; Emergency Medical Services ; Fire department (Emergency rescue operations) .
