The job of a paramedic


Introduction

This article can be useful for anyone interested in learning about what it’s like to be a paramedic. It can be for someone who wants to become a paramedic, or someone who wants to know more about this profession, or even to see if it could be a good job for you if you’re still indecisive. In this article, you’ll learn what it’s like to be a paramedic, what do they do on an average day, where do they work, how to become one, how much does a paramedic make, what danger you can expect, and many more useful information.


What is it like to be a paramedic?

A paramedic will usually be the first responder on the scene of an accident, or in case of a medical emergency. A paramedic will be able to help people in need and transport them to the nearest hospital. A paramedic will handle high level stress situations and still work effectively.


What do paramedics do?

Paramedics will be called on various emergencies, like a medical emergency or a car accident, to give proper care and then bring the patient to the hospital, so they can get the care they need. Paramedics may be called on different types of issues, it can be an emergency, like a heart attack or someone dying, to someone feeling sick and in need to get to the hospital quickly.


What do paramedics do on a typical day?

Paramedics work ten to twelve hours shift on a typical day. The schedule may vary, a paramedic can work during the day or the night. Usually, paramedics will start their day by making sure that the ambulance is in proper condition. Afterward, they wait for a call, given by the dispatcher. Once the call is through, the paramedic will go on the scene of the affectation and give immediate care to whoever might need it. Once the patient is stabilized, they will transport them to the closest hospital to transfer them to the hospital staff. In between each call, they will go and wait for the next one.


Where do paramedics work?

Paramedics work a company. Depending on the company, they will work in a specific territory. Paramedics will wait in their trucks, ready for the next intervention. They go to the station at the start of their shift to get the truck, and at the end of their shift to put the truck back.


How can I become a paramedic?

In Quebec, to become a paramedic, you need to complete a Prehospital Emergency Care technique. This technique usually takes three to four years to complete. This technique includes different course to prepare the student to the many situations he may encounter and to teach him how to react to the various medical issues. Once the diploma is acquired, the student has to follow the National Clinical Integration Program and register in the National Workforce Register of Paramedics.


How much money do paramedics make?

In Canada, paramedics make between 61 000 to 87 000 dollars per year. The salary depends on the province they are working and how much seniority they have in the company.


What kinds of additional training do paramedics need?

Now and then, paramedics must go through training to make sure that their technique is still on point and that they are doing the right care for certain situations. Also, when a new technique is allowed, paramedics will get the right training to execute it properly.


What are the dangers of being a paramedic?

Being a paramedic, you never really know what is going to happen on a call. You can be called for an old person that feels sick, or someone having a psychotic episode. Also, as it is a physical job, a paramedic is at risk of getting a physical injury. Of course, firefighters and police officers are usually available or already on the scene when we get a call, so they can help to protect us from the many dangers that the job has.


What are the chances that paramedics will be replaced by robots soon?

Very low, almost impossible. Being a paramedic requires multiple abilities. A paramedic needs to quickly determine the patient’s issue, treat it and transport them to the hospital. However, even if it seems simple, it can be very hard physically and mentally. It’s not a job for everyone, and robots would have to be really sophisticated to be able to replace paramedics.


What age do paramedics retire at?

Paramedics can start retiring at 60 to 65 years old.


Conclusion

Hopefully, this career summary helped you learn information about the job of a paramedic.


More by this author

Introduction link: https://becomingaparamedic-withrebecca.blogspot.com/2024/02/introduction.html

Glossary link: https://becomingaparamedic-withrebecca.blogspot.com/2024/02/pre-hospital-emergency-care-glossary.html


Sources and RADARS ratings

Source: https://www.princetonreview.com/careers/106/paramedic

Rationale: to inform or educate

Authority: research journal

Date: recently published

Accuracy: probably true

Relevance: relevant for this document

Sources: no sources cited


Source: https://www.careerglider.com/blog/day-in-the-life-of-a-paramedic/

Rationale: to inform or educate

Authority: research journal

Date: still relevant

Accuracy: probably true

Relevance: relevant for this document

Sources: cites sources


Source: https://www.quebec.ca/sante/systeme-et-services-de-sante/services-prehospitaliers-urgence/informations-etudiants-intervenants-parties-prenantes-services-prehospitaliers-urgence/programme-national-integration-clinique

Rationale: to inform or educate

Authority: government

Date: recently published

Accuracy: probably true

Relevance: relevant for this document

Sources: no sources cited


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