A paramedic operates as the most thoroughly trained primary medical care provider in the pre-hospital setting. The paramedic is in charge of every aspect of care presented to the sick and injured. The paramedic offers both basic and advanced life support, such as comprehensive patient assessment, invasive airway management, cardiac monitoring and administration of medications. The paramedic is generally in the leadership role working together with a small team of lesser-trained prehospital care providers (EMTs).
The paramedic accounts for verbal communication with the patient, other prehospital providers and hospital personnel, which includes physician medical directors. The paramedic finishes extensive written documentation on patient condition and treatment provided, and should be aware of all applicable legal, moral and ethical issues surrounding emergency medical service.
The paramedic needs to be committed to continued learning through continuing paramedic training refresher courses and maintenance of licensures.
The paramedic has to be a confident leader who are able to accept the challenge and high degree of responsibility required in this position. The paramedic will need to have excellent judgment, have the ability to prioritize decisions and move quickly in the best interest of the patient. The paramedic have to be able to function individually at an optimum level inside a non-structured environment which is constantly changing.
The paramedic should be able to stay calm while working in challenging and stressful situations, and stay focused whilst accepting the leadership role inherent in carrying out the functions of the position. Good judgment is important in leading other team members to assist when needed, together with advanced knowledge, technical skills.
The paramedic need to possess excellent verbal communication skills and become capable of adjusting to situations with violence and emotional instability in multicultural settings. The paramedic need to have got critical reasoning and math skills and become effective at applying them effectively in demanding situations.