Imagine that you are suddenly in an accident while walking on the road, or someone at home suddenly experiences chest pain and loses consciousness. In such a situation, the first thing we do in panic is call 1990. In a few minutes, an ambulance arrives with a siren. Today we are going to talk about the person in that ambulance, who looks like a doctor, but is not a doctor, and who has received amazing training to save your life. That is a professional called a paramedic.
Who really is a paramedic?
Simply put, a paramedic is a highly trained health professional who provides emergency medical care before being transported to a hospital in the event of an emergency or accident. To be precise, they are one of the first responders. That is, they are the first to arrive at the scene of an emergency and help.
These people are under a lot of pressure and have to make very important decisions in a matter of seconds. They decide instantly what the patient's condition is, what medication to give, and what to do to save their life until they get to the hospital.
Remember, a paramedic is not a doctor. But they can do many of the same things they do in a hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) right inside the ambulance. This greatly increases the chances of saving a patient's life.
Emergency Medical Services Team (EMS Team) and its members
When you call an emergency service like in 1990, an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) team comes. A paramedic is like the leader of this team. There are other members of this team. Let's learn a little about them too.
| Professional level | What do you do? (Simple) |
|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) | This is the person with the most basic training. They can help with limited equipment, such as applying pressure to a wound to stop bleeding and performing CPR in case of choking. |
| Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) | These people have more specialized training than an EMR. They can use the basic equipment in the ambulance to keep the patient stable until they get to the hospital. Some highly trained EMTs are also authorized to perform more complex treatments. |
| Paramedic | This is the most highly trained and qualified person on the team. He can use all the advanced equipment in the ambulance, perform complex emergency treatments, supervise other members, and lead the team. |
The main difference between an EMT and a Paramedic
Now you know, an EMT and a paramedic are two different people. While both perform a noble job of saving lives, a paramedic's training is much more in-depth. As such, they have the permission and knowledge to use the advanced equipment inside the ambulance and perform complex medical procedures (such as injecting medication into a vein) that could harm the patient if done incorrectly. An EMT is not allowed to do such things.
What does a paramedic do?
The range of things a paramedic does in an emergency is very wide. Here are some things they can do to keep a patient stable until they can be transported to a hospital:
- Blood sample collection: A blood sample may be collected for necessary tests.
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR): CPR can be performed to revive someone who has had a cardiac arrest.
- Giving intravenous saline (IV fluids): Saline can be started and maintained in someone with low body fluid levels.
- Assisting breathing: A person with breathing difficulties can be helped with things like face masks and artificial airways.
- Performing and reading EKG tests: Electrocardiograms (EKGs) that monitor the functioning of the heart can be performed, the results can be interpreted, and the necessary treatment can be initiated.
- Restoring the heart rate: A person with an irregular heartbeat can have their heart rate restored through electrical cardioversion and defibrillation.
- Controlling bleeding: Heavy bleeding can be stopped by applying firm pressure to a wound and using devices such as tourniquets.
- Stabilizing fractures: When something like an arm or leg is broken, braces or splints can be used to keep it immobile.
- Administering medications: Medications can be administered in various ways, such as intravenously or intramuscularly.
- Assisting with childbirth: They are trained to assist in emergency childbirth, even in cases of complications.
Where do they work?
We most often see paramedics in ambulances or helicopters used for emergency situations. They are always on the move. They come to any place, from an accident on the road to your home.
In addition, some paramedic professionals also work in other settings. For example:
- In crowded places where accidents are likely to occur, such as sporting events and music concerts.
- They also work in some hospitals and emergency care centers.
How do you become a paramedic?
This is a profession that requires a lot of dedication and training. The typical path to becoming a paramedic in the world is as follows. (This process may vary slightly from country to country).
1. Basic Education: It is important to have studied up to A-level and have a good knowledge of biology subjects. Obtaining a basic first aid certificate such as CPR is also an advantage.
2. EMT Training: Before becoming a paramedic, you need to train as an EMT. For this, you have to take a special education course.
3. Work experience as an EMT: After being certified as an EMT, you need to gain experience by working as an EMT for a certain period of time (from 6 months to 2 years).
4. Studying a paramedic course: After that, you will have the opportunity to study for an advanced diploma, certificate or degree course to become a paramedic. This can usually take from one to four years.
5. Obtain national and state certifications/licensees: After completing the course, you must pass written and practical exams and obtain legal permission (licensing) to work as a paramedic.
6. Getting a job: Only after completing all of this can you start working as a paramedic.
This journey usually takes several years. This shows how much knowledge and training they have before they come to this service.
When a medical emergency occurs, paramedics are the ones who make the difference between life and death at critical moments. Every minute counts. Even the short distance to the hospital can delay some treatments. At that moment, a paramedic comes to you and provides life-saving treatment.
Depending on your situation, you may not be able to see or speak to the paramedic properly, but you can trust that they have the training and experience to take care of you when you need help the most.
Take-Home Message
- A paramedic is a highly trained health professional who provides emergency medical care before reaching the hospital.
- They are part of an emergency medical services (EMS) team and have higher training and qualifications than other members, such as EMTs and EMRs.
- They are able to perform complex treatments, such as performing EKGs, administering intravenous medications, assisting with breathing, and stopping severe bleeding, right in the ambulance.
- Their quick and skillful action is crucial to saving a patient's life in an emergency.
- When you call a service like 911 in an emergency, the team leader who comes to help you is often a paramedic professional.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න