How to Become A Paramedic

Paramedic Job Overview

Paramedics and EMTs care for sick and injured patients in a variety of situations.  Typically, paramedics will be responsible for some on-site care and then transport the patient to a hospital.  Paramedics are often sent to a scene by a 911 operator. Scenarios that a paramedic may encounter include: heart attacks, strokes, car accidents, gun shot wounds, domestic violence and other situations that require urgent medical attention.

Once at the scene, the EMT or Paramedic will assess the patient and provide many types of emergency medical care.  Paramedics may treat patients on site if they have received the appropriate training and certifications.

Paramedics and EMTs usually are dispatched in teams.  One EMT will usually tend to a patient, while the other team member drives the vehicle to the medical facility.
Paramedics can choose to specialize their roles.  For example, some EMTs and paramedics may chose to work in a Medical Flight operation to transport critically ill patients to trauma centers.

The responsibilities and duties of EMTs have will vary based on their training and certification. A Paramedic’s experience, training, and location will also affect an EMT's salary. Typically, most EMTs are certified to one of five levels that are administered by NREMT, the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.

NREMT Certification Levels

The NREMT administers five different EMT certification levels that represent a ladder of increasing knowledge, skills, and abilities.  The five NREMT certification levels are shown below:

• First Responder –  Entry level EMS services.  Provides basic first response first aid and patient management.  Almost all police and fire agencies require their employees to be first responders.
• EMT-Basic (EMT-B) – This certification level provides basic life support.
• Intermediate/85 (EMT-I) – NREMT certification level based on the 1985 EMT-Intermediate National Standard Curriculum.
• Intermediate/99 – (EMT-I) - NREMT certification level based on the 1999 EMT-Intermediate National Standard Curriculum.
• Paramedic – (EMT-P) – This is the highest level of EMT certification supported by the NREMT.  Paramedics can administer a wide range of medication, provide advanced life support, and perform advanced surgical and electrical therapies.

EMT-Paramedic Requirements

Potential EMT candidates applying for an EMT-Paramedic certification must meet certain requirements.  EMT-Paramedic candidates must be 18 years or older.  EMT-Paramedic candidates must also have an EMT-Basic certification at the national or state level.  Candidates must also have completed a state-approved EMT-Paramedic course.  The state EMT-paramedic course must meet or exceed the US Department of Transportation National Standard Curriculum for EMT-Paramedic.  This EMT-Paramedic state course must have been successfully completed within the previous two years.  Additionally, EMT-Paramedic candidates must hold a current CPR credential and have successfully demonstrated competence in Paramedic skills.

Steps to Becoming A Paramedic

1. Become a EMT-B – Obtain your entry level training and certification.  This training will be the foundation for your Paramedic training.  You can receive EMT-Basic training at community colleges, hospitals or ambulance services.
2. Get work experience – It is recommended (and often required) that you work as an EMT-B for at least one year before you seek your Paramedic certification
3. Take your required courses – Your training requirements will vary based on your state.  You will probably need training in anatomy and physiology, electrocardiography (EKG), and IV Training.
4. Study for and pass your EMT-Paramedic Exam - The EMT-Paramedic exam will cover all portions of the Paramedic curriculum, including: EMS Operations, Cardiology, Trauma, Medical, Obstetrics, Pediatrics and Airway and Breathing.  The EMT-Paramedic test is heavily focused on fundamentals and operations.