2 answers
Jessica
Student
Fairbanks, Alaska
1
Question
2 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1345
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California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Jessica paramedics are one of the first points of contact in any emergency situation, alongside police officers and firefighters. Paramedics are responsible for assessing and providing any treatment that a patient may require before he or she receives full medical care at a hospital. Not everyone is suited to work as a paramedic, and students considering careers in this field should possess a very specific set of skills and qualities.
THREE ESSENTIAL SKILLS EVART PARAMEDIC MUST HAVE
PROFESSIONAL PARAMEDICS SHOULD HAVE GREAT PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS – Professionals who have had paramedic training understand that for the most part, their job is quite unpredictable. Since paramedics are responsible for reacting quickly and efficiently in emergency situations, it is crucial that they possess excellent problem-solving skills. Within a few short moments during an emergency, paramedics are expected to evaluate the condition of a patient and quickly determine the best way to treat them.
PARAMEDICS REQUIRE EXCEPTIONAL INTERPERSONAL SKILLS – Students enrolled in paramedic courses recognize the importance of being able to effectively communicate with the patients they help. Medical emergencies can be chaotic, and during an emergency situation patients are often scared, shocked or stressed. For a paramedic to do their job properly, they must be able to calm the patient and make them feel as comfortable as possible. Doing so requires paramedics to be outstanding listeners as well as compassionate communicators.
GOOD HEALTH AND PHYSICAL STRENGTH IS CRUCIAL FOR PROFESSIONAL PARAMEDICS – While health and fitness should always be a priority, paramedic school graduates know that good health and physical strength is actually a requirement of the job. Paramedics are often required to do a lot of physical work during their shift such as bending, lifting and kneeling to pick up patients and stretchers, and a patient’s well-being may actually be at risk if the paramedic cannot fulfill these physical requirements.
Paramedics are responsible for providing emergency medical care to people who are sick or have been injured. Working with emergency medical technicians, also known as EMTs, paramedics perform medical services, answer emergency calls, and transport patients to the appropriate medical facilities. These workers often deal in matters of life and death, and as such they are subject to extensive training. Aspiring paramedics start out as emergency medical technicians (EMTs) before advancing to the paramedic level through licensure, study and training. There are three main levels of training students need to complete in order to become a paramedic. The time that each level takes involves factors such as the dedication of the student, schedule and completing licensing examinations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, paramedics and EMTs are projected to experience 7% growth in employment from 2018 to 2028, due in large part to growth in the middle-aged and elderly population that will necessitate care for events such as heart attacks or strokes. The average Paramedic salary in the United States is $44,900 as of October 28, 2020, but the range typically falls between $39,500 and $58,00. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.
Training Level 1: – Emergency Medical Technician - Basic After earning a high school diploma or equivalent, students interested in becoming a paramedic can seek training to become an EMT-B. An EMT-B program can be completed in as few as three weeks or last several months, depending on the course schedules. Students need a valid CPR certification before they are trained in EMT fundamental life-saving skills. EMT-B certification is necessary to become a paramedic.
Training Level 2: – Emergency Medical Technician - Intermediate At this level, students are educated in trauma management skills. They learn how to administer intravenous fluids, use advanced airway devices, and deal with various clinical and medical emergencies. EMT-Intermediate programs generally require anywhere from 30 to 350 training hours, based on state requirements. Once certified as an EMT-Intermediate, students have the opportunity to train to become paramedics.
Training Level 3: – Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic Paramedics receive the most training of all emergency medical responders. As a result, students may receive an associate degree in emergency medical services from a community college or technical school. Students may also complete a paramedic certificate program; however, it will not include general education requirements or offer an opportunity to transfer into a bachelor's degree program.
THREE ESSENTIAL SKILLS EVART PARAMEDIC MUST HAVE
PROFESSIONAL PARAMEDICS SHOULD HAVE GREAT PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS – Professionals who have had paramedic training understand that for the most part, their job is quite unpredictable. Since paramedics are responsible for reacting quickly and efficiently in emergency situations, it is crucial that they possess excellent problem-solving skills. Within a few short moments during an emergency, paramedics are expected to evaluate the condition of a patient and quickly determine the best way to treat them.
PARAMEDICS REQUIRE EXCEPTIONAL INTERPERSONAL SKILLS – Students enrolled in paramedic courses recognize the importance of being able to effectively communicate with the patients they help. Medical emergencies can be chaotic, and during an emergency situation patients are often scared, shocked or stressed. For a paramedic to do their job properly, they must be able to calm the patient and make them feel as comfortable as possible. Doing so requires paramedics to be outstanding listeners as well as compassionate communicators.
GOOD HEALTH AND PHYSICAL STRENGTH IS CRUCIAL FOR PROFESSIONAL PARAMEDICS – While health and fitness should always be a priority, paramedic school graduates know that good health and physical strength is actually a requirement of the job. Paramedics are often required to do a lot of physical work during their shift such as bending, lifting and kneeling to pick up patients and stretchers, and a patient’s well-being may actually be at risk if the paramedic cannot fulfill these physical requirements.
Paramedics are responsible for providing emergency medical care to people who are sick or have been injured. Working with emergency medical technicians, also known as EMTs, paramedics perform medical services, answer emergency calls, and transport patients to the appropriate medical facilities. These workers often deal in matters of life and death, and as such they are subject to extensive training. Aspiring paramedics start out as emergency medical technicians (EMTs) before advancing to the paramedic level through licensure, study and training. There are three main levels of training students need to complete in order to become a paramedic. The time that each level takes involves factors such as the dedication of the student, schedule and completing licensing examinations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, paramedics and EMTs are projected to experience 7% growth in employment from 2018 to 2028, due in large part to growth in the middle-aged and elderly population that will necessitate care for events such as heart attacks or strokes. The average Paramedic salary in the United States is $44,900 as of October 28, 2020, but the range typically falls between $39,500 and $58,00. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.
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Great post with very clear details
Amy Lloyd
Sheila Jordan
Lead Network Proj/Prog Manager
716
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Sheila’s Answer
Hi Jessica:
Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics care for the sick or injured in emergency medical settings. People’s lives often depend on the quick reaction and competent care provided by these workers. EMTs and paramedics respond to emergency calls, performing medical services and transporting patients to medical facilities. FYI, John provided you with some awesome information. I'd like to add a few items for your consideration.
IMPORTANT QUALITIES
• COMPASSION - - EMTs and paramedics must be able to provide emotional support to patients in an emergency, especially patients who are in life-threatening situations or extreme mental distress.
• INTERPERSONAL SKILLS - - EMTs and paramedics usually work on teams and must be able to coordinate their activities closely with others in stressful situations.
• LISTENING SKILLS - - EMTs and paramedics need to listen to patients to determine the extent of their injuries or illnesses.
• PHYSICAL STRENGTH - - EMTs and paramedics need to be physically fit. Their job requires a lot of bending, lifting, and kneeling.
• PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS - - EMTs and paramedics must evaluate patients’ symptoms and administer appropriate treatments.
• SPEAKING SKILLS - - EMTs and paramedics need to clearly explain procedures to patients, give orders, and relay information to others.
I wish you much success on your journey. Best of luck to you!
Research Paramedics • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/emts-and-paramedics.htm#tab-4
Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics care for the sick or injured in emergency medical settings. People’s lives often depend on the quick reaction and competent care provided by these workers. EMTs and paramedics respond to emergency calls, performing medical services and transporting patients to medical facilities. FYI, John provided you with some awesome information. I'd like to add a few items for your consideration.
IMPORTANT QUALITIES
• COMPASSION - - EMTs and paramedics must be able to provide emotional support to patients in an emergency, especially patients who are in life-threatening situations or extreme mental distress.
• INTERPERSONAL SKILLS - - EMTs and paramedics usually work on teams and must be able to coordinate their activities closely with others in stressful situations.
• LISTENING SKILLS - - EMTs and paramedics need to listen to patients to determine the extent of their injuries or illnesses.
• PHYSICAL STRENGTH - - EMTs and paramedics need to be physically fit. Their job requires a lot of bending, lifting, and kneeling.
• PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS - - EMTs and paramedics must evaluate patients’ symptoms and administer appropriate treatments.
• SPEAKING SKILLS - - EMTs and paramedics need to clearly explain procedures to patients, give orders, and relay information to others.
I wish you much success on your journey. Best of luck to you!
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