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What is the typical day of a Paramedic like?
Is it a calm and typically more slow time? or is always stressful and high situational and crisis awareness?
3 answers
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Michael’s Answer
Our days can vary greatly. Typically, most shifts start with an equipment check. I’ll make sure I have all next medications and that nothing is expired. I’ll change out batteries and check oxygen levels. And I will do a vehicle check, making sure I have gas, working lights, filled tires etc. Some departments have house chores as well, others you are in your vehicle the whole day and drive back to the garage for shift change.
In terms of call volume, this greatly depends on your location and unit. By me we are all 911 and considered moderately busy. I will transport 3-5 patients in an 8 hour day, and most jobs take about an hour from start to finish.
The intensity varies with call type, and there are little patterns. Both days and nights can be busy. Most of our calls are routine and not super serious, but we do obviously have critical patients from time to time.
The best way to mitigate that stress is by attending high quality training, and reviewing cases with physicians. This helps you improve as a provider and become more confident. And of course, when you clock out it is important to clock out. Have some hobbies outside of work, eat well, and get good sleep.
For very intense patients, we also have access to debriefing programs and therapy for first responders.
In terms of call volume, this greatly depends on your location and unit. By me we are all 911 and considered moderately busy. I will transport 3-5 patients in an 8 hour day, and most jobs take about an hour from start to finish.
The intensity varies with call type, and there are little patterns. Both days and nights can be busy. Most of our calls are routine and not super serious, but we do obviously have critical patients from time to time.
The best way to mitigate that stress is by attending high quality training, and reviewing cases with physicians. This helps you improve as a provider and become more confident. And of course, when you clock out it is important to clock out. Have some hobbies outside of work, eat well, and get good sleep.
For very intense patients, we also have access to debriefing programs and therapy for first responders.
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
A typical day of a paramedic/EMT varies wildly. Some days you'll have back to back to back calls. Some days you'll have one call for a headache.
Whatever the call, you need to be on high alert of your patient, surroundings, and yourself and colleagues.
Hard work, but rewarding.
Whatever the call, you need to be on high alert of your patient, surroundings, and yourself and colleagues.
Hard work, but rewarding.
Updated
Zachary’s Answer
As Daniel said, some days you won’t get a break and some days you’ll be bored out of your mind. While similar, the responsibilities of a medic and those of an EMT are different. A typical day in the life varies greatly depending on what department you work for. Some departments an EMT may just drive while the medic performs advanced patient care. In another department, the EMT may handle basic patient care while the medic or another EMT drives. If your agency does inter-facility transports, you may just monitor the patient between hospitals. Whatever you end up doing, EMS is a very rewarding field and there truly is a role for everyone.
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