Paramedic

From Free net encyclopedia

Image:Star of life.svg A paramedic is a highly trained medical professional who responds to medical and trauma emergencies in the pre-hospital setting ("in-field") for the purpose of stabilizing a patient's condition before and during transportation to an appropriate medical facility, usually by ambulance. Paramedics also work in the inter-facility transport environment where a paramedic will continue or upgrade medical care to a higher level while transporting a patient from one healthcare facility to another. Paramedics most often will transport patients to an Emergency Department, but "Treat-and-Release" practice can occasionally occur, local protocols permitting. Paramedics derive the legal ability to provide advanced life support care through a medical doctor's license. In many ways, a paramedic is an extension to the services offered by a medical doctor.

The skill set of a paramedic varies by jurisdiction and may include monitoring and interperting electrocardiograms (EKGs), inserting intravenous lines, performing endotracheal intubation (a breathing tube into the lungs), and defibrillation. Paramedics administer a variety of emergency medications, ranging from calcium channel blockers that slow the heart rate to sympathomimetics like dopamine for severe hypotension (low blood pressure). They may also administer elective medications such as those which relieve pain or decrease nausea and vomiting.

Unlike most other health care providers, paramedics provide care that is not directly supervised by physicians. Rather, paramedics provide care under protocols written by physicians, which guide clinical decisions. In certain cases, paramedics in the field may contact an emergency physician to seek permission to perform certain uncommon procedures, administer certain medications, or discuss the appropriate treatment for a complicated situation. However, the paramedic, based on her/his physical exam and history decides which treatment protocol is most appropriate or if additional information/advice is needed from an emergency physician.

In some areas paramedics are employed in emergency departments. Paramedics may be beneficial to patient care in that setting due to their specialized knowledge and skills related to the management of acute emergencies.

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