what do paramedics do

Paramedics are medical professionals who specialize in emergency treatment and provide medical care to patients both on the scene and on their way to a nearby hospital or medical facility. They are first responders who assess injuries and illnesses, provide emergency medical care, and may transport patients to medical facilities. Paramedics work on teams that respond to medical emergencies and work under the supervision of a doctor, though the doctor is usually not on site. They may communicate with a doctor via phone, radio, or pre-written orders. Paramedics also make some decisions about patient care and supervise the other members of their team who have less training, like EMTs. Some of the responsibilities of a paramedic include delivering babies in the event of an emergency, bandaging patients and stopping bleeding, creating new airways for patients who can’t breathe, administering medication via intravenous (IV) or infusion, decompressing collapsed lungs, and giving patients breathing support. Paramedics undergo more training than EMTs, which prepares them to treat acute illnesses and injuries. They have the complex knowledge and skills to perform patient care with advanced equipment and provide advanced life support using equipment such as defibrillators, administer medications, and perform lifesaving procedures like tracheotomy.