Also called: EMT-Paramedic, Medic
Provides advanced emergency care in the field: medications, breathing tubes, and heart monitoring.
Responds to a 911 call for chest pain, reads the EKG in the patient's living room, spots a heart attack, gives medications, and calls ahead so the cath lab is ready. Treats people on floors, in cars, and on roadsides.
BLS May 2024.
Certificate, about 2 years after high school. EMT experience plus a 1-2 year paramedic program and national certification.
Ways in: Certification, 2-year college, Military. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Paramedicine, Emergency Medical Services.
Growing faster than average (about 5% over 10 years).
Low risk for 10 years. Smart monitors and tele-ECGs help diagnose; intubating, giving drugs and treating patients on scene stay hands-on.
Classes: Biology, Anatomy & physiology, Chemistry, Spanish.
Official data: O*NET occupation 29-2043.
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