When you think of a paramedic, your first thought is often of a professional who rides in an ambulance and works in emergency situations. However, paramedics are not only found in emergency services vehicles. Becoming a paramedic can open the doors of employment for you, allowing you to work in various settings. As you continue reading, you will learn about other work environments in which an advanced EMT may be found.
EMT Paramedic: Perhaps the most common paramedic is the one seen in an ambulance. Paramedics EMTs typically work for ambulance services (private or public) and respond to emergency calls for help.
Overseas/International Paramedic: There are jobs for paramedics in foreign countries, especially the Middle East. If you are interested in traveling and seeing the world, becoming a paramedic working abroad would be a great career to pursue. Many of the benefits of working abroad as an advanced EMT center around money. Usually the pay is almost double what you would earn at home. And, it is also tax free. You can earn a generous amount of vacation time and receive a living stipend. In addition to the financial benefits, working with people from a different country is a great way to grow both professionally and personally, as you will most likely learn a new language.
Tactical Paramedics – A Tactical Paramedic is trained to be able to support a Law Enforcement Tactical Team. Tactical medics provide emergency medical care to officers and citizens who are injured or become ill while in the field. As a tactical medic, you may need to provide care while under fire or in a hostile environment. Tactical paramedics work in extremely high-risk situations. You will not only take care of the officers, but you will also have to provide emergency care to the criminals. Specialized tactical training is required and offered at various facilities and institutions of learning.
Hospital Setting: Paramedics can also be found in hospitals. These advanced EMTs can provide immediate care to arriving patients. In addition to hospital settings, paramedics may also work in clinics or laboratories. Paramedics in these settings assist nurses and work to ease the burden on physicians by providing basic medical care.
Flight Paramedic – A flight paramedic is an emergency medical services professional who works in an aeromedical environment, typically in helicopters. As a flight medic, you can expect to carry out MedEvac transport missions. Typically, you will also work with a Registered Flight Nurse (RN).
Paramedic Firefighter: A paramedic firefighter has been trained to not only respond to medical emergencies but also to be capable of responding to fires. You must first become certified as a paramedic before you can apply for certification as a fire medic. His training will be provided by a department fire academy. As a fire paramedic, he will perform the duties of a typical firefighter, including using ladders and axes, carrying hoses, and entering burning buildings. Since firefighters are often the first to respond to a fire or traffic accident, if you are certified as a fire paramedic, the patient’s chances of survival are greatly increased.
Different levels of certification are required for the different areas in which a paramedic may work, so be sure to check with your respective state regarding education and training specifications.