Description of Occupation - The advanced-level curriculum is intended to prepare students to function on an ambulance (MICU or squad) or aeromedical service in a pre-hospital setting. Paramedics perform all skills at the BLS level plus invasive advanced skills such as IV's, medicine administration, interpretation of heart rhythms-EKG's and advanced airway management. Paramedics may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens and potentially hazardous materials.

Paramedics possess the knowledge, skills, and attitudes consistent with the expectations of the public and the profession. Paramedics recognize that they are an essential component of the continuum of care and serve as linkages among health resources. As an advocate for patients, paramedics seek to be proactive in affecting long term health care by working in conjunction with other provider agencies, networks, and organizations.

The paramedic must be a confident leader who can accept challenge and a high degree of responsibility entailed in the position. The paramedic must have excellent judgment and be able to prioritize decisions and act quickly in the best interest of the patient, must be self-disciplined, be able to develop patient rapport, interview hostile patients, maintain safe distance, and recognize and utilize communication unique to diverse multicultural groups and ages within those groups. The paramedic must have knowledge and practical application of medications, keeping abreast of all contraindications to the administration of specific drugs based on the patient's medical history.

Places of Employment and Outlook - EMT/paramedic is the third fastest growing occupation requiring post-secondary or associate's degree training in Pennsylvania 2002-2012. At least half of the graduating class finds employment upon graduation and certification.  The field of pre-hospital medicine - particularly the paramedic - is playing a more valuable and in-demand role in our society. The need for qualified, well-trained paramedics will continue to grow as the concern for public safety continues to grow. Advanced life support/paramedic services (for profit, non-profit, private, municipal and hospital based) throughout central and eastern Pennsylvania.

Salary Ranges for Geographical Area - $37,450 median salary in Harrisburg May 2011 for paramedics from www.salary.com.

Educational Advancement - Bachelor of science in EMS through the University of Maryland, Pittsburgh, Hahnemann. Physician's assistant has been an attractive next step for a fair number of paramedics. Franklin University offers a BS in Healthcare Management and Shippensburg University offers a BS in Healthcare Administration. Immaculata University offers an accelerated BA in Health Care Management (classes in accelerated format and held at HACC's Lancaster Campus). Completion of this certificate program, national certification and employment in the paramedic field may allow articulation of 30 credits towards an Associate Degree in Health Science at HACC.

Related Websites For Additional Information About The Career
Career Infonet with salary and job outlook statistics, career video and licensing requirements
WWW.ROLLWITHIT.com (Video and career information)
Journal of Emergency Medical Services (JEMS)
Red Rose (York) EMT/Paramedic Recruitment Video (YouTube)
Life of a Paramedic (Video)