Today the term is used to signify personnel who function as subsidiaries or supplements to Physicians. Many of the procedures and medications administered by the Paramedic are ordered and supervised by a Physician. This may be through direct supervision or remotely using telephone, radio or pre-established written orders. These are some of the desired attributes that EMT-P Program Selection Committees look for in a potential student candidate. The income and future job outlook for paramedics is rapidly improving.
Paramedics are a unique medical entity.
Paramedics receive education in many of the same areas as a Nurse or PA such as medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology and so on. Paramedics at times will be called upon to fill any role in a crisis. In essence a Paramedic is part physician, nurse, social worker, clergy, police officer, firefighter, mediator, counselor and teacher just to name a few. The Paramedic receives the authority to practice through a physicians license. Each practicing Paramedic has a Physician director who is responsible to direct and review the activities of a Paramedic.