What does a paramedic do? A paramedic, ambulance attendant or emergency medical technician is a person who may be called to any number of settings in an emergency situation.
A paramedic, ambulance attendant or emergency medical technician is a person who may be called to any number of settings in an emergency situation.
Paramedics can be licenced for different practitioner levels, including emergency medical responder, primary care, advanced care, or critical care. This document covers general aspects that most paramedics may encounter.
The main duties of a paramedic are to:
duty Respond to emergency calls such as sudden illness, accidents (automobile, industrial, etc.), building collapses and natural disasters.
duty Provide emergency medical care or care in route to other medical facilities.
duty Use proper techniques for first aid, medical treatments, etc.
duty Transport the patients to the required hospital or other medical facilities for further medical care as appropriate.
duty Educate the public on health and safety issues.
Paramedics may experience:
biological Exposure to contagious or infectious diseases from patients or needles.
chemical Working with the various chemicals used in medical procedures such as halothane, nitrous oxide and ethyl chloride.
chemical Exposure to other chemicals, products, pharmaceuticals and medicine, including opioids.
general Potential allergic reaction to latex gloves.
chemical Physical tasks that involve awkward postures, repetition, force or overexertion that can lead to injuries such as musculoskeletal disorders.
physical Exposure to extreme temperatures or conditions.
chemical Risk of injury from the various locations where paramedics may be called to. For example, fire, explosion, unstable structures and surfaces, falling objects, or working near traffic, water, large crowds, exposure to toxic gases, violent situations, etc.
safety Slips, trips and falls often compounded by the fact that the paramedic is carrying a patient on a stretcher.
safety Risk of motor vehicle incidents due to high speeds, collisions, sudden stops, weather conditions. etc.
psychosocial Shift work, extended work days, and resulting fatigue.
psychosocial Periods of intense psychological stress or trauma.
psychosocial Workplace violence and harassment when dealing with hostile patients or at the workplace.
Experience and extensive safety and skills training are the best protection for a paramedic.
requirement Wash your hands frequently- an important step in reducing the risk of infection.
requirement Know the routine practices to prevent contracting blood borne pathogens.
requirement Understanding other additional measures for reducing exposure to infectious diseases, such as COVID-19.
requirement Learn safe lifting techniques, such as manual material handling and patient handling techniques
requirement Be aware of your surroundings to avoid trips and falls.
requirement Avoid or take frequent breaks from work that involves awkward physical positions.
requirement Follow a recommended shift work pattern, and be aware of the fatigue and other hazards associated with shift work.
requirement Know the hazards of confined spaces and hazardous environments
administrative Follow or establish safety procedures for working alone, or for avoiding working alone wherever possible.
requirement Learn about stress and post-traumatic stress, and consider a debriefing session or counselling after a critical or traumatic event.
requirement Exercise regularly to keep fit and reduce the risk of injury.
Ensure that you are trained and informed about how to avoid the various health and safety hazards of your job. Read about these:
Always:
requirement Health and wellness
requirement Chemical hazards and WHMIS.
requirement Blood borne diseases such as AIDS, or hepatitis.
requirement The importance of hand washing.
biological Needlestick injuries.
ppe Proper selection, use, maintenance and storage of personal protective equipment.
requirement Safe lifting techniques.
requirement Preventing slips, trips and falls.
requirement Fall Protection.
requirement Shift work.
requirement Fatigue.
requirement Fire safety.
requirement Working alone or working alone with patients.
requirement Working safely with compressed gases.
requirement Hazard identification and risk assessments.
requirement Follow company safety rules.
administrative Know how to report a hazard.
administrative Follow good housekeeping procedures.
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Notes for this occupation. Open one to read the practices and the protection it calls for.