Paramedics are trained to aggressively
manage all types of emergency
situations by providing scene
control, emergency medical care and
patient transport to a medical facility
or trauma center. The paramedic
is an integral part of the health care
team, serving as an extension of the
hospital emergency department.
Paramedics provide a variety of
skilled functions in the pre-hospital
phase of patient care, often the most
critical period of care. The professional
paramedic is highly motivated
and qualified by education
and certification to provide pre-hospital
care under the supervision of a
physician director of the Emergency
Medical Service System.
This program is designed to allow
current fire science and public safety
students to earn a minor and obtain
their paramedic certification; it also
allows students to obtain paramedic
certification without committing to
a four-year degree. Students can be
certified as an Emergency Medical
Technician-Basic after the first year
with little or no previous training;
and as a Paramedic at the end of
the second year. Graduates will be
eligible to challenge state and/or
national licensure examination for
both EMT-Basic and paramedic
license.
Emergency Paramedic -Works in the pre-hospital setting, providing emergency care and scene management
in all types of emergency
situations.
Firefighter-Paramedic - Works in
civilian or private setting, providing
fire suppression, rescue operations
and emergency care.
Public Safety Officer - Works in
the community, providing emergency care, fire/rescue and law
enforcement services to the general public.
Hospital Technician - Works in the hospital or trauma center setting, providing staff support services in critical care areas including the emergency department and critical care/intensive care units. |
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Paramedic student Megan Mandley listens for a blood pressure during paramedic skills and simulation lab session at Lake Superior State University. Emergency medical technicians take the lab to gain certification as a paramedic. LSSU Fire Science Instructor Dave Duncan teaches the class along with paramedics from the Sault, Mich., fire department. Mandley is a senior in fire science, with an associate's in paramedic technology, from Royal Oak, Mich.
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Photos by Robert G. Girolamo, a senior in nursing with an associate's in paramedic technology
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