Paramedic

A paramedic is a medical profession that provides advanced levels of medical care in the pre-hospital setting usually in an emergency. This includes an initial assessment, diagnosis and a treatment plan to manage the patient's health crisis. This care can also be continued en-route to a hospital if more definitive care for the patient is required. In some cases the Paramedic may provide adequate treatment that may resolve the health crisis and may or may not refer the patient onto another health professional. Most paramedics work in ambulances or medical helicopters however there are some who take up hospital based roles in emergency departments. In some countries paramedics can go onto becoming a form of extended care practitioner similar to a PA or CNP.