13 Different Types of Paramedic Occupations To Consider
Updated March 3, 2023
Are you interested in a career as a paramedic, but not sure how to start preparing for it? In this video, we break down the skills and education needed, average salaries and give 5 additional tips to help you land a job in the healthcare industry!
What are paramedics?
Paramedics are individuals trained in providing advanced emergency medical care to patients. They often respond to emergency calls outside of a hospital setting and primarily work in ambulances or other mobile settings to treat patients on their way to a hospital to receive further treatment and care from a licensed physician or doctor. Some of the common responsibilities of a paramedic role include:- Communicating with hospital staff
- Diagnosing patients and providing treatment
- Maintaining records of patient condition and care
- Providing CPR, first aid or life support
- Sanitizing medical equipment
- Transferring patients to hospital facilities
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13 types of paramedics
The following are different types of paramedics to consider in your job search:1. Advanced care paramedic
Advanced care paramedics oversee a team of senior-level paramedics to treat urgent medical cases. They specialize in caring for trauma patients and those experiencing cardiac arrest. These types of paramedics provide immediate lifesaving treatment.2. Community paramedic
A community paramedic who is licensed at the PCP-IV level or higher cares for patients in their homes under the supervision of a licensed physician. They provide health care support in local communities to provide a wider range of access to health care services. Community paramedics typically work in areas that are far from hospitals so that those who are unable to travel can receive treatment within their own homes or community.3. Critical care paramedic (CCP)
CCPs provide care to patients during transportation from one facility to another. They transport patients who are critically ill or injured through travel, either in the air or on the ground. CCPs may administer certain medicines and medicine amounts that general paramedics may not be allowed to, and they often specialize in the care of infants and children.Throughout the transportation process, they monitor the patient's vital signs with an awareness of how their mode of transport can affect the patient's condition. CCPs may administer CPR and some intravenous medications. Once the patient is at the facility, CCPs report to on-site medical teams regarding the patient's status and any changes that occurred during transportation.4. Emergency care assistant
Emergency care assistants work under the supervision of a paramedic to help administer treatments. They can treat wounds and fractures, administer drugs, control bleeding and resuscitate patients using a defibrillator. They're often responsible for driving emergency vehicles, stocking vehicle equipment, sanitizing medical instruments and writing reports regarding the emergency calls they've completed.5. Emergency medical technician (EMT)
EMTs at the highest level of EMT-4 are qualified as paramedics. They often work in ambulances and respond to emergency calls. EMTs at this level can diagnose and treat patients at the site of the call or during transport in an ambulance. EMTs work to minimize the volume of people who need transfers to hospitals for further care.Related: What Is an Emergency Medical Technician?6. Emergency room technician
Emergency room technicians support emergency medical teams with monitoring patient conditions and collecting samples from patients. They work under the supervision of a registered nurse and prepare equipment, supplies and assist in emergency procedures. Emergency room technicians can also provide CPR and wound treatment.7. Firefighter paramedic
Firefighter paramedics respond to emergency calls regarding fires. They contain and prevent fires and can also provide medical aid to those who are injured in fires or other hazardous events. Firefighter paramedics train in rescuing people trapped in burning buildings or vehicles and specialize in the treatment of burn-related injuries. Many firefighter paramedics have associate degrees and certifications.Related: How To Become a Firefighter Paramedic (With Steps and Skills)8. Flight paramedic
Flight paramedics work in aircraft to care to provide critical care for patients in flight and are allowed to perform advanced medical procedures without the supervision of a licensed physician. They design and oversee aeromedical evacuation missions in cases of emergencies. The requirements to become a flight paramedic are typically between three to five years of experience in high emergency call volume environments. Flight paramedics often fly to remote locations to search for those in need of care.Related: Definitive Guide to Flight Medics9. General care paramedic (GCP)
General care paramedics specialize in providing care to patients in their own environments. They often conduct their work independently and treat patients with impaired cognitive functioning. GCPs typically work with patients who are elderly and may work in clinics or private sector providers.10. On-location paramedic
On-location paramedics often work in high-traffic or crowded event areas. They report to the event location to provide emergency care for those that might get sick or injured and require immediate treatment. These paramedics may work in theme parks, hotels, festivals or parades.11. Primary care paramedic
Primary care paramedics can operate ambulances and other medical transportation vehicles to respond to medical emergency calls. They can administer basic life support while transporting patients. They may also provide care in emergency rooms or urgent care centers within a hospital or facility.12. SWAT paramedic
SWAT paramedics undergo training in tactical medicine to provide care for deployed SWAT teams. SWAT paramedics also provide care to members of the public or suspected criminals in the case of injuries resulting from SWAT team events. Because of the environments that these paramedics work in, they often train in self-defense and weapons usage to defend themselves or restrain suspects. They also specialize in diagnosing and treating cases involving ballistic wounds, biological threats, environmental injuries and spinal injuries.13. Shipboard paramedic
Shipboard paramedics can work on any ship setting but often work on cruise ships. They often work in teams with at least one licensed physician and a staff of nurses. They specialize in medical treatment for sea-related illnesses and protocols for treatment in confined environments.
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