A paramedic is responsible for attending to medical emergencies and is usually the first health-care professional to arrive at the scene of incidents including fires, criminal violence and road accidents. It is their job to make an immediate assessment of what treatment is necessary prior to a patient being transported to a hospital or other medical facility.
Immediate treatment might include resuscitation, using life support techniques to make sure a patient is stable, administering drugs, oxygen or a drip when necessary, applying bandages or splints and helping the injured party get to hospital as quickly as possible.
A paramedic may also be responsible for running non-emergency services such as transporting patients for tests, assessments and other procedures between their nursing home and the hospital.
The work can be both physically and mentally demanding, and the job is not for those looking for a nine to five. Wages vary depending on hours but an average of C
$70,000 can be expected for a full-time position depending on location.