Paramedic Work Activities:
 
Control life-threatening situations

• Start intravenous lines
  
• Administer a wide variety of medications
  
• Insert advanced airway devices (endotracheal tubes)
  
• Read electrocardiograms
  
• Use manual defibrillators
  
• Cardiac pacing
  
• Advanced cardiac life support
  
• Needle jet insufflation
  
• Control severe bleeding
  
• Treat shock  

Stabilize non-life-threatening situations

• Dress and bandage wounds
  
• Splint injured extremities
  
• Deliver and care for infants
  
• Deal with the psychological stress of patients and family
  

Use non-medical skills

• Drive the ambulance safely
  
• Maintain supplies and equipment in proper order
  
• Use good communication skills
  
• Keep good records

A paramedic is trained in all aspects of pre-hospital emergency care. The paramedic provides leadership and guidance as the head of the medical response team. During a medical transport, the paramedic is responsible for the safety and well-being of the patient

During mass casualty events, the paramedic may also assume leadership positions to coordinate the overall response at the scene, working hand-in-hand with other professionals in law enforcement and fire departments.