What Does a Paramedic Do?
A paramedic is a licensed healthcare professional who provides advanced emergency medical care to patients before they reach a hospital or healthcare facility. Working in high-pressure environments, paramedics respond to 911 calls, assess patients, administer life-saving treatments, and safely transport individuals to medical centers. They are trained to perform procedures such as advanced airway management, cardiac monitoring, defibrillation, and IV therapy.
Paramedics often work in ambulances, fire departments, air rescue units, and other emergency response settings. They collaborate with EMTs, nurses, and physicians to ensure patients receive critical care in time-sensitive situations, making them an essential part of the emergency medical services (EMS) system.
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Paramedic Core Responsibilities
- Respond to emergency calls and provide advanced pre-hospital care
- Assess patient conditions and determine appropriate medical interventions
- Administer medications, IV fluids, and advanced airway procedures
- Operate cardiac monitors, defibrillators, and other emergency equipment
- Stabilize patients and prepare them for safe transport
- Communicate with dispatchers, emergency personnel, and hospital staff
- Document all patient care activities accurately in medical reports
- Maintain ambulance supplies, equipment, and readiness for emergencies
- Ensure compliance with safety, medical, and legal regulations
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency in advanced life support procedures (ALS)
- Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology
- Experience using defibrillators, ventilators, and cardiac monitors
- Ability to perform triage in multi-patient emergencies
- Competence in patient transport and stretcher operations
Soft skills
- Strong decision-making in high-pressure environments
- Excellent verbal communication with patients and healthcare providers
- Compassion, empathy, and ability to comfort distressed patients
- Physical stamina and resilience
- Teamwork and adaptability in dynamic situations
Education
- Completion of an accredited paramedic training program
- High school diploma or GED required prior to program enrollment
Certifications
- National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians – Paramedic (NREMT-P) – required
- State paramedic licensure – required
- Basic Life Support (BLS) – required
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) – required
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) – required
- Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) – recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in emergency medical services or healthcare
- Experience working in specialized EMS units (air ambulance, tactical EMS, fire-based EMS)
- Prior experience training EMTs or mentoring junior paramedics
- Bilingual communication skills for diverse patient populations
National Average Salary
Paramedic salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Paramedic is:
$49,850
Sample Job Description Templates for Paramedics
Entry-Level Paramedic
Position Overview
We are seeking an entry-level paramedic to provide advanced life support in emergency and non-emergency situations under the supervision of senior staff. In this role, you’ll respond to 911 calls, assess patients, administer critical care procedures, and transport individuals safely to medical facilities. This position is ideal for newly licensed paramedics who have completed training and are eager to gain real-world experience.
Responsibilities
- Respond to emergency calls and provide pre-hospital patient assessment
- Perform advanced life support interventions including airway management and IV therapy
- Operate defibrillators, cardiac monitors, and ventilators under supervision
- Communicate patient status to receiving hospitals and healthcare providers
- Maintain accurate records of treatments and interventions
- Ensure ambulance and equipment readiness before and after shifts
- Support EMT partners and follow chain-of-command during incidents
Requirements
Hard skills
- Knowledge of emergency medical procedures and ALS protocols
- Ability to operate cardiac monitoring and life-support equipment
- Familiarity with local EMS systems and dispatch procedures
Soft skills
- Calm decision-making in stressful situations
- Strong teamwork and willingness to learn from senior providers
- Compassion and clear communication with patients and families
Education
- High school diploma or GED required
- Completion of an accredited paramedic training program
Certifications
- National Registry Paramedic (NREMT-P) or state licensure – required
- Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) – required
Preferred Qualifications
- Internship or ride-along experience in high-volume EMS systems
- Exposure to trauma, pediatric, or cardiac cases during training
Experienced Paramedic
Position Overview
We are hiring an experienced paramedic with 2–5 years of field experience to deliver advanced emergency care and support complex patient cases. This role requires independent decision-making in high-pressure environments and the ability to mentor entry-level providers.
Responsibilities
- Independently perform ALS procedures including advanced airway techniques, medication administration, and defibrillation
- Conduct rapid patient assessments and triage during multi-patient incidents
- Communicate effectively with hospitals to provide detailed handoffs
- Supervise and guide EMTs or junior paramedics during field operations
- Maintain documentation accuracy and compliance with EMS protocols
- Inspect, maintain, and restock ambulance equipment and supplies
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expertise in advanced life support and pharmacology
- Proficiency with defibrillators, ventilators, and advanced monitoring systems
- Knowledge of triage systems and pre-hospital emergency protocols
Soft skills
- Leadership and mentoring ability
- Strong problem-solving under time-sensitive conditions
- Effective communication across healthcare teams
Education
- Completion of accredited paramedic program
Certifications
- National Registry Paramedic (NREMT-P) or state license – required
- BLS, ACLS, and PALS – required
- Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) – recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 2–5 years of paramedic field experience in EMS, fire, or hospital settings
- Experience in specialized environments such as air ambulance or event medicine
Senior Paramedic
Position Overview
We are seeking a senior paramedic to take on complex field cases, lead patient care in critical incidents, and provide mentorship to paramedics and EMTs. This role requires advanced expertise, independent judgment, and the ability to manage challenging situations with confidence and professionalism.
Responsibilities
- Lead patient care during critical and high-acuity incidents
- Administer advanced procedures and direct resuscitations
- Mentor junior staff and assist in field training evaluations
- Manage multi-casualty incidents and coordinate with other first responders
- Provide feedback on clinical quality and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives
- Serve as a point of contact for hospital liaisons and EMS command staff
Requirements
Hard skills
- Mastery of ALS procedures and pharmacological interventions
- Expertise in airway management and cardiac life support
- Familiarity with advanced monitoring and transport protocols
Soft skills
- Leadership presence in high-stress situations
- Skilled in conflict resolution and decision-making
- Strong documentation and communication skills
Education
- Accredited paramedic training program completion
Certifications
- NREMT-P or state paramedic licensure – required
- BLS, ACLS, PALS – required
- Critical Care Paramedic (CCP) – recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 7+ years of EMS experience
- Experience in advanced trauma, pediatric, or cardiac specialty cases
- Participation in clinical advisory or quality assurance committees
Lead Paramedic
Position Overview
We are hiring a lead paramedic to oversee clinical operations and field readiness for a team of EMTs and paramedics. In addition to providing advanced patient care, you will serve as a shift supervisor, mentor, and liaison between field staff and EMS leadership.
Responsibilities
- Supervise paramedics and EMTs during assigned shifts
- Coordinate assignments, manage staffing, and ensure readiness of units
- Provide direct patient care in advanced and complex emergencies
- Conduct training sessions, skill evaluations, and continuing education support
- Handle escalated field concerns and support decision-making in critical incidents
- Collaborate with EMS supervisors on compliance, safety, and quality initiatives
Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced proficiency in ALS protocols and specialty care interventions
- Experience in team leadership and shift supervision
- Familiarity with EMS operations, scheduling, and logistics
Soft skills
- Strong leadership and delegation skills
- Effective communicator and mentor
- Organized with a focus on accountability and performance metrics
Education
- Accredited paramedic program completion
Certifications
- NREMT-P or state paramedic licensure – required
- BLS, ACLS, PALS – required
- PHTLS or CCP – recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of progressive EMS field experience
- Prior supervisory or team lead responsibilities
- Experience with EMS training and evaluation programs
EMS Supervisor
Position Overview
We are seeking an EMS supervisor to manage operations across multiple paramedic and EMT teams. This leadership role ensures compliance with EMS standards, oversees quality of care, and coordinates shift coverage and logistics. The EMS supervisor serves as the primary link between field staff and organizational leadership.
Responsibilities
- Oversee day-to-day EMS operations, staffing, and unit readiness
- Supervise field providers, offering guidance and performance feedback
- Respond to major incidents to provide on-scene leadership and oversight
- Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal EMS regulations
- Review documentation for accuracy and completeness
- Support continuing education, certification tracking, and training initiatives
- Participate in policy development and quality improvement projects
Requirements
Hard skills
- Strong knowledge of EMS systems, regulations, and operations
- Experience in personnel management and scheduling
- Familiarity with reporting tools and compliance documentation
Soft skills
- Leadership presence with strong interpersonal skills
- Skilled communicator with providers and external agencies
- Ability to manage stress while supporting staff and patients
Education
- Completion of an accredited paramedic program
Certifications
- NREMT-P or state paramedic licensure – required
- BLS, ACLS, PALS – required
- Supervisor/management training – recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 7+ years of EMS field experience
- Previous supervisory or management role in EMS or fire-based services
- Experience with budget oversight or administrative operations
Paramedic Program Instructor
Position Overview
We are hiring a paramedic program instructor to teach and mentor students enrolled in accredited EMS training programs. This role involves delivering classroom instruction, leading lab sessions, and supervising clinical or ride-along experiences for aspiring paramedics.
This position is ideal for experienced paramedics who are passionate about education and preparing the next generation of emergency medical providers.
Responsibilities
- Deliver classroom lectures on anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and ALS protocols
- Instruct students in lab-based skills such as airway management, IV therapy, and ECG interpretation
- Supervise students during clinical rotations and field internships
- Evaluate student performance through exams, practical tests, and observation
- Maintain compliance with accrediting bodies and program standards
- Stay current on EMS best practices and update course material accordingly
Requirements
Hard skills
- Mastery of paramedic-level clinical procedures
- Familiarity with educational tools, curriculum design, and testing methods
- Ability to manage classroom technology and simulation labs
Soft skills
- Strong communication and presentation skills
- Patience and mentorship ability with students
- Organizational skills for grading and recordkeeping
Education
- Completion of accredited paramedic training program
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in EMS, nursing, or healthcare education is commonly requested
Certifications
- NREMT-P or state licensure – required
- BLS, ACLS, PALS – required
- Instructor-level certifications (ACLS, PALS, CPR) – recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of field paramedic experience
- Previous teaching, training, or preceptor experience
- Experience developing or updating EMS curricula