A critical care paramedic is typically a certified emergency medical technician-paramedic who provides critical care to patients in a variety of settings. A critical care paramedic responds to life-threatening medical calls from ambulances, critical care air transport systems, field hospitals, or a regular hospital setting, reporting to either a directing physician or a registered nurse. The duties of a paramedic can range from providing basic life support to assisting in the rescue of trapped victims or performing advanced life support functions such as intravenous therapy, depending on where they work. Those working for private first responder companies may be required to perform sales, marketing, and supervisory duties in addition to their regular job responsibilities.
A critical care paramedic’s responsibilities will differ slightly depending on where he or she works. Driving an ambulance, communicating with dispatchers, and keeping a log of all activities while on duty are all examples of basic responsibilities. Basic responsibilities in a hospital setting may include maintaining medical supply levels, performing quality control checks on communication equipment used patients, or training patients on how to use that equipment. Paramedics working in critical care, regardless of the setting, will facilitate and foster communication between patients and other medical personnel.
A wide range of duties are included in the core responsibilities of first responders. Assisting victims at the scene of an accident or natural disaster, setting up and monitoring triage systems, determining the severity of conditions, administering treatment and initial life-support care, and transporting patients are just some of the tasks that will be assigned to them. Responding to calls in critical care units, assisting with routine patient care, assisting with treatment under the direction of a registered nurse or physician, and monitoring medications are all common responsibilities in hospital settings. Regardless of the healthcare setting, training less experienced staff is usually a responsibility.
A critical care paramedic will collaborate with other first responders, healthcare staff, and public safety personnel in addition to their basic and core responsibilities. Other requirements include maintaining all required certifications and participating in required continuing education. The job necessitates knowledge of, understanding of, and adherence to all governmental and healthcare regulations, standards, and policies. Following ethical standards, maintaining appropriate levels of confidentiality, ensuring hygiene and safety standards, and keeping required records up to date are all examples of regulatory functions. Interacting with and educating the public about healthcare and/or safety issues may also be part of the job description.