What is a Paramedic?

A Paramedic is a health professional providing medical assessment, treatment and care in the out of hospital environment.  Paramedics respond to, assess and manage patients, transport them to a health facility for ongoing care (if necessary) or arrange alternative treatment or care options.

In Australasia, there are varying levels of paramedic practice and the employing authority currently determines the specific level of care and skills required.  It is envisaged that a nationally defined competency framework will replace this variable arrangement.

Paramedics Australasia defines the term Paramedic from two perspectives; for the individual and the role.

Individuals

Paramedic

Is appropriately skilled and educated. This is usually to the level of Bachelor of Health Science (or equivalent), AND

Engaged to provide these skills and medications in the provision of professional health care within the last year (12 months), OR

Successful completion of an annual professional development program to paramedic level within the last year (12 months), eg: Paramedics Australasia Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Role definitions

Paramedic

Is appropriately skilled and educated. This is usually to the level of Bachelor of Health Science (or equivalent), AND

Engaged to provide these skills and medications in the provision of professional health care, AND

Clinical practice at this level is greater than 50% of the position description

These definitions will be reviewed by Paramedics Australasia in 2014.