What is a Paramedic?

A Paramedic is an emergency services provider with the ability to do the most when it comes to medical interventions in the prehospital setting. They function at an emergency scene to ensure the highest quality of care is given to the sick and injured. They provide advanced life support interventions while en route to the hospital during patient care. The City of Forest Park employs several Firefighter Paramedics on each shift. Being both Firefighter and a Paramedic allows for this employee to staff an ambulance or a fire truck. When on an ambulance the Paramedic is responsible for the equipment and medications on the ambulance and responding to all medical calls within the coverage area for the assigned ambulance. The ambulance crew, including the paramedic, is also expected to respond to fire calls and participate as a team member on a fire suppression crew. The dual roles of this provider allows for different assignments based on organizational and daily needs. A paramedic program is typically a 2 year program that provides the Paramedic with a certificate or Associate Degree.