Paramedic

The SWIC Paramedic program prepares students for varying levels of pre-hospital care in emergency medicine. The most basic level of care is provided by the emergency medical technician, while the highest level of support is provided by a paramedic.
 
An EMT-Basic:

• Cares for patients at the scene of an accident
• Cares for patients while transporting them to the hospital under the supervision of a physician
  
• Assesses a patient’s condition
• Manages respiratory, cardiac and trauma emergencies

Paramedics receive extensive training in patient stabilization that may include but is not limited to:

• Working under the direct supervision of an emergency room physician via radio dispatch/phone
• Administering of medications
  
• Conducting and interpreting electrocardiograms
• Performing electrical interventions to support cardiac functions
• Performing intubations
• Administering appropriate intravenous fluids and/or drugs

Qualifications

EMT and paramedics must possess several qualifications:

• Excellent judgment
• Ability to prioritize decisions and act quickly in the best interest of the patient while following the physician’s directives
• Strong communication skills – spoken and written
• Ability to function independently in a constantly changing, non-structured environment
• Good physical stamina, endurance and body condition that would not be adversely affected by frequently having to walk, stand, crawl, lift, carry and balance at times in excess of 125 pounds

For further information regarding the field of EMTs and paramedics, refer to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Web site at www.nhtsa.gov or the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook at www.bls.gov/ 

Education Programs

Associate in Applied Science degree (AAS) (0068) 

This program provides the academic background and hands-on experience for students going into one of the careers listed below.

Paramedic Technician certificate (068B) 

Those who want a concentrated program of study in paramedic may enroll in the certificate program. Upon successful completion of the required courses, the student is awarded a certificate of program proficiency. Students must be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or GED.

Certification

Upon successful completion of the one-year Paramedic curriculum, graduates are awarded a paramedic certificate and are qualified to challenge the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) or State EMT-Paramedic examination. Refer to Illinois Department of Public Health Web site for more information on the various EMT level National examinations offered in Illinois at www.idph.state.il.us/ems/.

The SWIC Emergency Medical Technician course and the Paramedic program are recognized and approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health, located at 535 W. Jefferson St., Springfield, IL 62761; phone: 217-782-4977. The program’s curriculum is guided by the standards developed by U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Compliance with this curriculum helps to assure the public that our curriculum will graduate competent clinicians.

Career Opportunities

EMTs and paramedics are employed by a variety of organizations:

• Fire Departments
• Hospitals 
• Private Ambulance Services
• Police Departments
• Helicopter Flight Crews

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment is projected to grow much faster than average as paid emergency medical technician positions replace unpaid volunteers and competition will be greater for jobs in local fire, police and rescue squad departments than in private ambulance services. Opportunities are best for those who have advanced certification.

Average Starting Salary

Earnings of EMTs and paramedics depend on the employment setting and geographic location as well as the individual’s training and experience. According to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, median annual earnings of EMTs and paramedics were $25,310 in May 2004.