10 Signs you have what it takes to be a Paramedic

Do you have what it takes to work in a fast-paced career, taking care of your community? Find out if a career as a paramedic is right for you!

Key traits of a successful paramedic includes:

1. Willingness to learn : You’re always asking why.  Do you find yourself often asking why or how something works, or wondering what is going on behind the scenes? During paramedical training, you will learn the ins and outs of the human body, in addition to the medical terminology needed to communicate with hospital staff in regards to a patient’s condition and needs.
   Having the theoretical know-how isn’t enough. On the job, you will constantly be learning. Whether from instructors, supervisors or even from your own mistakes, being willing to learn and adapt will make you a more successful paramedic.
2. Flexible: You go with the flow. No two days will ever be the same as a primary care paramedic. Consequently, you will need to be able to jump between fast pace situations and slower paces as the day demands.
   From adrenaline-pumping emergency situations to routine calls and equipment checks, EMTs enjoy a wide variety in their job responsibilities. Being able to go with the flow and act appropriately at each call, whether it be a life or death emergency or simple patient transfer, makes for a good paramedic.
3. Detail Oriented: You never miss a thing. No matter what, you’re always prepared for everything.
   With so much variety in a day, a paramedic must ensure they are never caught off guard. Knowing what the ambulance needs to be stocked with, helps a primary care paramedic to be prepared. Upon arriving at the scene, taking in every detail, following each necessary step in the required order helps to make sure the patient’s care is being put first.
   As can be seen, knowing what is needed is one thing, remembering to do it is what counts.
4. Problem Solving Skills: You’re always on your toes. You find yourself one step ahead, looking for the next piece of information.
   In an emergency situation every second counts. Therefore, quickly coming up with and implementing an action plan for the patient’s best care is critical. Taking in the whole scene, considering all the variables as well as putting together an action plan that benefits the patient’s well-being most efficiently is what a paramedic thrives on.
5. Effective Communicator: You know what you’re saying and how to say it. Your thoughts are well formulated and you know the best way to communicate your ideas. Communicating with your partner at the scene to coordinate patient care is critical for the patient’s best interest. In an emergency situation, the patient is often anxious and afraid, clearly communicating their treatment plan and showing sympathy will allow you to connect with the patient and calm them down.
   Upon arrival at the hospital being able to use the right terminology to communicate to emergency hospital staff the patient’s condition and symptoms will consequently help to ensure the patient receives the best care.
6. Cool Under Pressure: Do you find you do your best work under pressure?
   Paramedics often work under critical timelines, to provide primary care to patients. Dealing with emergency situations can cause some people to crack and leave their mind blank. A good paramedic, however, thrives in stressful situations and is able to calmly and effectively provide care, no matter the circumstance.
7. Strong Stomach: You’re not shy around blood and guts. It’s no secret paramedics often respond to gruesome accidents. Being able to look past the blood and the guts and provide care to patients is essential. If you’ve got the stomach to handle blood, and other bodily fluids, broken or severed limbs and other critical injuries, you might just make a good paramedic.
8. Team Player: You don’t take the glory for yourself. You enjoy working as part of a team and consequently see the value in teamwork.
   As a primary care paramedic, it is very unlikely you will ever be working by yourself. Recognizing your success comes from team efforts will help you to rely on your teammates more. Your teammate is there to make your job easier, therefore being able to share the responsibility, and the praise makes for a better working environment.
9. Caring for Those around You: You care about the well-being of others. You want to take care of others, consequently doing all you can to ensure their well-being.
   A strong sense of empathy and genuinely wanting to do all you can to aid in the well-being of others is what drives you. Being a paramedic isn’t just a job, but above all, a way of taking care of your community.
10. Physical Fitness: You keep yourself in good shape. You enjoy staying physically fit, and know the benefits of being fit and healthy. As a paramedic, you will be required to do a lot of sitting, standing, kneeling and reaching.
    Keeping yourself in good physical shape will help meet the demands of the job. Paramedics may also be required to lift patients in certain situations. Being able to confidently assist in whatever physical demands the job may have will lead to greater success.

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If this sounds like you, it may be time to consider an exciting new career path! Paramedic Academy of BizTech College offers an expertly designed Primary Care Paramedic diploma program and boasts a high employment rate. Find out more here.