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cover of episode Selects: How Paramedics Work

Selects: How Paramedics Work

2024/10/12
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Stuff You Should Know

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Paramedics, distinct from EMTs, firefighters, and police, play a crucial role in emergency medical services. The history of paramedicine is rooted in warfare, evolving from battlefield medics to mobile ambulances. The modern EMS system emerged in the late 1960s, driven by the need for trained medical professionals at accident scenes.
  • Modern paramedicine emerged in the late 1960s, significantly improving patient outcomes.
  • The Emergency Medical Services Act of 1973 standardized EMS systems nationwide, but funding was later withdrawn, leading to a patchwork system.
  • Paramedics operate under a physician's license, often receiving real-time instructions from ER doctors during transport.

Shownotes Transcript

Paramedics are not EMTs. Or fire fighters. Or cops. But they do ride around in ambulances (and drive) to help to save lives. It's a stressful job and in this classic episode we shine a light on this noble profession. 

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