The paramedic is the highest level of pre-hospital care provider and the leader of the pre-hospital care team. Its primary task is to provide emergency medical care in an out-of-hospital setting. It includes public education, health promotion, and participation in injury and illness prevention programs in the community. It is also recognized as an essential component in the continuum of care. It serves as a link among various health resources and a gatekeeper to the health care system. Nevertheless, Paramedics are always advocating for the patient and assure that the patient receives the best possible care – without regard to the patient’s ability to pay or insurance status. As the scope of paramedic service continues to expand, the paramedic will function as a facilitator of access to care as well as an individual treatment provider. With its expanding roles of paramedic and aspects of out-of-hospital care. |