What is a typical day like for a paramedic?

Answer 1

Paramedics who work on an ambulance normally report for a 24 hour shift. They check the ambulance for supplies, making sure to restock any items that may have been used by the prior paramedic.

They check the ambulance to make sure they have fuel and that everything on the truck is working properly. They also check to make sure their radio is working so that they can communicate with the dispatcher.

After everything is checked, they may remain in the station and wait on a call to come in. If they don't have a call, they can read, study or work on a project or something in the office.

The station is usually set up so that each person has a bedroom or at least a bed and a locker. They can sleep, eat and shower at the station. They must be ready for an emergency call but otherwise could pursue hobbies or interests while on call.

When an emergency call comes in, the paramedic is alerted by the dispatcher. They report immediately to the ambulance and head to the location of the call.

Paramedics respond to many emergency calls. The emergency may be anything from a broken bone to cardiac arrest. Paramedics must always be prepared for any emergency.

Some shifts may result in back to back calls where the paramedic gets no rest at all for their shift. Other shifts may be relatively easy with only one or two calls. There is no way to predict how busy a paramedic will be.

Answer 2

It really depends on the type of service/environment you work in. Ambulance paramedics work all sorts of shifts, providing coverage to the areas the work for private services, fire departments, police departments and hospitals. Shifts vary from 8 hrs all the way to working days straight. Ambulance coverage is necessary 24 hours a day seven days a week. Paramedics can also work in hospitals using similar schedules to their counterparts, usually 8, 10 and 12 hours shifts. There are many companies, such as oil companies and construction sites who use paramedics as medical staff- these paramedics would work the same shift schedule as the rest of the employees, "9-5" if you will. There is no one answer to the question...because every jurisdiction and employer has their own method of scheduling. I hope this helped.