What risks do the paramedics have?

Answer 1

Being a paramedic is a dangerous occupation. The following are risks that paramedics may encounter in their work:

• A paramedic may make a call where the patient is in the final stage of AIDS. If the patient is bleeding and the paramedic isn't properly dressed in personal protective equipment or it fails, the paramedic could be exposed to AIDS.
• A paramedic may be called to a mental health patient who is armed with a gun and threatening the paramedic. Police should be on scene in such an instance but there is still danger involved.
• A paramedic may respond to a suicidal patient. There is a level of stress involved in dealing with a suicidal patient and there may be a threat made to the paramedic as well.
• A paramedic could make a call to a wreck where the car is in a swampy area or submerged in dirty water. The paramedic may encounter ticks or snakes while getting to the patient. They may even be scraped by rusty metal or encounter some other hazard.
• Paramedics are required to work during natural emergencies. They must go out during hurricanes and storms to get to patients who did not heed the warnings of emergency personnel to evacuate. This puts them in danger by being out on the road in that kind of weather and hazardous conditions.

Answer 2

A lot of it depends on where they work. A paramedic can be exposed to viruses such as hepatitis, HIV, meningitis to name a few. They are at a higher risk for being injured in traffic accidents. They can get back injuries and other injuries from carrying patients up and down stairs, trudging through snow and ice etc. Many paramedics are posted on street corners while waiting to be dispatched. They can be the victims of violent crimes. They often have to deal with violent patients. They often do stand by's at fire scenes and face all the hazards that are at those work environments.