Paramedic Careers in Occupational Medicine

Paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) share a core of medical responsibilities no matter what field they specialize in. Generally speaking, they must be adept at providing immediate medical attention to victims of diseases or accidents. This includes assessment of injuries, wound care, immobilization of trauma victims and many other responsibilities. Paramedics are needed wherever medical care is provided, including in disease or injury resulting from occupational hazards. Several career options exist for paramedics wishing to work in occupational medicine.

Respiratory Issues

• One area of occupational medicine deals with respiratory ailments or injury. Occupations involving work in factories or other facilities with asbestos fibers, for example, represents a potential health risk. In addition to the basic medical assistance which paramedics provide to victims, such occupational hazards often require special assistance to help clear air pathways and regulate respiratory functions while transporting victims to emergency care centers.

Firefighters

• Paramedics must be prepared to help firefighters on the job.

  In addition to hospitals and local government, fire stations are one of the primary employers of people with paramedical or emergency medical technician training. While the primary responsibility of these professionals is to provide assistance to victims, they must also be prepared to help their fellow firefighters. Running into burning buildings and lifting out fire victims certainly carries with it certain occupational hazards, including respiratory issues, burns and blunt force trauma. Mitigation of these and other types of injury to firefighters comprises the responsibility of paramedics.

Wilderness

• Specialty training for paramedics may involve expertise in providing immediate assistance to people working in wilderness-related fields. Exposure to the elements can lead to a number of injuries and conditions, such as hypothermia, shock and starvation. Paramedics working for hospitals and care centers in rural areas must be prepared to treat these and other wilderness-related conditions. There is also some overlap with firefighter paramedics when dealing with wildfire control services.

Mechanics/Machinists

• Mechanics and machinists face occupational hazards; paramedics can offer assistance when they suffer injuries

  Working with large machines involving fast-moving metal parts is bound to cause health hazards. Bruising, broken bones, lacerations, and even amputated limbs all constitute work-related risks that machinists and mechanics face. Paramedics who attend to victims suffering from these injuries must be prepared to give immediate assistance on the way to the hospital, and to minimize shock from such injuries.