paramedic

¹

[ par-uh-med-ik ]

noun

1. a person who is trained to assist a physician or to give first aid or other healthcare in the absence of a physician, often as part of a police, rescue, or firefighting squad.

paramedic

²

[ noun par-uh-med-ik, par-uh-med-; adjective par-uh-med-ik ]

noun

1. Military. a medic in the paratroops.
2. a doctor who parachutes into remote areas to give medical care.

adjective

1. of or relating to a paramedic or to paramedics.

paramedic

/ ˌpærəˈmedɪk /

noun

1. a person, such as a laboratory technician, who supplements the work of the medical profession
2. a member of an ambulance crew trained in a number of life-saving skills, including infusion and cardiac care

adjective

1. of or designating such a person

Word History and Origins

Origin of paramedic¹

An Americanism dating back to 1950–55; para- ¹ + medic ¹

Origin of paramedic²

An Americanism dating back to 1950–55; para- ³ + medic ¹

Example Sentences

While they waited for paramedics to arrive, the call handler tried to keep the couple calm and advised them on how to get through the birth.

From BBC

Under the Health Professions Order 2001, it is an offence for a person to use a health title to which they are not entitled, which includes paramedic.

From BBC

The defence pointed to evidence from one of the paramedics and White’s police partner, who both said Mrs Nowland had made them feel scared for their safety.

From BBC

Defibrillators were used three times on Oliver McGreevy, once with the school defibrillator and twice with the paramedics.

From BBC

The boy was rushed to the hospital by paramedics but later died.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• nurse