paramedic

¹ American  

[par-uh-med-ik] / ˌpær əˈmɛd ɪk /

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.

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paramedic ² American  

[par-uh-med-ik, par-uh-med-, par-uh-med-ik] / ˌpær əˈmɛd ɪk, ˈpær əˌmɛd-, ˌpær əˈmɛd ɪk /

noun

1. Military. a medic in the paratroops.

2. a doctor who parachutes into remote areas to give medical care.

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adjective

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

paramedic British  

/ 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

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adjective

1. of or designating such a person

Etymology

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

Explanation

A paramedic is someone trained to assist medical professionals. The workers in an ambulance are paramedics. Just as a paralegal works with the law but isn't a lawyer, a paramedic is involved with medicine while not quite being a nurse or doctor. Rather, paramedics help doctors and nurses: paramedics are assistants. Paramedics are most well-known for working in ambulances. If you have a medical emergency — such as choking or a heart attack — paramedics will be there to help if you call 911. Paramedics save many lives every day.

Example Sentences

"I had full intention of working in Wales and serving the Welsh communities. None of us will have the opportunity to serve anywhere in Wales as a paramedic," they said.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

As well as the patient, a paramedic and another person were in the back of the ambulance when it was driven off.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

Mr. Hazzard, a journalist, television writer and former paramedic, has written two other books about the proud subculture—the stoic commitment, the mordant humor—of front-line medics.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

Nasser Ajram, a paramedic for a local NGO in Sidon, was gripped by anxiety despite his determination to continue his humanitarian mission.

From Barron's • Mar. 17, 2026

Meanwhile the paramedic who rode with the baby in the ambulance was following the ABCs for resuscitation—airway, breathing, and circulation.

From "Silent To The Bone" by E.L. Konigsburg

Related Words

• nurse