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

Example Sentences

Five ambulances, two advanced paramedics, one officer and an ambulance doctor attended the scene to treat patients.

From BBC

Melissa Dunn, whose son played for one of the hockey teams, said she saw paramedics performing CPR in the stands of the arena after she ran back inside to find her son.

From BBC

Hypothermia and frostbite on limbs are common, said Nastya, a paramedic with the Da Vinci Wolves brigade.

From Barron's

But the other thing, and I make fun of myself a little, is I’m like the paramedic at the party now.

From Los Angeles Times

Manchester Crown Court heard how Naim had told paramedics that Omra had choked while eating a biscuit in the living room.

From BBC

Related Words

• nurse