Adopted from the National Standard Curriculum

Nationally the Paramedic provides the most extensive pre-hospital care and may work for fire departments, private ambulance services, police departments or hospitals. In NJ, Paramedic service is hospital based. The Paramedic must be flexible to meet the demands of the ever-changing emergency scene. When emergencies exist, the situation can be complex and care of the patient must be started immediately. In essence, the Paramedic in the EMS system uses advanced training and equipment to extend emergency physician services to the ambulance. The Paramedic must be able to make accurate independent judgments while following oral directives. The ability to perform duties in a timely manner is essential, as it could mean the difference between life and death for the patient.

Use of the telephone or radio dispatch for coordination of prompt emergency services is required, as is a pager, depending on place of employment. Accurately discerning street names through map reading, and correctly distinguishing house numbers or business addresses are essential to task completion in the most expedient manner. Concisely and accurately describing orally to dispatcher and other concerned staff, one's impression of patient's condition, is critical as the Paramedic works in emergency conditions where there may not be time for deliberation. The Paramedic must also be able to accurately report orally and in writing, all relevant patient data. At times, Reporting may require a detailed narrative on extenuating circumstances or conditions that go beyond what is required on a prescribed form. In some instances, the Paramedic must enter data on computer from a laptop in ambulance. Verbal skills and reasoning skills are used extensively.

Must have the ability to read road maps; drive vehicle, accurately discern street signs and address numbers read medication/prescription labels and direction for usage in quick, accurate, and expedient manner, ability to communication verbally with patients and significant others in diverse cultural and age groups to interview patient, family members, and bystanders, and ability to discern deviations/changes in eye/skin coloration due to patient's condition and to the treatment given. Must be able to ability to use good judgment and remain calm in high stress situation and take on role of 'leader', document, in writing, all relevant information in prescribed format in light of legal ramifications of such; ability to converse with dispatcher and EMS providers via phone or radio as to status of patient.

Good manual dexterity with ability to perform all tasks related to advanced emergency patient care and documentation. Ability to bend, stoop, balance, and crawl on uneven terrain; and the ability to withstand varied environmental conditions such as extreme heat, cold, and moisture. Ability to perform quickly, precise, practical mathematical calculations pertinent to ratio and proportion of medication and supplies used in emergency patient care. Must be independent, confident, able to work independently without defined structure, have good stable reasoning ability with ability to draw valid conclusions expediently relevant to patient's condition, often, using limited information. Must have knowledge and skills relevant to position and be able to implement them in stressful situations, Must be cognizant of all legal, ethical, and moral obligations inherent within scope of practice.

Must be able to perform mathematical calculations/ratios and apply them in expedient, practical manner. Must be independent, confident, able to work independently without structure, have good stable reasoning ability and able to draw valid conclusions quickly relevant to patient's condition, often, using limited information. Must have knowledge and skills relevant to position and be able to implement them in practical fashion in stressful situations. Must be cognizant of all legal, ethical, and moral obligations inherent with out scope of practice.