ALS versus BLS

[Kiwiology]

Maybe that is why you call them paramedics.

We call them Paramedics because they are a professional with a broad base of specialist knowledge and can apply it dexterously; I suppose a little bit of following the international nomenclature that "Paramedic" has always meant somebody who perform cannulation and administer IV medicines thrown in for good measure

The old term in this part of the world was "Ambulance Officer" (some services' had "Paramedics" or "Intensive Care Officers" above them) which was thought by the majority not to be in the greatest interest of the profession and has been slowly phased out over the last decade.

Now Australia has Paramedics and Intensive Care Paramedics (ALS) while in NZ we have the same but have a non-Paramedic level called Emergency Medical Technician for the vollies; the distinction is quite clear (that said, the Technicians have a bloody good scope of practice)

[Asysin2leads]

I personally consider the level of paramedic to be just scratching the surface of the knowledge and skill set required to adequately care for and transport the sick and injured. To that end I would suggest working with a paramedic, and then being a paramedic as soon as possible. This is particularly true for EMT-B in the United States. Aside from areas of the world that are served with either a hearse or what ever closest vehicle is available, the basic level in the United States has to be one of the most inadequately trained providers in the world. I'm not saying that to be insulting, I'm saying that as the result of several years working at both levels and having suffered some bad injuries myself. I think the bar needs to be raised for EMT-B at least enough for them administer pain control, if nothing else. That would mean probably a couple week session of pharmacology. Intermediate plus some pain meds should be the lowest level for anyone who is responsible for responding to and treating patients anywhere. That's my $.02