The Paramedic Certificate allows EMS providers who are currently certified as Maryland Emergency Medical Technicians to advance to certification as a Nationally Registered Paramedic (NRP).

NRPs provide emergency medical treatment at the scene of an accident or illness and transport sick and injured persons to medical facilities. They also analyze and take command of patient care with full responsibility for the patient until relieved by proper medical staff. NRPs work with Fire and EMS employees, but their role does not involve full supervisory duties or responsibilities.

A Nationally Registered Paramedic (NRP) is responsible for tasks such as:

• Driving an ambulance to medical emergencies and administering prescribed medical treatment at the site of the emergency or in a specially equipped vehicle.                                     
• Transporting sick and injured persons and providing emotional support
• Conducting or assisting in emergency activities at the scene of an accident, illness or disaster
• Responds to medical emergencies and administering prescribed medical treatment to sick and injured persons at the site of emergency or in a specially equipped vehicle.
• Administering oxygen or intravenous therapy, medications, defibrillation procedures, acquiring, interpreting, and transmitting electrocardiograms and artificial resuscitation. Applying splints to broken bones, controlling hemorrhages, treating minor wounds or abrasions or other procedures as required.

Paramedics work at the scene of medical emergencies, major traffic and other accidents, natural and man-made disasters where there is exposure to hazardous situations and emotionally traumatic events.

Paramedics find jobs with:

• Fire and rescue organizations
• Private ambulance companies
• Health care agencies

Learn more about national and state employment trends and wage data on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website www.bls.gov under "O\overview of BLS wage data by area and occupation".