paramedic

¹

[ par-uh-med-ik ]

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.

paramedic

²

[ noun par-uh-med-ik, par-uh-med-; adjective par-uh-med-ik ]

noun

1. Military. a medic in the paratroops.
2. a doctor who parachutes into remote areas to give medical care.

adjective

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

paramedic

/ 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

adjective

1. of or designating such a person

Word History and Origins

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

A paramedic who examined Ms Hand on the day after the alleged attacks told the court on Tuesday that she had not seen such bruising on a patient in a long time.

From BBC

"There was a lot of destruction and an active fire," paramedic Dor Vakinin told AFP news agency.

From BBC

One says he wanted a uniform and a badge, comparing himself to a paramedic or firefighter.

From BBC

It sent one ambulance, a paramedic officer and the trust’s hazardous area response team to the scene.

From BBC

The court previously heard how the former East of England Ambulance Service call handler had told the women he was a paramedic.

From BBC

Related Words

• nurse