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

The court heard paramedics who arrived on the scene told Mrs MacKinnon nothing could be done to save her husband.

From BBC

Mr Stockton told paramedics he believed Charlie had appeared to be choking on a biscuit, but further investigation after the child's death showed that could "not have been", Mr Lumley said.

From BBC

The U.N. commission devoted special attention in its report to particularly egregious allegations, one of which was the story of five-year-old Hind Rajab and her family, and the paramedics who tried to save her life.

From Salon

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

Related Words

• nurse