Emergency-care provider trained to assist a physician or to give first aid in the absence of a physician. A highly trained Emergency Medical Technician provides advanced emergency medical care under the direction of a physician, either directly via radio or through the operation of protocols; paramedics do much more than first aid, including advanced cardiac life support airway management administration of lifesaving drugs and IVs; paramedics are highly offended if called ambulance drivers
Greek para-(beside) and English medical.