A combat medic is responsible for providing emergency medical treatment at a point of wounding in a combat or training environment, as well as primary care and health protection and evacuation from a point of injury or illness. Additionally, medics may also be responsible for the creation, oversight, and execution of long-term patient care plans in consultation with or in the absence of a readily available doctor or advanced practice provider. Combat medics may be used in hospitals and clinics, where they have the opportunity to work in additional roles, such as operating medical and laboratory equipment and performing and assisting with procedures.
A U.S. Army Medical Corps team at work during the Battle of Normandy
U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman providing treatment to a wounded Iraqi soldier, 2003.
Israel Defense Forces medical personnel coordinating relief efforts after the 2010 Haiti earthquake
Israel Defense Forces field doctors training in Israel
A paramedic is a healthcare professional trained in the medical model, whose main role has historically been to respond to emergency calls for medical help outside of a hospital. Paramedics work as part of the emergency medical services (EMS), most often in ambulances. They also have roles in emergency medicine, primary care, transfer medicine and remote/offshore medicine. The scope of practice of a paramedic varies between countries, but generally includes autonomous decision making around the emergency care of patients.
Paramedics of the Australian Capital Territory Ambulance Service during training
A paramedic wearing PPE
EMS workers wearing PPE
German Red Cross paramedics training in 1931