Do you refer to non-Paramedics as "Medics"?

[RebelAngel]

Simple question, do you refer to those in EMS that are not certified at the Paramedic level (EMTs, EMRs, etc.) as "medics" or do you use it more widely to refer to others in EMS, like EMTs?

 

[teedubbyaw]

No. Do you call PA's doctors?

 

[LACoGurneyjockey]

Why? EMTs are EMTs. Medics are medics. Seems easy enough to me. EMS has been simplified enough as it is, especially at the EMT level. Why continue to oversimplify everything?

 

[NomadicMedic]

No.

 

[Chewy20]

Not sure why, but we call everyone in my department Medics (1 or 2). Old uniforms had or Basic patch on there along with Medic 1, but new shirts just say Medic 1.

 

[RedAirplane]

At Red Cross, we refer to our first aid members as medics. I believe this was done ironically to avoid confusion between us and city ALS.

 

[DesertMedic66]

Medics are medics.
EMTs are EMTs.

 

[BillThompson]

Within the filed, no. But, outside the field I call everyone a medic or paramedic just because the majority of lay people don't seem to understand there is a difference between Medic, EMT, EMR, etc. or even know what an EMT is.

 

[triemal04]

Within the filed, no. But, outside the field I call everyone a medic or paramedic just because the majority of lay people don't seem to understand there is a difference between Medic, EMT, EMR, etc. or even know what an EMT is.

And never will if people who know better keep using the wrong term in public.

 

[Smitty213]

Used to work at a place which people were either a "BLS Medic" or an "ALS Medic"... People found it confusing

 

[BillThompson]

And never will if people who know better keep using the wrong term in public.

You fight that fight then because frankly it's such a trivial matter that it's not worth taking the time to fight.

 

[Carlos Danger]

Outside of American civilian EMS, the term "medic" is a generic term often used to refer to anyone (with any level of medical training) who is designated as a provider of medical care, from someone who has taken a wilderness first aid course all the way up to a physician. "Doc" is often used colloquially in some of those settings, too.

Talking to laypeople outside the field, it doesn't matter what term you use and never will because no one cares. I usually just say "the medics" when referring to EMS personnel.

Within our field, communicating among those who understand the credentials, I don't think its too much to ask that an EMT be referred to as an EMT and a paramedic as paramedic or medic.

 

[RebelAngel]

I always thought that medic was a shortened form of Paramedic but I've had interactions recently with someone that is currently EMR level, going to school to become EMT, calling herself a medic and referring to basically anyone in EMS as a medic.

I was wondering what the general consensus was among others in EMS and it seems pretty well split.

 

[RebelAngel]

I asked google.

 

[Ewok Jerky]

When talking shop EMTs are EMTs and paramedics are medics. But with laypeople I dont care.

My sense of self worth does not depend on what other people label me as. Same is true for Physican Assistant, Physician's Assistant, Physician Associate, PA or whatever. At the end of the day it doesn't change anything.

 

[PotatoMedic]

I didn't know PA's were picky about their name... hum.

 

[Flying]

You have to be somewhat conscious and diplomatic when saying "EMT" or "Paramedic" working in a statewide two-tier system (NJ). Most people will not give it a thought, but some families are concerned why their husband or grandmother did not get the higher level of care from the beginning.

This issue is further confused by patients from other states such as DE or MD. After asking which hospital they want to go to (to which they answer: "whichever one is good"), our paramedics often pass the time with our visitors by giving them a basic rundown of the system.

In the end, the difference will not matter much, but the conversations that pop up are interesting and they make you wonder why we tolerate sucking.

 

[Shishkabob]

If I'm making entry in to a place and have to announce our presence (such as a front door left open but no one to meet us) I'll yell "Paramedics!", only because yelling "Paramedic and EMT" is awkward.


Otherwise, no.

You fight that fight then because frankly it's such a trivial matter that it's not worth taking the time to fight.

Except it's really not as trivial as some would claim. It's an earned and protected title, and if someone wants to use it let them. Further, the public DOES need to be educated on it as so long as they believe all we do is ''drive the ambulance'' we'll not get the respect required to further the profession.

 

[azbrewcrew]

If I'm making entry in to a place and have to announce our presence (such as a front door left open but no one to meet us) I'll yell "Paramedics!", only because yelling "Paramedic and EMT" is awkward.


Otherwise, no.

I had to chuckle a bit imagining someone saying "paramedic and emt!" [emoji1]

 

[redundantbassist]

At Red Cross, we refer to our first aid members as medics. I believe this was done ironically to avoid confusion between us and city ALS.

Lol calling someone with 4 hours of training a medic?