paramedic

UK: ˌpærəˈmedɪk | US: ˌpærəˈmedɪk

Definition
  1. n. a healthcare professional trained to provide emergency medical treatment, often in pre-hospital settings.

Structure
para <beside>medic <medical>para <beside>medic <medical>
Etymology

The term paramedic emerged in the mid-20th century, combining para- (suggesting a supporting role) with medic to describe professionals who assist physicians in emergency care. It reflects the expansion of emergency medical services (EMS) systems, where these practitioners operate "beside" traditional medical frameworks but with specialized training.

Examples
  1. The paramedic stabilized the patient before transporting them to the hospital.

  2. She trained for years to become a certified paramedic.

  3. Paramedics often work in high-pressure environments.

  4. The fire department employs several paramedics for rapid response.

  5. His quick thinking as a paramedic saved countless lives.