Career Definition Paramedics have fulfilled prescribed requirements by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to practice the art and science of out-of-hospital medicine in conjunction with medical direction. They reach that status through successful completion of an educational program that includes classroom instruction, hospital-based and field-based clinical experiences under the direct supervision of a preceptor. Paramedics strive to provide high quality service. They are expected to assess and recognize medical, traumatic, emotional and psychological emergencies, as well as render basic through advanced life support care in a wide variety of environmental conditions to people of all ages. Their goal is to prevent and reduce mortality and morbidity due to illness and injury. Paramedics must demonstrate: (1) competency in practice; (2) the willingness to care for people with compassion; (3) an awareness of their abilities and limitations; (4) strong inter-personal skills; and (5) a capacity for calm and reasoned judgment while under stress. They must blend intelligence with common sense and be service oriented. Paramedics are accountable to medical direction, the public and their peers. They should seek to take part in life-long professional development, peer evaluation, and assume an active role in professional community organizations (1998 DOT National EMT-P Curriculum).