Talk:Paramedicine

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[edit] Scope of article

As written, the term paramedicine only applies to paramedics, which is a very narrow restriction and leaves out EMT-I's / CRT's / EMT-Basics and all other varied levels of intermediate certification, which in many jurisdictions functionally represent the height of EMS care (due to lack of EMT-P coverage). I would encourage modification to better encompass the vast majority of EMS providers who are not EMT-Ps (consistent with the adage that while "paramedics save lives, EMTs save paramedics."). 162.129.198.89 21:47, 12 April 2007 (UTC)D.Alves, MD

You are correct. My first thought upon seeing this article was that it should be merged with Paramedic. However, upon further thought I think an expansion of the scope of this article would be a better course along with a re-naming to Pre-hospital medicine. —Elipongo (Talk|contribs) 07:08, 29 May 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Meaning of the Word?

I think it may benefit everyone to look at a dissection of the word. Specifically the meaning of "paramedic."

Literally "para" is "a prefix appearing in loanwords from Greek, most often attached to verbs and verbal derivatives, with the meanings “at or to one side of, beside, side by side.” It is also sometimes associated with meaning "beyond" or "similar to."

American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source para- 1 or par- pref.

  1. Beside; near; alongside: parathyroid.
  2. Beyond: paranormal.
  3. Incorrect; abnormal: paresthesia.
  4. Similar to; resembling: paratyphoid fever.
  5. Subsidiary; assistant: paraprofessional.
  6. Isomeric; polymeric: paraldehyde.
  7. A diatomic molecule in which the nuclei have opposite spin directions: parahydrogen.
  8. Of or relating to one of three possible isomers of a benzene ring with two attached chemical groups in which the carbon atoms with attached groups are separated by two unsubstituted carbon atoms: para-aminobenzoic acid.

"Medic" on the other hand means:

American Heritage Stedman's Medical Dictionary

med·ic (mdk) n.

  1. A member of a military medical corps.
  2. A physician or surgeon.
  3. A medical student or intern.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

OR

Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: med·ic
Pronunciation: 'med-ik
Function: noun
: a person engaged in medical work; especially : CORPSMAN 

I think it would benefit the profession for someone to take an official stand on the meaning of our name. Are we "beside the doctor," "beyond the doctor," or simply "similar to a doctor." I feel that the practice of EMS is different holistically than any other form of medicine. We're drastically different than the nursing model of education. What are we? Who are we? More imporantly, what does it mean to be a practioner of "paramedicine"? —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 130.85.169.28 (talk) 16:20, 13 April 2007 (UTC).