Community Paramedic

Community Paramedics are paramedics that have additional training that allows them to provide primary and preventative health care services. They typically work for hospitals, but their work involves collaborating with public health and other community-based organizations. Unlike EMTs and traditional paramedics, they are more focused on community health. In Minnesota, Community Paramedics provide a wide range of services in a variety of settings. They often support to people who have just come out of the hospital, or people who are at risk of ending up in the emergency room. They may provide health education to patients or communities; help patients manage disease and/or stay on their medication; or respond to emergency calls. They provide these services in locations such as clinics, hospitals, patients’ homes, assisted living, long-term care facilities, and shelters.

The Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board is responsible for certifying community paramedics. In order to be certified, you must 1) be currently certified as a paramedic and have the equivalent of two years of full-time experience; 2) successfully complete a community paramedic education program through an accredited college or university; and 3) practice under the supervision of an ambulance services medical director.