How to Be Marine Paramedic - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 10, 2021 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

The Marine Paramedic plays a vital role in providing medical care to individuals in the marine environment. The paramedic's primary responsibility is to provide medical assistance for victims of marine accidents or illnesses. The paramedic's role is to assess, treat, and stabilize the patient, and then either evacuate them or provide further treatment onboard the vessel until they are able to be safely transported to a medical facility.

The paramedic must be knowledgeable in emergency medical care and procedures, possess the ability to assess and treat patients on board vessels, and have an understanding of the marine environment. When a Marine Paramedic is called upon to respond to an emergency situation, they must be able to act quickly, accurately assess the situation, and provide appropriate medical care. The Marine Paramedic must also be aware of the potential hazards that exist in the marine environment such as extreme weather, waves, and currents.

By providing medical assistance and responding quickly to emergency situations, the Marine Paramedic helps to ensure the safety of all individuals in the marine environment.

Steps How to Become

Earn a high school diploma or GED. Marine paramedics must have at least a high school diploma or GED.
Earn a degree in paramedics. To become a marine paramedic, you must have a degree in paramedic studies. Many schools offer programs in this field, and you can usually start your studies right away after graduating high school.
Become certified in CPR and first aid. You must complete a first aid and CPR certification program before you can become a marine paramedic.
Complete an internship. Some paramedic programs include an internship as part of their curriculum, but if yours does not, you should find one on your own. This will give you the hands-on experience you need to become a successful marine paramedic.
Obtain a license. To become a marine paramedic, you must obtain a license from the state in which you plan to work. The requirements vary from state to state, but generally involve passing an exam and completing a certain number of hours of field experience.
Join the U. S. Navy or Coast Guard. To become a marine paramedic, you must join either the U. S. Navy or Coast Guard. After joining, you will receive specialized training in emergency medical services and be assigned to a ship or base where you will be responsible for providing medical care to sailors and Marines in need.

Maintaining ideal and capable marine paramedic readiness requires dedication, training, and equipment. To be an effective marine paramedic, one must be physically and mentally fit, possess knowledge and skills related to the profession, and have access to the appropriate medical supplies and equipment. Physical fitness is necessary for marine paramedics to be able to safely perform their duties in all environments, from sea to land.

Mental fitness requires that the marine paramedic be able to stay calm and think clearly under pressure. Proper training is essential for a marine paramedic to be able to perform their duties efficiently, including responding to medical emergencies in a timely manner. Access to the right medical supplies and equipment is critical for the successful treatment of patients on ships or in remote areas.

With dedication, training, and proper equipment, a marine paramedic can be ready to respond effectively and swiftly in any situation.

You may want to check Critical Care Paramedic, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Educator, and Rescue Paramedic for alternative.

Job Description

Provide emergency medical care and transportation for ill or injured people on board ships and other marine vessels.
Respond to medical emergencies on board vessels, including performing CPR, administering medications, and providing other medical treatment as needed.
Monitor vital signs and provide patient assessments.
Perform medical triage and evaluate the severity of medical conditions.
Administer life-saving measures, such as administering oxygen and providing advanced cardiac life support.
Conduct medical drills and training exercises for crew members and passengers.
Maintain medical supplies and equipment and ensure that they are in working order.
Document patient care, medical history, and treatment plans in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Communicate effectively with crew members, passengers, and other healthcare professionals.
Remain up-to-date on the latest emergency medical guidelines.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to assess and stabilize medical emergencies in a marine environment.
Ability to assess and diagnose medical conditions using advanced monitoring and diagnostic tools.
Ability to provide emergency medical treatment, including oxygen therapy, airway management and intravenous therapy, in accordance with current standards of care.
Knowledge of relevant laws and regulations pertaining to marine medicine and safety.
Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, as applied to emergency situations in a marine environment.
Knowledge of pharmacology and medications used to treat medical conditions encountered in a marine environment.
Ability to conduct search and rescue operations in the marine environment, including use of emergency vessels and equipment.
Ability to communicate effectively with patients, crew members and emergency responders in a marine environment.
Ability to use a wide range of medical equipment, including but not limited to defibrillators, oxygen tanks, medical kits and life rafts.
Ability to maintain accurate medical records and provide timely medical reports.

Being a Marine Paramedic requires a unique set of skills that are essential for providing lifesaving medical care in potentially dangerous or high-stress situations. One of the most important skills for a Marine Paramedic to possess is the ability to remain calm and composed in any situation. This is especially true when responding to an emergency, since the Marine Paramedic must be able to assess the situation quickly and make decisions that could save a life.

The Marine Paramedic must also be able to provide first aid and medical assistance while dealing with a wide range of physical and psychological trauma. In addition, they must have the capacity to work in a team setting, be able to follow orders, and maintain clear communication with other medical personnel. Finally, the Marine Paramedic must have the emotional strength and resilience to handle difficult situations and the physical strength to perform under pressure.

All of these skills are critical for a Marine Paramedic to successfully provide lifesaving medical care in critical situations.

Emergency Department Technician, Air Ambulance Paramedic, and Flight Paramedic are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in emergency medical work?
What qualities do you bring to the role of Marine Paramedic?
How would you handle a situation in which a patient needs emergency medical attention on the water?
Are you comfortable working long shifts and in hazardous conditions?
How would you handle a situation in which the medical equipment onboard is not functioning correctly?
In what ways have you prepared for a medical emergency on the water?
How do you remain calm and collected in difficult or stressful situations?
What would you do if a patient refuses to follow your instructions while on board?
Are you familiar with CPR and other life-saving techniques?
What challenges have you faced as a Marine Paramedic, and how did you overcome them?

Common Tools in Industry

Stethoscope. Used to listen to body sounds such as the heart, lungs and intestines. (eg: To assess a patient's breathing and heart rate)
AED (Automatic External Defibrillator). Used to restart a heart that has stopped beating. (eg: To perform CPR with an automated shock)
Oxygen Tank. Used to provide oxygen to patients who are not breathing adequately or who have a low oxygen saturation level. (eg: To provide emergency oxygen for a patient who is struggling to breathe)
Intubation Kit. Used to insert a tube into the trachea of a patient to help them breathe. (eg: To assist in airway management during cardiac arrest)
IV Supplies. Used to provide fluids and medication directly into the bloodstream. (eg: To administer epinephrine in an emergency situation)
Glucometer. Used to measure the amount of sugar in the blood. (eg: To check a patient's glucose levels during an emergency)
Bandages and Dressings. Used to treat wounds and prevent infection. (eg: To stop bleeding and provide protection from infection)
Sphygmomanometer. Used to measure blood pressure. (eg: To assess the cardiovascular health of patients)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Association of Emergency Medical Services Chiefs (IAEMSC)
National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT)
International Maritime Health Association (IMHA)
National Association of Marine Technicians (NAMT)
American Ambulance Association (AAA)
National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT)
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)
International Maritime Organization (IMO)
International Maritime Pilots Association (IMPA)

We also have Community Paramedic, Helicopter Paramedic, and Critical Care Nurse jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

First Responder. A first responder is a trained professional who is the first to arrive at the scene of an emergency and provide initial medical treatment.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). An Emergency Medical Technician is a healthcare professional trained to respond to medical emergencies and provide pre-hospital care.
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). Advanced Cardiac Life Support is a set of algorithms and protocols that provide additional interventions for treating cardiac arrest, stroke, and other life-threatening medical emergencies.
Prehospital Care. Prehospital care is the medical care provided to a patient before they reach a hospital or other healthcare facility.
Pharmacology. Pharmacology is the study of drugs and their effects on the body. It includes the study of drug action, the ways drugs are administered, and the therapeutic effects of drugs.
Respiratory Therapy. Respiratory therapy is the field of medicine focused on diagnosing, treating, and managing respiratory disorders.
Basic Life Support (BLS). Basic Life Support is a set of skills designed to help preserve life in cases of cardiac arrest, stroke, or other life-threatening medical emergencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of a Marine Paramedic?

A Marine Paramedic is responsible for providing emergency medical care to individuals on board ships and other marine vessels. This includes responding to medical emergencies, providing first aid, administering medications, and performing basic life-saving procedures.

What qualifications are required to become a Marine Paramedic?

To become a Marine Paramedic, individuals need to have at least a high school diploma, certification from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT), and a valid state license. Additional certifications may be required depending on the type of vessel they are operating on.

How long does it take to become a Marine Paramedic?

The time required to become a Marine Paramedic varies depending on individual qualifications and experience. However, it typically takes around 6 to 12 months to complete the necessary training and receive certification.

What type of work environment do Marine Paramedics typically work in?

Marine Paramedics typically work in a marine environment on board ships and other marine vessels. This often involves working in cramped spaces with limited resources and in challenging weather conditions.

What kind of salary can a Marine Paramedic expect to earn?

The salary for a Marine Paramedic can vary depending on experience and qualifications, but the median salary for this profession is around $45,000 per year.