Paramedics are trained to the level of EMT-Bs, as well as oral intubation, direct laryngoscopy, surgical and needle cricothyrotomy, 12-lead EKG interpretation, cardiac monitoring and pacing, defibrillation, cardioversion, thoracic needle decompression, femur fracture reduction, intravenous and intraosseous infusions, the administration of 30+ medications, including the administration of controlled and non-narcotic substances for pain control and sedation, advanced trauma and medical assessments, eye irrigation, and more.
Depending on hospital-specific medical directions and State wide protocols, many paramedics also perform ventilator maintenance and transport, oro/naso-gastric tubes, flu shot administration, rapid sequence induction (medication assisted intubation via medication induced paralysis), IV drug infusion maintenance, and operation of Continuous Peak Airway Pressure devices.