What is the difference between a firefighter and a paramedic?

Firefighters

Firefighters receive specialized training in the tactics, procedures and equipment essential for protecting lives and property from fire and other hazards. Firefighters operate in and around burning structures to extinguish fire, rescue victims, and minimize property loss. Firefighters also receive training in areas such as

  • Apparatus operation
  • Hazardous materials responses
  • Technical rescue
  • Wild-land firefighting

Paramedics

Paramedics receive specialized emergency medical training. They provide the highest level of pre-hospital emergency medical care available. Paramedics are trained to administer emergency medications and perform advanced medical procedures in the field. Procedures that would normally only be done by a physician in a hospital are brought to a patient’s side when paramedics arrive, they also administer basic medical care like:

  • Bandaging
  • CPR
  • Oxygen therapy
  • Splinting

Show All Answers

1. How many full-time firefighter / paramedics are there and how many paid on call firefighters are there?
2. Many other communities, sizable to Red Wing, have a volunteer Fire Department. Why does Red Wing have a full-time one?
3. What is the difference between a firefighter and a paramedic?
4. What does it take to be a Red Wing fire fighter / paramedic?
5. How many people are on each shift and why are there that many?
6. How many calls does Red Wing respond to annually?
7. What do firefighters do when not responding to a call?
8. Why do the ambulance and fire truck respond to the same call?
9. Why does the ambulance stay on the scene of an accident or incident?
10. What does the Red Wing Fire Department do for fundraising?
11. Can I burn in Red Wing?