Paramedic, par uh MEHD ihk, is a trained medical worker who takes the place of a physician in certain situations. Most paramedics handle routine medical duties, giving doctors more time with patients who need their expert care. Some paramedics, called Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedics or EMT-paramedics, give on-the-scene aid if a doctor is not immediately available. These men and women have saved many people who might otherwise have died.