Steven R Stith

What they do

Paramedics deliver Advanced Life Support (ALS) in pre-hospital and inter-facility settings throughout Florida. They perform invasive procedures such as endotracheal intubation, intravenous and intraosseous access, advanced airway management, cardiac monitoring with 12-lead ECG interpretation, manual defibrillation and cardioversion, needle decompression, and administration of a broad range of medications. Paramedics also direct on-scene resuscitations and serve as the lead clinician during medical and trauma calls until a higher-level provider takes over.

Florida paramedics work on ambulances operated by fire-rescue departments, hospital-based services, private EMS companies, air ambulance services, and offshore operations. Many supervise crews of EMTs and other paramedics, serve as field training officers, or transition into critical-care transport, flight medicine, or community paramedicine programs. Because Florida's population and emergency call volume are high, paramedics frequently manage complex situations involving cardiac arrest, stroke, trauma, opioid overdose, and severe respiratory distress under tight time constraints.

Licensing in Florida

To become a Florida paramedic, candidates must already hold or qualify for EMT certification, complete a Florida-approved paramedic education program, obtain National Registry Paramedic (NRP) certification, and submit an application to the Florida Department of Health Bureau of EMS with fingerprints and background check. Certification is renewed every two years through documented continuing education that includes refresher topics and required Florida-specific content. The Bureau of EMS oversees licensure, scope of practice, and discipline for all Florida paramedics.

How to verify or report

Verify a Florida paramedic certification through the Florida MQA license search. Concerns about clinical care, unprofessional conduct, or impairment can be filed through the Florida Department of Health complaint form or by phone at 850-488-0796.