Social Workers

The paramedic's average working day offers a constant reminder of many of the problems faced by society at large – poverty, domestic violence, homelessness and drug abuse, to name but a few.

When faced with difficult situations involving people who have psychiatric problems, or who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, paramedics' 'coping skills' are called on all the time. In cities where the homeless population is large, ambulance crews are often called out to treat "an unconscious man on the pavement", who, on arrival, turns out to be drunk, disorderly and homeless.

With ever-expanding populations and the resultant pressure on hospital resources and vacant beds, inundated hospitals - especially in countries where it is necessary to pay health insurance in order to receive medical treatment - sometimes find themselves with no alternative but to turn away homeless people.

Violent and domestic crime is another social evil that impinges on the life of a paramedic. In countries where domestic violence and killings are rife, paramedics can find themselves in highly explosive and dangerous situations. Faced with verbally and physically aggressive patients, many crews working in large cities are now being issued with body armour and police back-up.