Determine if you truly want to become a paramedic. Do you have a genuine interest in helping people? How do you deal with death? Can you stand the sight of blood and major trauma to the body? Being squeamish is an automatic check mark against studying to be a paramedic. Are you able to work long shifts? You also need to be calm under pressure. An interest in human biology is also a plus, since it is necessary to know how the body functions and the different systems and their workings.
Figure out what certifications you will need. A paramedic usually requires much more training than an emergency medical technician. While both positions require a knowledge of basic first aid, CPR and the use of automated external defibrillator, paramedics are licensed to administer drugs intravenously and to intubate those who cannot breathe on their own in an emergency. Sometimes there are additional endorsements that can be attained through additional training after becoming certified as a paramedic. Certification is also granted on either a state or national level, and it is possible to gain both.
Volunteer for a local ambulance squad. Some towns have their own ambulance services, run by volunteer emergency medical technicians, that serve local residents. Even if you do not have your certifications, it is a great way to gain hands on learning experience and helps you prepare to be a paramedic, as many of the basic duties are the same. You'll learn what it's like to administer first aid while in the back of an ambulance, which will help you translate that experience into paramedic duties such as starting intravenous lines in a moving vehicle.
Gather information about paramedic training. Learn what your local requirements are and buy textbooks and workbooks that outline the duties of a paramedic. Paramedics are trained in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and advanced emergency medical care. You will have to pass both written and practical tests and achieve a certain minimum score in order to become certified. Courses are available through different channels, such as hospitals and local colleges. If you attend a college-based paramedic program, you can receive course credit and a degree.