What is a paramedic — really?

In this thought-provoking episode of Critical Levels, Zach sits down with Dr. Alan Batt to unpack the evolving identity, responsibilities, and future of the paramedic profession. Together, they explore the disconnect between what paramedics are trained for versus what they actually do, the consequences of outdated education models, and the urgent need for professionalization and system-level change.

They discuss:

• Why current training doesn’t match real-world workload

• How we define scope, identity, and autonomy in modern paramedicine

• The concept of career pathways beyond clinical work

• What regulatory independence could look like

• And why it might finally be time for paramedics to “move out of their parents’ basement”

Whether you’re a frontline clinician, educator, leader, or student, this episode challenges assumptions and sparks a critical conversation about the future of paramedicine in Canada and beyond.