What's a Paramedic - Dr. Alan Batt

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outdated education models, and the urgent need for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.