Medic
{{Short description|Person involved in medicine}}
{{about|the title or occupation in medicine}}
File:Star of life2.svg]]A medic is a person trained to provide medical care, encompassing a wide range of individuals involved in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of health conditions. The term can refer to fully qualified medical practitioners, such as physicians,{{Cite web |last=Whitbourne |first=Kathryn |title=Different Types of Doctors: Find the Specialist You Need |url=https://www.webmd.com/health-insurance/insurance-doctor-types |access-date=2021-08-13 |website=WebMD |language=en}} as well as individuals in training, such as medical students.{{Cite dictionary |title=medic |dictionary=New Oxford American Dictionary |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/acref/9780195392883.001.0001 |date=2010-01-01 |editor-last=Stevenson |editor-first=Angus |doi=10.1093/acref/9780195392883.001.0001 |isbn=978-0-19-539288-3 |editor2-last=Lindberg |editor2-first=Christine A.}} It also includes emergency medical responders, such as paramedics and combat medics,{{Cite web |title=What is a Paramedic? |url=https://pittsburghpa.gov/ems/whats-a-medic |access-date=2021-08-13 |website=pittsburghpa.gov}} who provide urgent care in pre-hospital or battlefield settings.
Types
The following individuals and positions are considered medics in many jurisdictions:
- Emergency physician{{Cite web |title=A&E departments 'absolutely full to bursting' with flu blamed for making 'bad situation even worse', top medic says |url=https://news.sky.com/story/aande-departments-absolutely-full-to-bursting-with-flu-blamed-for-making-bad-situation-even-worse-top-medic-says-13279712 |access-date=2025-04-10 |website=Sky News |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Definition of Emergency Medicine |url=https://www.acep.org/patient-care/policy-statements/definition-of-emergency-medicine/ |access-date=2021-08-13 |website=www.acep.org |language=en}} – A medical doctor (MD or DO) who has undergone specialized postgraduate training in emergency medicine. These professionals work in emergency departments worldwide, providing rapid diagnosis and treatment of acute illnesses and injuries.
- Physician{{Cite web |title=What is a Medic |url=https://ambutech.co.uk/what-is-a-medic/ |access-date=2025-04-10 |website=Ambutech Pre-Hospital Care |language=en-GB}} – Physicians, especially those involved in hospitals or urgent care, are often considered medics. In countries such as the United Kingdom, the term "medic" is often used to describe physicians who follow a non-surgical medical specialty, such as cardiology or endocrinology. These specialties are typically accredited by professional bodies like the Royal College of Physicians.
- Combat medic{{Cite web |last=Szoldra |first=Paul |title=Here's The Crazy Amount Of Gear Military Medics Carry Every Day In War |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/military-medic-gear-2014-6 |access-date=2025-04-10 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2024-05-02 |title=Ready to Serve: Step into the Boots of an Army Combat Medic |url=https://www.army.mil/article/275951/ready_to_serve_step_into_the_boots_of_an_army_combat_medic |access-date=2025-04-10 |website=www.army.mil |language=en}} – A military role found in many nations, referring to trained personnel who provide frontline trauma care to injured soldiers during armed conflict. The title and specific responsibilities vary by country.
- Paramedic{{Cite web |title=What Is a Paramedic? |url=https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-a-paramedic |access-date=2021-08-13 |website=WebMD |language=en}} – A civilian emergency medical responder trained to provide advanced pre-hospital care. The role of paramedics is recognized globally, although the level of training and scope of practice may vary by country or region.
- Medical student{{Cite web |title=Dictionary.com {{!}} Meanings & Definitions of English Words |url=https://www.dictionary.com/browse/medic |access-date=2025-04-10 |website=Dictionary.com |language=en}} – In both civilian and military contexts, individuals studying medicine are sometimes informally referred to as medics, particularly in countries such as the UK and Ireland.
- Search and rescue medic{{Cite web |last=Blevins |first=Jason |date=2020-09-01 |title=Meet the Colorado helicopter medic trained to rescue wildland firefighters |url=https://coloradosun.com/2020/09/01/aaron-zinser-paramedic-firefighter-military-helicopter-wildfire/ |access-date=2025-04-10 |website=The Colorado Sun |language=en-US}} – In some countries, specialized medics operate in mountain rescue, wilderness rescue, or disaster response teams, trained to provide care in austere or remote environments.