'paramedic' originates from the prefix 'para-' (Greek) meaning 'beside' and from 'medic' (from Latin 'medicus') meaning 'physician' or 'medical practitioner'.

'paramedic' was coined in the mid-20th century as a formation from 'para-' + 'medic' and as a shortening/derivation related to 'paramedical' to denote personnel providing medical support alongside physicians, later becoming established specifically for emergency pre-hospital practitioners.

Initially related to the adjective 'paramedical' meaning 'alongside or supporting physicians/medicine', it evolved into the noun 'paramedic' referring specifically to an emergency medical care provider who works in pre-hospital settings.