A generic title for the professions which work closely with or are responsible to the medical and nursing professions in caring for patients with skills, experience and qualifications in certain spheres of health care, such as physiotherapists (see PHYSIOTHERAPY); radiographers (see RADIOGRAPHER); and dieticians (see DIETETICS). Its shortened form ‘paramedic’ tends to be used specifically when referring to ambulance technicians, primarily those with specific training and qualifications to deal with emergencies.