A MICA paramedic stands for a Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance Paramedic. MICA paramedics are highly trained and experienced medical professionals who work in Australian mobile intensive care ambulances. They are dispatched to emergency situations where patients require a higher level of care than a regular ambulance can provide. MICA paramedics have a higher clinical skill set and can perform more advanced medical procedures than other types of paramedics.

To become a MICA paramedic, individuals must first hold either an advanced diploma of health science (paramedic) or other recognized bachelors degree, and then do extra study to the MICA level. They must also complete a graduate diploma in emergency healthcare, which requires concurrent employment with ambulance services in a clinical role and at least two years post-qualification experience as a paramedic in the service. While also working as a paramedic, the student must complete a year’s worth of coursework on advanced emergency health. Paramedics may also choose to complete a Masters in Emergency Health (paramedic) .

MICA paramedics are often requested to support ALS (Advanced Life Support) paramedics when dealing with a sick patient as a back-up crew. In rural and regional settings, time-sensitive patients are treated and transported either by ALS paramedics and/or mobile intensive care paramedics with support by helicopter-based MICA paramedics. CSO (Clinical Support Officer), who provide additional support to ALS crews, are also often MICA trained.