Hey shashdev,
Nice to know of someone in a similar field. The job of emergency technician is still alive over here, however ambulances services are no longer recruiting them, they still operate but they are being killed-off. The most common way to qualify as a paramedic other than a degree, was something like Patient Transport Service > Technician > Paramedic, all with training along the way to move you up each role.
We do have 'rescue squads' here, especially the Red Cross and St Johns Ambulance, which seems to be the most useful to me.
Thanks and regards,
Josh.
E: Thanks Boothy