I was going to forego replying to this thread, but could not resist. There were a few points that I noted in this thread that I wanted to reply to. They are not necessarily in preferential order.
The assertion that a paramedic probably would not be a "problem" on a trauma scene run, but may present "logistical" problems on other types of runs, was a bit one sided. Now, suppose we were to reverse this a bit. "Nurses probably would be a problem on an interfacility transport, but migh present logistical problems on a scene run." I note that the nursing association seldom brings up the fact that nurses are not trained in the unique skills of the prehospital environment, the least of which is vehicle extrication. RNs in my state were allowed to simply challenge the paramedic exam and function in the prehospital environment with very little additional training. Most paramedics feel this is a slap in the face. It is true that paramedics are not trained to care long term for septic patients, ards, etc. that are frequently found in the ICU. However, unless the helicopter breaks down in the wilderness, I would hope that they would not be expected to.
Somehow there seems to be the covert, if not open, belief that paramedics cannot be trained to care for critically ill patients, manage vasopressive agents, or operate vents or IABP's. The reverse does not seem to be the case. Nurses are often assumed to be capable of working in the prehospital environment with ease. Why is that the case? Paramedics can be trained to the same level as RN's for hemodynamic monitoring and carry additional skills that they acquired in the prehospital environment. In fact, there are programs specifically for the training of CC Paramedics.
We are all aware that there is quite a bit of tension between EMS personnel and nurses. Part of this is because the nurses, and their political lobbies, always assume, nay, assert, that they are superior to paramedics. Where does this originate? Why is it perpetuated? The "Laws" keeping EMS personnel out of hospitals that you refer to were pressed by the nursing lobby, it has no relevance to ones qualifications, only to the political power that the nursing lobby exerts to maintain, and expand, a monopoly. My home state recently enacted laws that allows paramedics to function in any environment (Homes, hospitals, Dr's offices, etc.). The problem arises because the nursing associations create the rules for the hospital. Thus, most paramedics cannot use their skills when they enter a hospital.
I don't mean to start an ugly debate, and I do feel that a nurse/paramedic team is ideal. However, the arrogant belief that nurses are the only ones that can be properly trained in critical care needs to be reevaluated.
Plus it's one of the reasons that most of us came here. 
