Paramedics: Clear! (2017) Board Game

Paramedics: Clear! is a real-time, competitive game where players take on the role of paramedics racing to save as many patients as they can. It was released in 2017 by Boardgame Mall and designed by Gary Kagan. The game is set in a fast-paced emergency room scenario where players must manage their hand of cards efficiently to treat patients and earn points.

Game Components of Paramedics: Clear!

Patient cards with various injuries and point values

Medical supply tokens

Supply cards for trading or acquiring medical tokens

Equipment upgrade cards

Player boards

Smartphone app for timing and sound effects

Morgue and hospital trackers

How To Setup Paramedics: Clear!

To set up the game, each player receives a player board and an initial set of medical supply tokens. The patient cards are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. The supply cards are also shuffled and placed in a draw pile. The smartphone app is used to manage the time shifts, which can be 60, 45, or 30 seconds.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Real-Time Gameplay: Players manage their time using a smartphone app with a countdown timer.

Patient Treatment: Players treat patients by assigning medical supply tokens matching the injuries on patient cards.

Supply Management: Players trade or acquire supply cards to get medical tokens or equipment upgrades.

Transportation to Hospital: Patients must be transported to the hospital to earn points.

Time Pressure: Players must stop the countdown timer before it hits 0 to avoid sending untreated patients to the morgue.

Objective: The goal is to earn the most points by successfully treating and transporting patients to the hospital while minimizing points lost from patients sent to the morgue.

Player Experience

In **Paramedics: Clear**, players take on the roles of EMTs, racing against the clock to save patients. The game is intense and competitive, requiring players to stay cool and collected under time pressure. Players must manage their medical supplies, treat patients, and make strategic decisions about which patients to prioritize. The game keeps players engaged even when it’s not their turn, as they need to monitor other players’ boards and prepare for their next shift.

Pros

Engaging Real-Time Mechanics: Keeps players constantly involved and on edge.

Simple and Intuitive Iconography: Easy to understand patient cards and supply tokens.

Smartphone App Integration: Enhances the game experience with timers and audio effects.

High Replayability: Different patient cards and supply draws ensure each game is unique.

Suitable for Various Player Counts: Works well with 1-4 players.

Cons

Time Pressure Stress: Can be overwhelming for some players.

Limited Player Interaction: Players primarily focus on their own tasks during their shifts.

App Dependence: Requires a smartphone to function, which might be a drawback for some.

Personal Thoughts on Paramedics: Clear!

**Paramedics: Clear** is ideal for gamers who enjoy fast-paced, timed games and are looking for a challenging yet streamlined experience. It’s a great choice for those who appreciate real-time mechanics and the added immersion provided by a smartphone app. However, it may not be the best fit for players who prefer more relaxed or cooperative gaming experiences. For fans of real-time games, **Paramedics: Clear** offers a thrilling and engaging challenge that is definitely worth checking out.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.