Paramedic

Job Description:

Paramedics deal with emergencies, giving people life-saving medical help.

Job Category:

Health Care & Social Assistance

See Health Care & Social Assistance jobs

What you will do:

Most paramedics work for ambulance services. You’ll deal with a range of situations, from minor wounds and substance misuse to serious injuries from fires and major road, rail, and industrial accidents.

Your day-to-day tasks could include:

checking a patient’s condition to decide what action to take
using electric shock equipment (a defibrillator) to resuscitate patients
carrying out surgical procedures like inserting a breathing tube
giving medicines and injections
dressing wounds and applying supports for broken bones
delivering babies
working closely with the police and fire services
keeping accurate records and checking equipment (organisational skills)

Skills:

You’ll need:

knowledge of healthcare and medicine
knowledge of public safety and security
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

As well as:

excellent driving skills
the ability to think and act quickly under pressure and the patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations (adaptability)
practical skills and the ability to follow procedures
excellent communication skills
sensitivity and understanding
customer service skills
excellent verbal communication skills
to be flexible and open to change
the ability to work well with others (teamwork)

Illustration of employee looking at workspace

Entry Requirements:

You’ll need a foundation degree, diploma of higher education (DipHE) or degree in paramedic science or paramedic practice.

You could start as a student paramedic, a trainee technician or an emergency care assistant for an ambulance service.

Working as a volunteer community first responder may help you to get onto a training course.

To become a paramedic you’ll need:

to register with the local Health Care Professions Council
a driving licence, including ability to drive medium sized vehicles (Category C1 in the UK)
to pass a medical check
you are likely to need criminal or security clearance from the local authorities in the county you intend to work

Working Hours and Environment:

You’ll usually work 37.5 hours a week on shifts, including nights, weekends and bank holidays.

You’ll wear a uniform including protective clothing.

You’ll work in an ambulance, or as a specialist you may work on your own, using a car, motorbike or bicycle.

The job is physically and emotionally demanding.

Career Path & Progression:

With around 3 years experience, you could become a team leader or a specialist paramedic or emergency care practitioner.

You could also move into operations management, education and training, research or human resources.