Patient Transport Service Driver
Job Description:Patient transport service drivers take patients to and from hospital for appointments.
Job Category:What you will do:
You’ll drive patients to and from their hospital appointments. Your day-to-day tasks could include:
- helping patients out of their home and into the ambulance (it may involve lifting)
- helping patients settle back home after their appointments
- using a radio to keep in touch with the ambulance control room
- checking and maintaining the ambulance and its equipment
- keeping accurate records of journeys
You may deal with elderly people, people with a physical disability or mental health problem. You may also transport people who are seriously ill with specific medical needs.
Skills:
You’ll need:
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
As well as:
- sensitivity and understanding
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- organisational skills
- customer service skills
- the ability to work well with others (teamwork)
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- excellent verbal communication skills
- thinking and reasoning skills
Entry Requirements:
You’ll need to:
- have a full, manual driving licence that covers the right vehicles for your local ambulance service
- be an experienced driver
- be able to read maps and know your area
- pass enhanced background checks
- have a good level of fitness
Some ambulance services may want you to have:
- taken English, Maths and a Science at school
- work experience with older people or people with disabilities
Working Hours and Environment:
You’ll usually work 37.5 hours a week in shifts. Shifts include evenings, weekends and bank holidays.
You may work alone or in a 2-person team, in a car or in an adapted ambulance. You’ll spend a lot of time driving in one area.
The work can be physically and emotionally demanding.
You’ll wear a uniform and protective clothing.
Career Path & Progression:
With experience, you could become a team leader or supervisor. You could also become an emergency care assistant or apply to be a student paramedic.
You could also move into personnel, training, health and safety, or operations management.