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Paramedic

Also known as Ambulance Officer.

Paramedics provide pre-hospital emergency care, treatment and specialised transport for patients.

Paramedics work in teams and in shifts, and in all kinds of weather conditions.

They are required to assist at a range of incidents, including motor vehicle accidents and medical emergencies inside and outside domestic premises, building sites and public areas.

They may work in confined spaces, such as under vehicles and buildings, and at sites of hazardous material accidents, such as fires and chemical spills.

They work closely with members of other emergency services such as firefighters, police and the State Emergency Service (SES).

TASKS

Paramedics may perform the following tasks:

drive ambulances to sites of medical emergencies and accidents that may require the administration of advanced life support
lift and place patients on stretchers, load the stretchers into ambulances and transport patients to hospital
assess and treat patients at the site and on the way to hospital
administer pain-relieving drugs and replace fluids, often by inserting tubes into veins
prepare patient care records and other written reports on the state of patients' injuries and the treatment provided
attend public gatherings, such as large sporting events, where accidents or other health emergencies may occur
provide routine transport for patients between home and hospital (for patients requiring further treatment or specialised treatment such as occupational therapy and chemotherapy, for example)
perform daily vehicle and equipment checks, making sure that medical supplies (including drugs) are accounted for and that equipment and ambulances are in good working order

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

able to remain calm and control emotions in stressful situations
able to think clearly and act quickly
good level of health and fitness
good analytical and problem-solving skills
able to work alone and as part of a team
able to follow instructions and guidelines
good communication and interpersonal skills
clear decision-making skills and good judgement
caring, tolerant and non-judgmental attitude
enjoy working with people from diverse backgrounds
committed to developing and maintaining skills

Interest Area

SPECIALISATIONS

Intensive Care Paramedic - attends life-threatening emergencies such as heart attacks and car accidents, and gives intensive treatment to patients before arrival at hospital. They receive more training in the areas of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and pharmacology to increase their capacity to make complex clinical decisions without medical consultation.

Paramedic Clinical Instructor - delivers training and support to paramedic interns.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become a paramedic you usually need to complete a degree in paramedic science or paramedic practice at university. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, biology and mathematics are normally required. Contact the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Graduates of degree courses are eligible to join the Ambulance Service as graduate paramedics. Alternative entry may be available. Contact the Ambulance Service to discuss your circumstances. Positions are usually advertised through their website.

Additional Information

Before undertaking clinical placements, students will need to obtain a National Police Certificate, a Provide First Aid Certificate and relevant immunisations.

As part of the recruitment process, all applicants are required to attend a health assessment, which includes a medical evaluation and physical fitness test.

Applicants must hold an unrestricted C-class drivers licence and have a good driving record. All applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents.