Paramedic job

Patients who have been injured in accidents, catastrophes, or other types of catastrophic events are provided with specialized medical care and treatment by paramedics.

What does a paramedic do? Common employers | Education and experience requirements | Essential skill sets

In most instances, the paramedic is the more senior part of a two-person ambulance crew, which also often includes an emergency care assistant or technician. The arrival of a paramedic to the site of an emergency is often one of the first occurrences of any medical practitioner.

Typical responsibilities of the position are as follows:

driving ambulances and other emergency vehicles, as well as manning such vehicles

responding to 999 calls and other emergency situations

evaluating patients, administering emergency care, and making diagnoses

monitoring patients and dispensing medicine, analgesics, and intravenous fluids, as well as providing pain relief

putting bandages on cuts and scrapes

using specialized equipment such as ventilators and defibrillators among other things

patients are transported to the hospital while ongoing medical care is provided for them throughout the trip.

delivering information on patients to hospital workers, including details about their conditions and courses of treatment

assisting in the provision of care for patients at hospitals and other medical establishments

ensuring clear and efficient communication with patients as well as their loved ones and friends

providing instruction and training to members of the general public on the proper use of first aid methods

In most cases, the job will demand that you work in shifts that last for 24 hours, including on the weekends.

Employers who are typical of hiring paramedics

The majority of paramedics are employed by the National Health Service (NHS), although there are also openings with other organizations, including charitable organizations like the St. John Ambulance.

Employment opportunities may be found on the website of the National Health Service (NHS), as well as on the websites of individual ambulance service trusts and the College of Paramedics.

Qualifications and experience are expected of applicants.

In order to get employed in the field of paramedicine, you will need to become registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). In order to get registered, you are required to have a qualification that has been deemed acceptable by the HCPC in the field of paramedic science. On its website, the HCPC provides a list of credentials that have been authorized.

Beginning on September 1, 2021, a student will no longer be allowed to join the HCPC register unless they have completed a program that is equivalent to or greater than a degree level. Because of this, entry-level programs such as certificates, diplomas, and foundation degrees will no longer be an option for pursuing this line of work. You should still be able to register, however, if you were already enrolled in a program that was authorized before this change took effect. Check out the material that is available on the HCPC website for further details.

There are a variety of paths one may take to get certified as a paramedic. You may get a job as a student paramedic and study at the same time as you're on the job. You also have the option of getting a recognized certification in the field of paramedic science and then applying for jobs with ambulance services. Student paramedic programs are typically offered twice a year, and there is likely to be a lot of competition for available spots since so few ambulance trusts now provide them. One further option would be to submit an application for a degree apprenticeship in the field of paramedic science. You may look for degree apprenticeship posts on the NHS employment website, or you can use the apprenticeship search tool on the GOV.UK website to search for positions offered by the government.

Essential abilities required of paramedics

Competence in speech and listening

Compassion and concern for one another

The capacity to make quick judgments and maintain composure in high-stakes situations

A satisfactory degree of physical conditioning

Navigational and driving skills

Resilience

Stamina