How to become a paramedic & ambulance officer

What does a paramedic & ambulance officer do?

Duties and tasks

Paramedics and ambulance officers are employed by hospitals, local governments, and privately-held ambulance services to bring emergency care to all people, and they are usually the first healthcare professionals on the scene.

• Assess patient's conditions, determine need for assistance and complete specialised medical treatment and care before hospital admission.
• Provide immediate treatment to patients such as resuscitation and defibrillation, and operating life-support equipment.
• Attend accidents, emergencies and calls for medical assistance, including at public gatherings and sporting events where accidents and other health emergencies may occur.
• Assist with complex hospital transfers when necessary.
• Document patients' conditions before they arrive for hospital check-in.
• Use complex life support techniques, administer oxygen, drips, and medical drugs to aid patients.
• Prepare written reports on the state of patients' injuries and treatment provided.

Industry bodies 

• The Council of Ambulance Authorities
• The Paramedicine Board of Australia
• Paramedics Australasia
• St John Ambulance Australia

Related jobs

• Ambulance officer
• Emergency specialist
• Intensive care paramedic
• Midwife
• Patient transport officer
• Registered nurse