How to become a paramedic & ambulance officer
Bring emergency care and transport for injured, sick and aged people.
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
Related jobs
Ambulance officer
Intensive care paramedic
Patient transport officer
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