How to become a Paramedic. Paramedics are persons who are responsible for the care and delivery of sick patients from emergency situations to hospital.
Job Description
They give emergency aid, medication and advice to patients, monitor them, and give assistance to colleagues when required. They also bring very sick patients into hospital. Paramedics are generally expected to be confident, Level -headed and willing to work at short notice and long hours, and capable of remaining calm in stressful situations. The hours are usually 12 hour shifts. Being a Paramedic is a good job for many people, but the key traits to have are a sociable personality, strong teamwork skills, and ability to work under direction, a good sense of humour, calm under pressure and caring.
Entry Requirements
Many Paramedics start their career by attending a Paramedic Science course at university. The entry requirements vary from establishment to establishment but are usually a minimum of 5 GCSEs including English Maths and Science, and 2 A Levels or equivalent. You will also require a full manual driving licence. Any previous experience of first aid, or medical care provision, will heighten your likelihood of acceptance onto the course.
Responsibilities and Duties
Standard duties for a paramedic include having the ambulance ready for service. Ensuring it is stocked with the required items. They await emergency calls and attend the scene in the shortest time possible. They have to then assess the patient’s condition and deliver any essential care that is required for the patient, before attempting to move them to the hospital. They then have to pass the patient onto the hospital department, giving all relevant information over to ensure that the duty of care passes smoothly from one provider to another, and that no details are missed that could hinder the patients care or recovery prospects. They then have to ensure that the ambulance is restocked and clean ready for the next patient to use.
Working Hours
These may vary depending on the duties and job you are doing. Most paramedics are expected to work set shifts on a rota pattern to ensure that cover is always present. The shifts are spread over a 24 hour period, and therefore you may have to work through the night. IT is expected that you may be disturbed during break periods although dispatchers will avoid disturbing a crew on break, but if there are no other crews available you will have to attend the call.
Skills and Training Development
Paramedics can expect to progress through their careers from trainee to senior paramedic with time service. These roles come with added responsibility and less support. You can also take on additional training to become an air ambulance paramedic. This will involve a lot of additional training and learning, as well as a lot more responsibility.
Average Paramedic Salary
The average salary for a Trainee Paramedic is £16,000 PA.
The average salary for a qualified Paramedic is £21,000 PA.
The average salary for a Senior Paramedic is £30,000 PA.
Good luck.
