Access Training To Be An Ambulance Paramedic Or Ambulance Technician
Ambulance Technicians are being phased out by the NHS. Current Ambulance Technicians can either train up as full Paramedics or become Emergency Care Assistants.
Emergency Care Assistants (and Ambulance Technicians) have a range of duties which may include the following. They may respond to emergency calls as a member of a team. Work alongside and assist an Ambulance Paramedic on emergency calls. Prepare and check ambulances before and after shifts and calls to ensure all supplies are replenished and all equipment is present and in working order. They often also drive the ambulances they work on.
A more highly trained Ambulance Paramedic will take the lead in responding to and dealing with situations and patients to which they are called. Such paramedics will be trained to degree level although they may have entered the service through an alternative route several years ago. Read about paramedic degree courses here, Ambulance Technicians may be favourably considered due to experience.
Ambulance technicians are no longer being trained by the NHS but you can train to become an emergency care assistant. Suitable training courses are run in house by ambulance trusts and occasionally other branches of the NHS. There are currently no external training courses to qualify you as an ambulance technician.
Finding a place can take time but they are always advertised on the NHS jobs website so check there frequently. Have your application response prepared in advance as the vacancies close very quickly due to the high number of applicants. Read more for additional help with the selection process and interviews.
To apply, make sure you have some relevant work experience, preferably including some type of healthcare work with the public. You will also need basic G.C.S.Es in at least 3 subjects at grade C or above and including maths and English
To become an ambulance paramedic there are 2 main routes open. You can apply to train with a Trust in much the same way as outlined for Ambulance Technician | Emergency Care Assistant training above, or you can train independently at a university. At university you will qualify with a paramedic degree which then allows you to register with the Health Professions Council and subsequently practise as a paramedic.
Any application for a university degree place must be made through the UCAS system. You will need minimum of 5 G.C.S.Es including maths and English at grade C or better and you will also need to have at least 2 A Levels at grade C or above. It is preferable if you have science subject at both levels. Work experience is also absolutely essential to be seriously considered for a place.
Competition for places is high, give yourself the edge with insider information, tips, help and even a one day training course covering the entire selection process.