How to become An Ambulance Driver and Attendant

• Ambulance Attendant
• CPR Ambulance Driver
• Emergency Care Attendant (ECA) Driver
• Medical Van Driver (Medi - Van Driver)

What do Ambulance Drivers do?

An Ambulance Driver and Attendant would typically need to:

• Drive ambulances or assist other healthcare professionals in transporting sick or injured patients in and out of treatment facilities
• Operate ambulances and GPS navigators
• Accompany or assist paramedics and emergency medical technicians when on call; place patients on stretchers or wheelchairs and load stretchers into ambulances
• Maintain sanitary conditions of their ambulance by removing and replacing linens and equipment; replace and supply ambulance with disposable and other equipment
• Follow maintenance procedures for the ambulance and ensure it is in good working condition
• Observe, document, and report incidents and facts to health care officials and law enforcement officials such as emergencies, hazards, and problems
• Provide emotional support and other personal care assistance to coworkers, patients and family members of patients

There is no standard work environment for Ambulance Drivers and Attendants; they encounter different patients under different circumstances. They may need to help people from all walks of life through a range of illnesses, accidents, deliveries and other such incidents.

What remains consistent is that they spend time in their ambulances every day and are required to drive for many hours during the day.

Although you may expect a 40-hour standard workweek, it would be more realistic to be prepared for an irregular work schedule that will depend on weather conditions and customer expectations.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Ambulance Drivers and Attendants can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, using job search platforms, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Ambulance Drivers and Attendants are generally employed by:

• Public & Private Hospitals
• Health Clinics
• Nursing Homes

Professional associations and organisations like the International Association of EMTs and Paramedics (IAEP) are valuable to pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Lifting patients on and off stretchers & wheelchairs, and in and out of ambulances, which can be physically demanding
• Spending most of their day driving patients in and out of hospitals, which may also become strenuous
• Dealing frequently with complicated cases that may result in death may cause emotional strain
• Dealing with induced stress levels since every second is crucial for patient transportation to hospitals

Ambulance Drivers and Attendants do not typically need work experience in any related occupation. However, in some cases, previous experience of two years as a driver or Ambulance Driver and Attendant and EMT experience may be highly desirable to further demonstrate driving skills under pressure.

As in any career, reading as much as possible about the profession and interviewing those working as Ambulance Drivers and Attendants are other important ways to explore your interest.

Ambulance Drivers and Attendants typically have a high-school diploma or equivalent qualification. In some cases, employers may hire a suitable candidate without a high school diploma.

Certification demonstrates an Ambulance Driver and Attendant’s competence in a skillset, typically through work experience, training, the passing of an examination, or some combination of the three.

While there are very few academic qualifications required, Ambulance Drivers and Attendants must hold a valid driver’s licence with a safe driving record and pass an ambulance driving written exam. A valid Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certificate may be requested when renewing the ambulance driving certificate.

Ambulance Drivers and Attendants must also complete certification in First-Aid, CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and Emergency Vehicle Operations. They must undergo a vision & eye test, regular drug and alcohol tests, and a physical strength examination to ensure they can drive and operate ambulances, lift stretchers, and other medical equipment.

Other desirable certifications relate to helpdesk or call center software and Microsoft Office Suite.

Performance, experience, and acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression. Ambulance Drivers and Attendants with additional education and training wish may transition into the role of an Emergency Medical Technician(EMT).

Candidates with skills, experience, and education have the best job prospects. Since efficient driving skills are the primary job requirement, further certification in safe driving procedures or other vehicle operations such as helicopter or boat may prove advantageous.

Continuing professional development (CPD) is the holistic commitment of Ambulance Drivers and Attendants towards enhancing personal skills and proficiency throughout their active careers. Certifications in Public Safety & Security, Administration & Management, and Law & Government can assist Ambulance Drivers and Attendants progress to new specialisms.

Ambulance Drivers and Attendants vs Paramedics

Ambulance Drivers and Attendants perform very different tasks than paramedics. While paramedics treat patients in life-threatening situations before and during transportation to treatment facilities, Ambulance Drivers and Attendants typically have no medical training; they are responsible for driving the ambulances and assisting with lifting patients.

What does a typical Ambulance contain?

Ambulances are used to transport patients to treatment facilities and assist patients in life-threatening situations, such as heart attacks, burns and car crashes. They are equipped with instruments and supplies typically found in hospital emergency rooms, such as cardiac monitors, needles, oxygen tanks, and stretchers.

Types of Ambulances

When we think of ambulances, cars or vans come to mind; however, many other types of ambulances such as trains, trailers, busses, motorbikes, bicycles, helicopters, boats, and ships exist.

The word “ambulance” on the front of ambulances is written backwards so that drivers can read the word correctly from their rearview mirrors and allow ambulances to pass in case of an emergency.

As Abraham Lincoln once said, “next to creating a life, the finest thing a man can do is save one”. If you work well under pressure and wish to give back to society, you should consider a career as an Ambulance Driver and Attendant.

Your work may appear simple, but you need to perform efficiently in a consistent manner.