Ambulance Driver And Attendant: The Ultimate Guide Updated

Introduction of Ambulance Driver And Attendant

The term ambulance is derived from the Latin word “ambulance,” which means “to walk,” and refers to early medical care when injured patients are moved using a rolling cart. While much has changed since then, ambulance drivers and attendants remain the first line of defence for the wounded, sick or convalescent service, lifting and transporting people to hospitals for medical treatment.

Similar Job Titles

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

How to Become Ambulance Driver And Attendant

Typical Job Responsibilities

What do Ambulance Drivers do?

An Ambulance Driver and Attendant would typically need to:

Transport sick or injured patients in and out of treatment facilities by driving ambulances or assisting other healthcare workers.
Operate ambulances and GPS navigators
When on call, accompany or help paramedics and emergency medical technicians by placing patients on stretchers or wheelchairs and loading stretchers onto ambulances.
Maintain ambulance sanitary conditions by removing and replacing linens and equipment; replace and provide ambulance with disposable and other equipment
Follow the ambulance’s maintenance protocols to ensure it is in good operating order.
Observe, document, and report to health care and law enforcement personnel situations and information such as emergencies, risks, and concerns.
Provide emotional support and other personal care services to coworkers, patients, and patients’ family members.

Standard Work Environment

There is no typical work environment for ambulance drivers and attendants; they see a variety of patients in a variety of situations. They may be called upon to assist people from all walks of life with a variety of illnesses, accidents, deliveries, and other such situations.

What is consistent is that they spend time in their ambulances every day and are obliged to drive for long periods of time during the day.

Work Schedule

Although you may expect a conventional workweek of 40 hours, it is more realistic to assume an erratic work schedule that will be determined by weather conditions and customer demands.

Employers

Finding a new job may appear difficult. Ambulance Drivers and Attendants can improve their job search by asking for referrals from their network, utilising job search platforms, leveraging social media, and contacting staffing agencies.

Ambulance Drivers and Attendants are generally employed by:

Public & Private Hospitals
Health Clinics
Nursing Home

Unions / Professional Organizations

Professional organisations and groups, such as the International Association of EMTs and Paramedics (IAEP), are beneficial for seeking professional development and engaging with other professionals in their sector or career. Membership enhances your CV by enhancing your credentials and qualifications.

Workplace Challenges

Lifting patients on and off stretchers & wheelchairs, and in and out of ambulances, 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 every second is crucial for patient transportation to hospitals

Suggested Work Experience

Ambulance drivers and attendants normally do not require prior job experience in any related sector. However, prior experience as a driver or Ambulance Driver and Attendant, as well as EMT experience, may be very beneficial in some circumstances to further demonstrate driving skills under pressure.

Reading as much as possible about the profession and interviewing Ambulance Drivers and Attendants are also good approaches to exploring your interest.

Recommended Qualifications

Ambulance drivers and attendants usually have a high school diploma or a similar degree. Employers may hire a qualified candidate who does not have a high school diploma in several instances.

Certifications, Licenses and Registration

An Ambulance Driver and Attendant’s proficiency in a skillset is demonstrated through work experience, training, passing a test, or some combination of the three.

While there are limited academic requirements, Ambulance Drivers and Attendants must have a valid driving licence, a clean driving record and pass an ambulance driving written exam. When renewing the ambulance driving certificate, a valid Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certificate may be required.

Ambulance Drivers and Attendants must also be certified in First Aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), and Emergency Vehicle Operations. To ensure they can drive and operate ambulances, lift stretchers, and other medical equipment, they must pass a vision and eye test, as well as frequent drug and alcohol testing.

Other desirable certifications include those for helpdesk or call centre software, as well as the Microsoft Office Suite.

Projected Career Map

Career advancement is driven by performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional certifications. Ambulance drivers and attendants who seek to further their education and training may advance to the position of Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).

Job Prospects

Candidates with relevant skills, experience, and education have the best chances of landing a job. Because efficient driving abilities are the most important employment requirement, further certification in safe driving procedures or other vehicle operations such as helicopter or boat may be beneficial.

Beneficial Professional Development

Continuing professional development (CPD) is Ambulance Drivers and Attendants’ overall commitment to improving their skills and proficiency throughout their active careers. Ambulance Drivers and Attendants can advance to new specialities with certifications in Public Safety & Security, Administration & Management, and Law & Government.

Conclusion of Ambulance Driver And Attendant

“The finest thing a man can do, next to creating a life, is save one,” Abraham Lincoln reportedly stated. Consider a job as an Ambulance Driver and Attendant if you work well under pressure and want to give back to society.