How to become an Offshore Medic

Offshore Medics or Paramedics typically work in the oil and gas industry, on a drilling rig or other offshore setting. They are responsible for the medical care of everyone on the site that they work on.

The nature of the work being done at offshore sites is often extremely dangerous and therefore, the role of the offshore medic is particularly important. You will be on call 24/7 when working on a rig and responsible for the health and safety of the whole crew at all times. Such responsibility means offshore medics are paid extremely well. This can be a lucrative career, and is a popular alternative career path to becoming a paramedic.

Working in such a remote location means the role goes beyond that of most other paramedics. As well as responding to major and minor emergencies on-site, you’ll also be required to undertake primary healthcare and clinical duties which could range from assessments and history taking, to blood collection and injury prevention.

Typical job duties of an Offshore Medic/Paramedic

The duties of an Offshore Medic/Paramedic will vary depending on the size and location of the site you’re working on, your qualifications and the size of your team/workforce you are responsible for.

Typical duties you may be required to undertake include:

• Responding to minor or major on-site injuries and providing medical care.
• Administer basic life support if necessary.
• Injury management: including paperwork, liaising with patients, physiotherapists, doctors and human resources departments.
• Undertaking drug and alcohol testing.
• Providing medical clearances to potential employees and return to work employees.
• Administering flu vaccinations.
• Fever temperature checks.
• Respond to vehicle accidents.

Offshore Medic/Paramedic salary

An Offshore Medic can earn $80,000-$120,000 per year.
This amount could increase further depending on your level of experience, overtime worked in the year and additional allowances.

Before becoming an Offshore Medic, you’ll need to have around at least 3 years experience as a registered Paramedic under your belt.

Studying the HLT51020 – Diploma of Emergency Health Care with Australian Paramedical College can help you build the foundational knowledge and practical skills you need to get on the pathway to university to become a Paramedic.

For some offshore roles, you may need to also have specialist skills related to the industries and environments you plan to work in.