The Expanding Scope of a Qualified Paramedic

The role of a qualified paramedic is constantly evolving and changing, and as a result, their scope of practice is expanding. This is largely due increased training that qualified paramedics are undertaking as well as the wide range of clinical settings that they can work in.

Different Qualified Paramedic Settings

It is important that when you consider becoming a paramedic that you do not limit your field of practice in any way shape or form. Consider this list of settings that you might be able to practice your new profession as a fully qualified paramedic:

• Ambulance Services
• Private Ambulance Services and Non-Emergency Transport Services
• Private Practice
• Aeromedical Services including fixed wing and rotary wing
• Adult, Paediatric and Neonatal Retrieval Services
• Medical Clinics
• Hospitals, particularly the Emergency Department, OR and Critical Care Units
• Onsite paramedical provision (eg Major Public or Sporting Events)
• Mining Industry, Resource Industry and Construction sites
• Off-shore Drilling and Seismic sites
• Manufacturing
• Rural and remote practices such as;
  • Isolated communities
  • Islands,
  • Game parks
  • Cruise tourism
  • Transport shipping sectors
  • Emergency management, disaster emergency response and repatriation
  • Homeland Defence, counter terrorism support and USAR teams

Become a “Specialised” Qualified Paramedic

There are two main areas of specialisation that you may want to consider after becoming a fully qualified paramedic in Australia. In most cases they require further education and training, along with proven experience as a practicing paramedic.

Search and Rescue Paramedic

Search and Rescue paramedics are trained in a number of retrieval procedures including road crash rescue, vertical rescue, confined space and trench rescue. Search and Rescue paramedics work closely with flight paramedics , who conduct ariel rescues using helicopters or fix-wing aircraft. In many cases these qualified paramedics are highly proficient in a number of additional skills, including:

• Advanced four-wheeled driving
• Perform a variety of chemical, biological and radiological procedures.
• Navigation skills
• Urban search and rescue protocols

Intensive Care Paramedic

Intensive Care paramedics are trained to provide an advanced level of paramedic treatment using specialist equipment, skills and medications. A fully qualified paramedic with this specialty is equipped to provide emergency care to the most serious injured patients or those that are critically ill.

Begin your pathway to becoming a paramedic with Australian Paramedical College.

As you can see, becoming a qualified paramedic could be a pathway to one of the most rewarding and exciting careers within Australia. It is a career with unlimited opportunities to grow and diversify, where your unique medical skills are called upon to save the day at any given moment. If you would like to know more about how Australian Paramedical College can provide a pathway to becoming a paramedic, speak to our Course Advisors today on 1300 377 741.