How to Become an Ambulance Paramedic?

What is a Qualified Ambulance Paramedic?

An ambulance paramedic is more than just first responder. They are the critical link between life and death whenever a medical crisis strikes. It is essential that a fully qualified senior ambulance paramedic has extensive experience in emergency care and the highest training in all forms of paramedic disciplines.

The Many Roles of an Ambulance Paramedic

There is no telling what challenges await an ambulance paramedic at the many emergencies they are called to attend. Often with limited resources and little time, an ambulance paramedic must quickly assess the eminent danger and determine the safest and most efficient course of medical treatment.

This includes a establishing a patient health assessment that includes an initial diagnosis. Ambulance paramedics must then create and implement the necessary treatment strategy all while managing the patient’s crisis. It is one thing to do this in the safety and well-resourced confines of a hospital. It is a completely different thing to do all this while in the midst of a disaster scene.

A Disaster Scene is the Workplace of an Ambulance Paramedic

Consider the bush fires raging across the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney, and how a paramedic may need to react in such dangerous circumstances. Whether it is treating a firefighter who has experienced third-degree burns, or a child that is suffering from heat exhaustion and carbon-monoxide poisoning after escaping from a burnt down house; an ambulance paramedic performs their duties often in the most trying of circumstances.

In a number of instances, ambulance paramedics are able to provide sufficient treatment to resolve a crisis. Those cases may not need to be referred to for further treatment at another facility by other medical professionals. It is common, however, that ambulance paramedics will continue to monitor and/or treat patients while providing transportation to a suitable health care facility. The patient is then able to receive the necessary treatment or can be thoroughly checked before being discharged as a patient.

The Important Non-medical Skills of an Ambulance Paramedic

In all stages of health care, it is imperative that an ambulance paramedic posses superior communication skills. These skills are crucial between the patient as well as other medical professionals. They must have proficient knowledge in a wide range of medical disciplines. They must be articulate, professional, caring and calm under pressure.

Required Training to Become an Ambulance Paramedic

Ambulance Service across Australia recognise the high standards of training and experience that ambulance paramedics must posses. It is mandated for a fully qualified ambulance paramedic to possess at least a Bachelor Degree in Paramedical Science (or equivalent).

In addition to education and training in advanced life-support systems, graduates with a bachelor degree will be proficient in the following medical treatments (just to name a few):

• IV Canulation
• Drug Administration (oral, intramuscular injection, intravenously)
• Narcotic Pain Relief
• Anti-emetics Administration
• Respiratory Drug Therapy
• Cardiac Arrest Treatment
• Fluid Resuscitation
• Advanced Airway Management
• Blood Examinations
• Interpret Electrocardiograms (ECG)
• Wide scope of emergency care for patients ranging from newborn to elderly.

At a glance, this clinical scope of practice that a fully qualified Australian ambulance paramedic is equipped with provides great insight into the skill and training that grace this highly respected profession.

Start your pathway to becoming a Qualified Ambulance Paramedic through Australian Paramedical College

To discover how you can start your pathway to becoming a Qualified Ambulance Paramedic through Australian Paramedical College, call our Career Advisors on 1300 377 741.

We have a number of courses to prepare you, no matter what your educational background.