The Different Types of Paramedics

LARU Officer

Meet Jamie Hibbert, an Experienced LARU Officer

Have you heard of a LARU officer? It is a type of Paramedic called “Local-Area Assessment Referral Unit”.

In this video above, you can hear from Jamie who is currently a LARU Officer with Queensland Ambulance Service. LARU Officers are typically highly experienced paramedics with 5+ years in the field. Their focus is on low-acuity or low-risk patients, aiming to deliver care in a way that reduces strain on public hospitals.

The LARU officer role was created to reduce the demand on the public hospitals, which means they are qualified to assess and treat patients, and then leave them in their home if it is safe to do so.

If the patient does require further care, the LARU officer is able to determine if the patient should attend a hospital, health hub or a GP.

In this video, Jamie from QAS discusses the different roles, the scope of practice and levels of paramedics within the service.

Paramedic Roles Within Ambulance Services

Some of the different roles within an ambulance service could include (this varies from state to state):

• Paramedic

  • Provides basic airway management, resuscitation, ventilation, and administration of some drugs.

• Advanced Care Paramedic or LARU Officer

  • Offers extended skills in pharmacology, drug administration, airway management, and trauma care.

• Advanced Care Level 2 and High Acuity Response Unit (HARU)

  • Specialises in advanced airways and complex procedures.

• Critical Care and Flight Paramedics

  • Operates at the highest paramedic level, managing critically ill patients and performing flight transfers.

All of these roles require a Bachelor of Paramedical Science degree plus some extended training or qualifications.

Do any of these roles interest you? But maybe you don’t have the grades for direct entry into University? The Diploma of Paramedical Science is an excellent pathway into a long and rewarding career as any of the paramedic roles mentioned above

Study Pre-Hospital Emergency Health Care with APC

Study pre-hospital emergency health care qualifications online at APC; with the aid of clinical workshops as well as online and phone support from trainers and educators. Enjoy unlimited access to a student success team who are always ready to help and assist. Although paramedical pathway courses can be studied online; APC fosters a vibrant and passionate community which encourages students to engage and help one another.

Choose from three pre-hospital emergency health care qualifications:

HLT51020 – Diploma of Emergency Health Care

HLT41120 – Certificate IV in Health Care

HLT31120 – Certificate III in Non-emergency Patient Transport

Take the first step toward a rewarding career in paramedicine today with APC. Whether you’re aiming for a LARU Officer role or another exciting position, our courses provide the foundation you need to succeed.