How to become a paramedic & ambulance officer
Bring emergency care and transport for injured, sick and aged people.
What does a paramedic & ambulance officer do?
Duties and tasks
Paramedics and ambulance officers are employed by hospitals, local governments, and privately-held ambulance services to bring emergency care to all people, and they are usually the first healthcare professionals on the scene.
- Assess patient's conditions, determine need for assistance and complete specialised medical treatment and care before hospital admission.
- Provide immediate treatment to patients such as resuscitation and defibrillation, and operating life-support equipment.
- Attend accidents, emergencies and calls for medical assistance, including at public gatherings and sporting events where accidents and other health emergencies may occur.
- Assist with complex hospital transfers when necessary.
- Document patients' conditions before they arrive for hospital check-in.
- Use complex life support techniques, administer oxygen, drips, and medical drugs to aid patients.
- Prepare written reports on the state of patients' injuries and treatment provided.
Industry bodies
- The Council of Ambulance Authorities
- The Paramedicine Board of Australia
- Paramedics Australasia
- St John Ambulance Australia
Related jobs
- Ambulance officer
- Emergency specialist
- Intensive care paramedic
- Midwife
- Patient transport officer
- Registered nurse
Discover related courses
Postgraduate GRF-NUR-GCE
Postgraduate ECU-CCP-GCE
Postgraduate TAS-CUC-MAS
Available majors
- Community and Urgent Care
Postgraduate ECU-CCP-GDI
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