Ambulance Officer
Ambulance officers provide pre-hospital emergency care, treatment and specialised transport for patients.
Ambulance officers may perform the following tasks:
- drive ambulances to sites of medical emergencies and accidents which may require the administration of advanced life support
- lift and place patients on stretchers, load the stretchers into ambulances and transport patients to hospital
- assess, treat and manage patients' treatment on the way to hospital
- administer pain relieving drugs and replace fluids, often by inserting tubes into veins
- prepare patient care records and other written reports on the state of patients' injuries and the treatment provided
- attend public gatherings, such as large sports events, where accidents or other health emergencies may occur
- provide routine transport for patients from home to hospital and return, e.g. for patients requiring further treatment or specialised treatment such as occupational therapy and chemotherapy
- perform daily vehicle and equipment check making sure that medical supplies, including drugs, are accounted for and that equipment and ambulances are in good working order.
Specialisations:
Ambulance Clinical Instructor
An ambulance clinical instructor delivers training and support to students.
Ambulance Communications Officer
An ambulance communications officer works in an ambulance coordination centre or depot where all emergency calls are received, and supervises the movement of ambulances and personnel within their area of radio control.
Ambulance Rescue Officer
An ambulance resuce officer provides pre-hospital care in remote and difficult locations. They must be highly skilled as most rescue operations are undertaken in life-threatening circumstances.
Intensive Care Paramedic/Ambulance Paramedic
An intensive care paramedic/ambulance paramedic attends life-threatening emergencies such as heart attacks and car accidents, and gives intensive treatment to patients before arrival at hospital.
Ambulance officers work in teams and in shifts. They work closely with members of other emergency services such as firefighters, police and the State Emergency Service (SES).
Personal Requirements:
- good level of health and fitness
- good analysis and problem solving skills
- able to think clearly and act quickly
- able to control emotions in stressful situations
- able to work alone and as part of a team
- able to follow instructions and guidelines
- good communication and interpersonal skills
- clear decision making skills and judgement.
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