One of the most popular careers is being an ambulance or paramedic driver. This is simply due to the fact that it is a very rewarding job and every day is different. You will learn a lot while earning a good salary. Of course, there are both good days and bad days. When you’re an ambulance driver you will learn the value of teamwork and will form close bonds with your co-workers and other ambulance drivers. This is a special type of bond that you won’t experience in other types of jobs. Once you’re an ambulance driver, you would have a new family for the rest of your life. This job is more than a calling than a career. Due to Covid-19, this pandemic has showed everyone the true value of medical staff which also means ambulance drivers and paramedics.
How Much Time Does It Take To Be A Paramedic Driver?
If you’re interested in becoming an ambulance driver, it will take some time. One of the first things you’ll need to do is a lorry driving course, and a course on becoming a paramedic. This means that you’ll have to undergo a lot of medical training. In most cases, this is done on a part time basis where you do both schooling as well as part time working on the job so that you can get the required experience. This will also teach you how to deal with stress and difficult situations. Typically speaking, it will take about five years in order to finish your training and get a paramedic science diploma or degree.
What Training Is Required?
In addition to getting the right medical training, you will have to get the correct HGV drivers license. Ambulance vehicles are HGV’s and therefore, you will need to get training on how to properly drive and operate them in a safe and efficient manner. Basically, you will have to get a C1 license and this license will allow you to drive vehicles that weigh as much as 7.5 tonnes. To put this into perspective, a typical ambulance vehicle weighs around 5 tonnes. Even if you want to be a paramedic alone, you will still have to get this license because all paramedics are required to be qualified to drive ambulance vehicles. Even though there may not be a shift at your job, every single paramedic will be required to drive and therefore, you’ll need to get your C1 license. In order to get this license, you will have to go to a well known driver training centre and sign up. You will have to find a way to fit this in while you are undergoing your paramedic training. Alternatively, there is an intensive training course that you can do which will allow you to get this qualification in only 5 days.
Would I Be Able To Only Be An Ambulance Driver?
If you want to be an ambulance driver, you will also need to become a qualified and professional ambulance care assistant. You will have to be more than just a driver and this includes patient driving, paramedic, emergency care assistant, ambulance technician etc. Once you decide on this career, you won’t be tasked with only driving. In the event that you get a job that is on the emergency side, then you will actually have to assess the patient and provide the required treatment. As a result of this, you will need to not only be a driver but also have excellent medical training. At a minimum, you will be required to assist patients from getting in and out of the ambulance vehicle. So, you will need to also know the details of how to safely transport patients as well as first aid.