Paramedic

As an ambulance attendant you are there when seconds count. You respond to accidents and acute illness, treat patients on site and bring them safely to hospital. The training makes you a skilled professional who can keep a cool head and steady hands when others are going through the worst moment of their lives.

§What do you do in everyday life?

Your shift can start quietly and turn on a second when the alarm goes. You drive out assess the patient's condition and give acute treatment — from stopping bleeding and giving oxygen to resuscitating and relieving pain. You work closely with your partner document what you do and keep the patient calm all the way to the hospital. Between calls you care for the ambulance and check that all equipment is ready.

• 01You learn to provide emergency first aid and treatment.
• 02You become good at assessing patients quickly and safely
• 03You learn to use medical equipment and medicine.
• 04You understand how to remain calm in pressured situations
• 05You become skilled in teamwork under time pressure
• 06You learn to meet people in crisis with confidence.

§How do you get started?

You start with a basic course at a vocational school and then find a practical placement with an ambulance provider or a regional emergency service, where you enter an education agreement. The course alternates between school and practice in the ambulance service, and you get paid while you train. You also need a driving license that qualifies you to drive emergency vehicles.

§The way forward

As an ambulance attendant you can retrain as a paramedic and take even more responsibility for acute treatment. You can also specialise in e.g. disaster management, training or management in the ambulance service, or build further towards other parts of the health field.

“When the alarm goes off you are the difference between panic and help on the way.”