Ambulance Technicians no longer officially exist! Well, current ambulance technicians may retain their positions but most are being offered the opportunity to either train up to become paramedics or to take on the new role of Emergency Care Assistant.
Emergency Care Assistants (and Ambulance Technicians) have a range of duties which may include the following. They may respond to emergency calls as a member of a team. Work alongside and assist an Ambulance Paramedic on emergency calls. Prepare and check ambulances before and after shifts and calls to ensure all supplies are replenished and all equipment is present and in working order. They often also drive the ambulances they work on.
An Ambulance Paramedic will lead the team and take responsibility for handling the situation and taking the lead in treating the patient when they arrive on the scene of an emergency callout. These paramedics are expertly trained in medical treatments and often hold degree level or equivalent qualifications.Read more details on the application process to train as an ambulance paramedic or ambulance technician.
You can no longer train to become an Ambulance Technician but to become an Emergency Care Assistant you need to be trained by an ambulance trust. There is not currently an external independent course to train as an Emergency Care Assistant but things are rapidly changing in this field and so courses may be put on at universities or health colleges in the future.
To locate one of these emergency care assistant trainee positions, keep an eye on the NHS jobs website for vacancies in your area. As these are paid training places they receive many applicants per place so be sure to make your application early as the vacancy is likely to close before the official date, once a set number have been received. Read more about ambulance technician training options here.
To apply you will need a good all round education and to hold at least 3 GCSEs at grade C or above. For mature applicants alternative qualifications are often considered. It is also important that you have relevant work experience.
If you would like to become an ambulance paramedic you have 2 main routes to choose from. You can again search for a trainee position with the NHS although these are few and far between. Alternatively you can train at university for a paramedic degree. This qualification will then allow you to register with the health profession council as a paramedic.
To apply for any university paramedic degree course you need to go through the UCAS system. Universities will require that you have a basic minimum of 5 G.C.S.Es at grade C or more along with at least 2 A levels, preferably including a science subject. Some sort of sustained work experience is also essential to be taken seriously. This can be paid or unpaid but should include working with the public, preferably in a healthcare setting.
Read more details and information about becoming an ambulance technician in the U.K.