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Ambulance paramedic

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Career outlook for ambulance paramedic

UK Salary Ranges

Entry-level

£28,000

Experienced

£43,000

Currently employed in Scotland

3,100

Salary information is provided by the "National Careers Service". "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.

What's it like?

You would respond rapidly to emergency calls and give immediate medical care to injured people in potentially life-threatening situations.

You'd deal with anything from minor wounds to serious injuries caused by a major accident. You'd treat shocked and traumatised people who will rely on you to help them and ease their pain. You would often transfer critically ill patients from one hospital to another. 

You'd check the patient's condition and quickly decide what action to take. You'd make calm and reasoned decisions about the right treatment and care for them.

You would:

  • Use advanced life support techniques, such as electric shocks, to resuscitate patients
  • Carry out surgical procedures, such as inserting a breathing tube
  • Provide drugs and fluids
  • Give medicines and injections
  • Dress wounds and apply supports to broken bones

If you take a patient to hospital you would tell the staff about the person's condition as quickly and accurately.

You'd also keep accurate records of your cases and regularly check the ambulance equipment. You would need to respect patient confidentiality.

You could work on a traditional ambulance as part of a team or alone using a car, motorbike or bicycle. You may choose to work on a helicopter as part of the Air Ambulance Team or to join specialist teams working across a wider range of emergency situations. You'd also liaise with police and fire service crews.

Most jobs are in the National Health Service; see more about the role and conditions when working as paramedic for the Scottish Ambulance Service. You can see more about this role in the National Health Service on ambulance services paramedics on the NHS Scotland Careers website. See the learning and development section for information about career structures, progression and rates of pay.

Working conditions

Hours

The emergency ambulance service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You would usually work 37.5 hours a week, including some night and weekend shifts, and bank holidays. Part-time hours are often also available.

Environment

You would wear a uniform, which includes protective clothing such as a bright jacket and safety boots. Your work may involve heavy lifting when transferring patients. You are likely to experience some difficult and upsetting situations, including dealing with people under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Travel

You're likely to spend a lot of time travelling to patients in different areas, and taking them to hospital if needed. You'll need a full current UK driving licence including category C1.

UK employment status

Full-time

85%

Part-time

15%

Self employed

0%

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  • Adaptability
  • Resilience
  • Listening
  • Verbal communication
  • Problem solving
  • Questioning
  • Social conscience
  • Filtering
  • Making decisions
  • Taking responsibility

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Getting in

Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

Qualifications

You need to complete a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Paramedic Science.

To enter a BSc in Paramedic Science course you will need relevant qualifications and/or experience such as:

  • National 5’s and Highers at BBBB or above
  • HNC in a health or science centered subject, including Human Physiology or a science-based HNC plus Maths and English at Nat 5 C or equivalent
  • SWAP access to Higher Education Health or Science with BBB in the relevant subjects

Other relevant Health and Science centered qualification and experience may be considered, you may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) if you have relevant experience but do not have formal qualifications. Contact the university offering the course for further information.

Useful subjects

·         Higher English (essential)

·         National 5 Maths at C or above (essential)

·         Biology/Human Biology (essential)

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You will also need

·         To complete an interview as part of the entry process

·         To be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme run by Disclosure Scotland

·         It is strongly recommended you have or gain a full UK driving license including category C1 (for driving vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes) prior to completing the course. If you gained your driving licence before January 1997 you have the C1 category on your licence already. 

.         There is no requirement to hold a driving license to gain entry to the programme but this would enhance your employment opportunities.

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Helpful to have

Qualifications that show an understanding of health and wellbeing such as:

·         Health and Social Care (SCQF Level 6)

·         SQA Wellbeing Award (SCQF Level 3-5)

 

 

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