Paramedic
What do Paramedics do?
Paramedics respond to any medical emergency situation, some of which may be distressing and involve people who are badly hurt or severely traumatised. They provide emergency care at the scene which may involve controlling bleeding, treating wounds and fractures, or dealing with spinal or head injuries. Paramedics use medical and life support equipment (such as a defibrillator) and observe vital signs (breathing, temperature, blood pressure, blood sugar etc). They also have to take relevant information, including a patient’s history and are required to maintain accurate patient records.
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Paramedics are able to refer patients to more appropriate care if the patient does not need to be taken to hospital. This may include contacting the patient’s GP or social services.
Would a career as a paramedic be right for me?
Paramedics go into homes or areas where patients are at their most vulnerable, providing advanced life support to those who require immediate medical attention.
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Paramedics need to:
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Understand and assess situations quickly
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Be calm in a stressful situation, especially when dealing with people’s emotions
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Be able to make decisions under pressure
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Be confident, good communicators and listeners
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Reassuring and good with people
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Excellent driving skills
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Prepared to go into unknown/unpredictable situations
Kim Lunn
Ambulance Care Assistant
" You most certainly need a caring/loving personality for the job as we see and meet different people from all types of backgrounds every day. I have also gained some qualifications along side working for Odessa, the experience for me is hard to explain as everyday is different but I know for sure I love working as an Ambulance Care Assistant and this for me is a career definitely most rewarding and I’m very thankful to Odessa for giving me this opportunity."
Entry requirements
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In Wales you will need to complete the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) approved DipHE Paramedic Science.
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A valid UK full B category driving licence and full manual C1 category licence with no more than 3 penalty points. Applications will be accepted with a provisional C1 licence but a full manual C1 category licence must be obtained one month prior to commencement of training
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Maths, English and one other GCSE at grade C or above or equivalent
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Customer / patient-facing experience
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Demonstrable working knowledge of dealing with patients
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Knowledge of the Highway Code (tested at assessment)
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Good communication skills.