Paramedics
Applying to become a Student Paramedic consists of a written application, psychometric and medical/fitness assessments, driving assessment and a panel interview.
After successfully completing a three year (or equivalent) period of training, study and on-road practical experience Student Paramedics obtained their Diploma in Paramedical Science and are recognised as a qualified Paramedic.
Paramedics assess, treat and stabilise patients at the scene and then continue this en-route during transport to hospital. They have the ability to apply many life saving skills and drug administrations to assist in a wide variety of illnesses and accidental injuries. Skills acquired include;
- Establishing a drip for intravenous fluids.
- Administering pain relief medications.
- Administering life saving adrenaline to severe allergic and asthmatic patients.
- Advanced airway care with Laryngeal Mask Airway insertion.
- Defibrillation of patients in cardiac arrest.
Paramedics can apply their skills unsupervised and take on the role as clinical mentor for junior officers. They have reached a platform from which they can diversify their career into areas such as rescue or communications. After four year’s experience within Ambulance, Paramedics can apply to undertake an advanced diploma to become an Intensive Care Paramedic.
All paramedics are trained and inducted through the Ambulance Education Centre in Rozelle, Sydney. This facility has the capacity to train 150 – 175 staff in various clinical and technical courses at any time and is a Registered Training Organisation with the Vocational Educational and Training Accreditation Boards (VETAB).
Ambulance has a fully accredited Ambulance Education Centre as well as regional training units that deliver in-service training, online learning courses and clinical support programs which include workshops and clinical assistance.