Ambulance technician / paramedic

**Joelle** · 25-09-2007, 12:41 PM

Originally Posted by samoan

Hey,

Just to add my little bit. Think lot of your original question was answered but just in case.

Basically I am currently studying to be an ambulance technician in the South West. I was offered the training position after passing all the recruitment stages in Nov 05 (it took ages!). As mentioned before there are a few ways to get into the paramedic role: through the PTS, joining directly as a direct entry trainee tech (DETT) (only needed 5 GCSE's + C1 driving licience, I had to pay!) or the new paramedic degree's. The services are in a bit of flux at the moment as there have been some significant mergers with other counties e.g.my service has recently joined with Dorset, becoming the South Western Ambulance Trust. Because of this and the anticipated increasing number of trainee degree paramedics the tech position is probably going to become obsolete with front line para/tech crews being replaced with a trainee para/mentor para and an emergency care assistant (ECA). These ECA's will have less clinical skills than the exsisting tech, essentially being a emergency driver for the para team! Applications for the trainee para role would be through the usual UCAS route. Its all a little vague at the mo, but I know of at least one other trust that is going the same route.

All a little confusing and I don't want to waffle too much, so basically if you want ask me any questions on recruitment, jobs etc please send me a PM and I'll try and find the answer.

Its a wicked career so far and appears to have increasing appeal with the development of the ECP and consultant paramedic roles.

Cheers, Sam.....

Hi there

Hope your ok! are you still working in the ambulance service??
I just applied for a trainee ambulance technician in south east coast ambulance service. I received a letter back saying i had been short listed for an assessment so am really looking forward to that.
The only problem is that i dont have C1 on my licence but i would like to do it off my own back to show them just how much i really want the job. Im having trouble finding anybody to do the training with, or to take me to the test. I know its going to be expensive but if its going to give me more of a chance to do my dream job then its worth every penny.
Is there any advice you could give me for this assessment?? I know that it will be hard work and i also understand that the job is demanding but i believe i have the right passion for the job.

Thankyou so much for your help!!

**Joelle** · 25-09-2007, 12:48 PM

Originally Posted by blueberrypie

Hi there,

I applied to become an ambulance technician with the london ambulance service before. I filled out an application form, then they invited me for a test. After I completed the test, I had a practical. This involved being in a group, and being shown how to assemble an entenox cylinder. We then had to do the same from being shown once and there are quite a few bits to it! We then had to carry a seven stone dummy on a carry chair up a flight of stairs and back down again.

After this was a medical and a driving test. I unfortunately had never driven anything this big before, and should had tried one out previously. The instructor told me he thought I wasn't confident enough - although not dangerous, but told me I could resit my driving test in a few months.

I didn't bother going back, because I decided that I had other things I would like to persue. I always wanted hands on work, but decided to go for the total hands on experience.

They explained about the shifts, etc. You basically train for six weeks to become an ambulance technician, then after two years you can train to become a qualified paramedic.

I hope this is of help to you. Who provides the majority of ambulances around your way? Maybe they will be able to help you.

Hiya how are you?? please may you be able to give me tips on the position of trainee ambulance technician as i have my assessment coming up in the next few weeks.
Also do you know of any companies that do the C1 training and tests within the kent and london area?? as i too have never driven anything this big.
Please help if you can, i would be very grateful!

Thanks again!

**jodie ann** · 21-10-2007, 05:29 PM

im 18 and doing my third year at college. I believe i have enough ucas points to apply to get onto the course. i did a 2 year health and social care course and gained a first aid certificate. i am wanting to do the course at Sheffield hallam university. the only problem is a have no work experience and some one from college told me they wouldn't even look at me, so basically no chance of getting in. i really would like do the course this year, can any one offer me any advice, or the sorts of experience i can get. i have tried st johns ambulance but theres nothing. please help as applications for uni need to be sent asap. is it worth me even applying since having to experience as it is really competitive (iv been told)

**Joelle** · 21-10-2007, 11:15 PM

Originally Posted by jodie ann

im 18 and doing my third year at college. I believe i have enough ucas points to apply to get onto the course. i did a 2 year health and social care course and gained a first aid certificate. i am wanting to do the course at Sheffield hallam university. the only problem is a have no work experience and some one from college told me they wouldn't even look at me, so basically no chance of getting in. i really would like do the course this year, can any one offer me any advice, or the sorts of experience i can get. i have tried st johns ambulance but theres nothing. please help as applications for uni need to be sent asap. is it worth me even applying since having to experience as it is really competitive (iv been told)

Hiya Jodie...

Is it university that you particually want to go to?? Only because you can join your local ambulance service as a trainee ambulance technician and then train to be a paramedic after 2 years (i believe)
I had my assessment today for the SECAMB Ambulance service and if i was successful then my interview will be sometime next week.
Just thought id let you know because if you cannot get into uni because the lack of work experience, then there still are ways of doing it.
Hope it helps!!

Jo x

**Janna** · 26-10-2007, 04:42 PM

Hey there!

How weird, I had my interview for South East Coast Ambulance service last week and just got a letter to say, although I have to re-take the fitness test (which I had expected

) I got the job! Yay!

I live in Maidstone, Kent and have found a course in Detling to do the C1 but it costs £1000. However I just rang personnel and they said that providing you have your provisional C1, which I have, they pay for you to get your full licence. Hadn't heard of this before so have just emailed them to re-confirm.

Also asked them a few questions about the pay as was not sure of the exact figures so am waiting on a response for that.

Can anyone explain possible figures for

1 - whilst you're on the training course
2 - after you've finished
3 - when you're qualified after a years service (including shift allowance)

With a mortgage this is unfortunately something I have to think about.

And to all those who may have given up hope have a look at SECAMB's website - you don't need to go to uni as they are still recruiting directly. Good luck! x

**Dave85** · 28-10-2007, 12:14 PM

Hi all,

Im new on here but just wanted to let somebody know as i hadnt even told anybody that i was applying, i passed my pschometric tests on Friday just gone and i have my driving and fitness tests on sunday the 4th.

If i pass this then ill have an interview the week after so any tips on either fitness, driving or interview would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance Dave.

**blueberrypie** · 28-10-2007, 05:08 PM

Hi there. Congratulations. You will probably be fine for the fitness tests, if you are fit and well. It might be a good idea to get your eyesight tested as a precautionary measure.

I went for mine a couple of years ago, and despite being told by the optician I saw that my eyesight was fine (and I told them what it was for) I failed my eyesight test. They ran through some basic questions and checked my immunisation history. Checked all of my pulses and stuff like that. I had to work in a pair to carry a dummy upstairs and back down a stairs that weighed seven and a half stones. My driving test didn't go so well, as I had never driven anything that large, and the examiner said I could redo it, but he didn't think I was confident enough. If you are not used to large vehicles, see if you can drive someone you know's van or something or better yet, hire a transit. They give you a mini bus thing to drive.

Good Luck. I hope all goes well.

**blueberrypie** · 28-10-2007, 05:09 PM

Sorry! I think I answered this a long time ago. I have just seen a quote. lol! Ignore the last post.

**Gizmo says -** · 29-10-2007, 01:08 AM

hehe good luk macca.

i faled the paramedic test/interview twice! got offers from four med skools in the end though...so you chosen a pretty tuff option i reckon!

**469er** · 09-11-2007, 02:34 PM

Does anyone know how long it takes for the recruitment process for EMTs from first application to starting a job (assuming success in tests etc)? I'm applying to med school for 2008, but want a plan B for if it doesn't work out, and have decided on being an ambulance technician. I'm local to SECAM, who are recruiting, and want to apply so that I could start next summer, by which time I should know if med school's a goer or not. I don't want to apply now and then end up messing them about re my ability to start (I'm at college till next summer), but equally don't want to wait until well into next year to apply, to find that it takes 6+ months to go through the process. Any ideas?