Ambulance Technician

[amycr]

Hi there,

I am 22, live in Glasgow, and have just finished a degree (in Media and Communication). However, im not sure media is indeed the route i want to go down so i have been looking into a career as a Paramedic. Pretty far removed from Media i know!!
Anyway, ive read a few posts here in a similar vein but i still have a few questions......seen a lot of conflicting info on various websites....

• Can you become a Paramedic by first becoming an Ambulance Technician? (more university really doesnt appeal to me.....)
• Is it possible to become an AT with no previous medical training?
• If so, are 6 Highers, all at a B, suitable qualifications?
• Do you need to do a training course first, or do you apply for an AT job and they put you through a course?

Any answers to these would be much appreciated. im so confused!
Thanks
Amy

[Team Medic]

Hi Amy.

Re: your question about first becoming an Ambulance Technician and then training as a Paramedic. This might still be possible but the two previous roles of Care Assistant and Ambulance Technicians will go and are being combined and renamed Emergency Care Assistants.

A friend of mine who is a Paramedic in the North East, told me that any technicians currently working will be renamed as Emergency Care Assistants. Existing AT's and the new ECA's can then try to progress onto paramedic training if they wish. Anybody wanting to become a Paramedic direct will have to undergo a recognised universiy course. The NHS website has job vacancies but according to my friend you are better off contacting individual trusts as they are in a better position to say if they are recruiting.

Wish you all the best with your plans.

The following is from the official NHS careers website.

Paramedic.."Anyone wishing to work as a paramedic will now need to either secure a student paramedic position with an ambulance service trust, or attend an approved full-time course in paramedic science at a university. Entry requirements for student paramedic positions will vary, depending upon the employing NHS ambulance service trust".

Emergency Care Assistant.."A good general education is usually needed to work as an emergency care assistant, although many ambulance trusts will require around 3 GCSEs, NVQs or equivalent qualifications and/or relevant work experience...With further experience, emergency care assistants can take further training and apply for positions as student paramedics. If successful, the training offered can enable them to progress to paramedic training on an approved paramedic science degree, leading to registration as a paramedic."

[Aprillou]

Hiya Amy

I live in Edinburgh and are currently changing my career as I want to be a Ambulance Technician. Have you had a look at the Scottish Ambulance website there is alot of valuable information on there
here is some info ScottishAmbulance.com - Working for us - Career opportunities - Vehicle Crew Staff

* Can you become a Paramedic by first becoming an Ambulance Technician? (more university really doesnt appeal to me.....)

The Scottish Ambulance Service train you up at their college near Peebles, with first becoming a Ambulance Technician I am sure.

* Is it possible to become an AT with no previous medical training?

Yes they train you up at the college, but also taking part in a first aid course or as a Community First Responder in your area gains valuable experience I am currently one in my Local Area

* If so, are 6 Highers, all at a B, suitable qualifications?

Yeah they will be fine you have to sit entry tests inc Maths, English, fitness test and retention and recall.

* Do you need to do a training course first, or do you apply for an AT job and they put you through a course?

As far as I am aware after going through the application process and interview you are invited to attend their college, when you are successful in getting through.

Hope its all right I am sure it is as I have been reading it so much lol if you have any probs feel free to PM me.

Cheers April