What it involves

Ambulance paramedics use medical knowledge and skills to treat injured and ill patients in the pre-hospital environment.

They may perform the following tasks:

• attend medical emergencies and accidents which may require the administration of advanced life support
• assess, treat and manage the patients treatment en route to hospital
• perform invasive techniques such as intravenous canulation, administration of pain relieving drugs, fluid resuscitation in the trauma setting and advanced airway management
• prepare patient care records and other written reports on the state of a patients' injuries and the treatment provided
• triage patients to the most appropriate medical facility
• attend public gatherings, such as large sports events, where accidents or other health emergencies may occur

Ambulance paramedics work in teams and in shifts. They work closely with members of other health professions and emergency services such as firefighters, SES and police.

Back