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How to become a Paramedic

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Career progression and salary expectations for a Paramedic

Paramedic

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The role of a Paramedic

What does a Paramedic do?

Do you pride yourself on how calm you can be in a crisis? Are you happiest when helping people? If you answered yes, then you might make the perfect Paramedic.A Paramedic is the healthcare professional who will be responsible for responding to emergency calls to accidents or medical emergencies. They are usually first on the scene and frequently provide life-saving treatment to anyone from an elderly person suffering a stroke to the victim of a car accident.If you train as a Paramedic, you'll:

Respond to 999 calls
Assess each patient's situation as soon as you reach them
Provide emergency treatment using drugs and equipment like defibrillators
Drive the patient to hospital in your ambulance, if necessary
Provide a brief yet detailed report of the patient's injury or illness upon arrival at hospital

Is a career as a Paramedic right for me?

As a Paramedic, you'll need to deal with all kinds of medical emergencies, so it's not ideal for anyone who's squeamish. Also, you could be outdoors in all weathers - this isn't for you if you like the comfort of a cosy office.You should be:

Excellent communication skills
Responsible, and the ability to take own initiative
Calm and quick-thinking in a crisis
Able to convey medical information succinctly
Good with people, including relatives of the injured who may be hysterical

What's it like to be a Paramedic?

"For me, being a Paramedic is the most exciting job possible, as you never know what situation will crop up from day to day. Sometimes it can be emotionally draining, but I feel a real sense of achievement every time I help someone through what will probably have been one of the most difficult days of their life. I wouldn't want to do anything else."

Get qualified as a Paramedic

To train as a Paramedic, you'll need minimum of five GCSEs (including English, mathematics and/or a science), plus at least two A-levels or the equivalent. You could also find first aid certificates and membership of organisations like St John Ambulance useful when you're starting out. A full, clean driving license is also essential.

Recommended Paramedic Training courses

Paramedicine Prep Course: Roles and Responsibilities of Paramedics in the UK

NextGen Learning

20 Courses Bundle | QLS Endorsed & CPD Certified Diploma | Free 20 CPD Certificates | 300 CPD Points | Lifetime Access
- Compare
- Online
- 45 hours · Self-paced
- Certificate(s) included
- 300 CPD points
- Tutor support
Great service

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“Train for success in emergency medical care with Paramedicine Prep Course – CPD Accredited.” Train for a fast-paced career in paramedicine with this CPD-accredited bundle. Develop expertise in emergency care, patient assessment, infection control, and medical law. Strengthen ess …
£100
Level 3 Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health Professionals)

Learning Curve Group

Ideal for Health Professionals. Pay nothing for this course if you progress onto university.
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- 10,535 enquiries
- Online
- 12 months · Part-time
- Regulated qualification
- Tutor support
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If your dream career is to work in the healthcare sector, or you’re looking to make a career change, the Access to HE Diploma (Health Professionals) is a level 3 qualification designed to prepare you to study a range of healthcare related degrees. If you don’t have the grades you …
Free