Today, because of the way paramedics are done, most paramedics are educated in paramedic programs. These programs offer short training time and degree level. So, do not get confused if you see someone mentioning an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) degree. To become an ambulance driver at home and abroad, you must be highly skilled, professional and well trained person. This is a challenging job calling but once you get trained and start driving this job is one of the best in the medical industry.
People suffering from heart attacks, breathing failures, strokes, cancer and a number of other life-threatening medical emergencies need immediate medical attention. It is the ambulance driver’s job to rush the critically ill or injured people to the hospital.
The Workforce is not just seeming to clean out, it is actually doing so. And also considering the fact that it is looking for staff at a roaring speed of 9% net growth every year, this type of career may be taken into consideration as a viable employment option.
How To Become Ambulance Driver
Within the medical field, there are numerous career choices to consider depending on your skill set and interests. For example, if you’ve got a great driving record and enjoy helping others and keeping them safe, then a career as an ambulance driver may be an excellent choice for you. An ambulance driver’s job is very important in getting patients from one location to another quickly and safely. In this article, we discuss what an ambulance driver is, how to become one, what skills are needed in the field and the salary and outlook for the job.
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What is an ambulance driver?
An ambulance driver is someone certified in driving a specialized vehicle to transport sick or injured people to hospitals or emergency facilities for treatment. Job duties include driving to the pickup location, providing basic first aid if necessary and loading and unloading patients in and out of the ambulance. Ambulance drivers can work not only for hospitals but for fire and police squads as well.
In order to be a compelling candidate for this job, it is important to have strong driving skills so that you can quickly yet safely transport patients from one location to another. Clear communication and the ability to stay calm and make quick decisions are also important skills for an ambulance driver.
How to become an ambulance driver
Here are the steps to take in order to begin your career as an ambulance driver:
1. Research career options
You should consider researching a few different career paths when deciding to become an ambulance driver. You can work for the public or private sector, which have a few key differences between them. The public sector of ambulance drivers sometimes offers a higher salary, but it can also require you to have more qualifications, such as past driving experience and an EVOC or EMT certification, depending on the state in which you work. On the other hand, private companies are more likely to hire drivers with no experience.
In addition, ambulance drivers who work for the public sector typically respond to more 911 calls, and at least one person aboard the truck must be a paramedic with the qualifications to use more advanced equipment. Those who work for the private sector are more likely to transport less emergent patients from one facility to another.
2. Earn your degree
In order to become an ambulance driver, you need a high school diploma or equivalent. While in school, taking classes in anatomy and physiology, biology, advanced mathematics and driver’s education are applicable to the work an ambulance driver performs. Although not required, some employers will prefer applicants who have a bachelor’s degree. Having a degree can help you stand out among other candidates and can also potentially qualify you for advancement and higher salary opportunities in the future.
3. Secure the needed certifications
There are a few different certifications employers may require you to have when becoming an ambulance driver. Try looking up the requirements in your state to verify which of the following you need:
Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC)
This is a specialized ambulance driving certificate that some states require you to have. The course covers topics such as safe driving, navigating using a global positioning system (GPS) and legal requirements for emergency drivers. In most situations, this course requires that the student have one year of emergency driving experience before qualifying for the certificate.
Emergency Medical Training (EMT) Certification
Some states require EMT training. Vocational schools and community colleges offer this certification where students are typically trained in a hands-on environment. Basic EMT courses train you to assess a patient’s condition and to manage respiratory, trauma and cardiac emergencies. Many programs consist of 120 to 150 credit hours and take approximately one to two years to complete depending on how quickly you take your courses.
Related: What Are EMT Skills? (With Examples)
CPR certification
Almost all employers require this certification. In critical situations where the patient has stopped breathing, such as in the event of a drowning or cardiac arrest, you will learn how to keep the oxygen flowing in and out of the lungs until the person can get further medical assistance. You can take this certification in person or online, and it may only take you a few hours to complete.
4. Maintain a clear driving record
A valid driver’s license is required in order to become an ambulance driver. To maintain employment and advance in your career, having a clean driving record is important. This includes traffic violations such as moving violations or being pulled over under the influence.
5. Gather work experience
Many employers will request that you have 1-2 years of EMT and driving experience, so it’s important to work toward gaining professional experience. Sometimes the private sector hires drivers with little to no experience, and this can help to gain useful knowledge and practice on the job before getting your EVOC certification or advancing your career.
Related: Work Experience and Your Career: Definition, Importance and Tips
6. Look for advancement and career opportunities
Many ambulance drivers advance to become paramedics or emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Gaining experience in the field and obtaining more certifications helps you to expand your career options within the field.
Related: What Is Career Advancement? Definition and Examples
Skills
Here is a list of skills that are typically required by ambulance drivers:
- Communicate clearly and effectively to your colleagues and patients
- Be perceptive of your surroundings, such as when loading patients into the ambulance or during hazardous traffic situations when driving
- Operate and control the emergency vehicle
- Use and operate a navigational GPS system to get to and from locations
- Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions
- Follow safety and traffic guidelines when picking up and transporting patients
- Judge the cost and benefits of potential actions
- Think ahead to see all potential outcomes of a situation
- Understand new information or materials by studying and gaining on-the-job experience
- Know your location in a physical setting and where other objects and places are located in relation to yourself
- Concentrate and stay focused when working on a task
Salary and job outlook for ambulance drivers
Although there’s no specific salary or outlook information for ambulance drivers, there is data for EMTs, which is a very similar industry. The average yearly salary for an EMT is $42,930, and experience and location can also be a factor in your potential earnings.
The job outlook for EMTs according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics is 6% growth from 2019 to 2029, which is faster than average. A growing population and an increase in the number of specialized medical facilities will require a rise in EMTs and ambulance drivers in order to transfer patients from one facility to another for treatment. In addition, current workers seeking advancements in their jobs or in different healthcare occupations will provide opportunities for more ambulance driver positions to become available.
