Ambulance driving is a challenging and rewarding career choice that requires dedication and skill. Those who are interested in becoming an ambulance driver must have the necessary qualifications and experience to make it in this profession. Ambulance driving is an important job that involves providing emergency medical services to those in need. It requires a solid understanding of the protocols and procedures of the job, as well as the ability to stay calm and act quickly in high-pressure situations. In this blog post, we will walk you through the steps of becoming an ambulance driver, from the initial qualifications to the real-world experience you will gain on the job. We will also discuss the rewards and challenges that come with the job, so you can make an informed decision on whether or not this is the right career choice for you.
How to become an ambulance driver
The actions you need to take to start your career as an ambulance driver are listed below:
1. Research career options
If you’re considering becoming an ambulance driver, you should look into a few different career options. There are some significant differences between working for the public or private sectors, which you can do. Depending on the state in which you work, the public sector of ambulance drivers may occasionally pay more, but it may also demand more credentials, such as prior driving experience and an EVOC or EMT certification. Contrarily, private businesses tend to favor hiring inexperienced drivers.
Additionally, public sector ambulance drivers typically respond to more 911 calls, and at least one passenger in the vehicle must be a paramedic with the training to use more sophisticated equipment. Employees in the private sector are more likely to move less urgent patients between facilities.
2. Earn your degree
A high school diploma or its equivalent is required to work as an ambulance driver. An ambulance driver’s job requires them to have knowledge of anatomy and physiology, biology, advanced mathematics, and drivers education. Although it is not necessary, some employers favor candidates with a bachelor’s degree. A degree can make you stand out from the competition and possibly qualify you for future opportunities for advancement and higher pay.
3. Secure the needed certifications
There are a few different certifications you might need to work as an ambulance driver. To determine which of the following you require, try looking up the requirements in your state:
Some states require you to have a specialized ambulance driving certificate. Topics covered in the course include safe driving, GPS navigation, and the legal obligations of emergency drivers. For this course, the student must have one year of emergency driving experience prior to being eligible for the certificate.
Some states require EMT training. This certification is offered by community colleges and vocational schools, where trainees typically receive hands-on instruction. Basic EMT training teaches you how to evaluate a patient’s condition and handle cardiac, trauma, and respiratory emergencies. Depending on how quickly you take your courses, many programs have 120 to 150 credits and take one to two years to complete.
Almost all employers require this certification. You will learn how to maintain the flow of oxygen into and out of the lungs in life-threatening circumstances where the patient has stopped breathing, such as in the case of a drowning or cardiac arrest. You may only need a few hours to complete this certification if you take it online or in person.
4. Maintain a clear driving record
The ability to drive an ambulance requires a current drivers license. Keeping a clean driving record is crucial for career advancement and keeping your job. Traffic infractions like moving violations or being stopped while intoxicated are included in this.
5. Gather work experience
It’s crucial to work toward gaining professional experience because many employers will ask that you have 1-2 years of EMT and driving experience. When the private sector hires drivers with little to no experience, it can be a good opportunity to learn on the job and practice necessary skills before earning your EVOC certification or moving up in your career.
6. Look for advancement and career opportunities
Many drivers of ambulances go on to become paramedics or emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Your career options within the field can be increased by gaining more certifications and working toward experience.
What is an ambulance driver?
An ambulance driver is a licensed driver of a specialized vehicle used to transport injured or ill patients to hospitals or other urgent care centers. Driving to the pickup location, giving basic first aid if necessary, and loading and unloading patients into and out of the ambulance are all part of the job description. Ambulance drivers can work for fire departments and police departments in addition to hospitals.
Strong driving abilities are a requirement for this position in order to efficiently transport patients from one location to another while maintaining patient safety. An ambulance driver must be able to communicate clearly and make quick decisions while maintaining composure.
Skills
The following is a list of abilities that ambulance drivers typically need:
Are you an Ambulance Driver? | EMT | PARAMEDIC | EMS
FAQ
Is paramedic in high demand?
Driving an emergency vehicle is like conducting a disorganized orchestra because there are so many moving parts and variables involved. Operating an ambulance involves much more than just responding to calls with lights and sirens. The first task, which appears straightforward but is the most difficult of all, is calming yourself.
How can I become an ambulance driver in India?
EMT and paramedic employment is anticipated to increase by 11% between 2020 and 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. Over the following ten years, there are expected to be, on average, 20,700 openings for EMTs and paramedics.
How do I become an ambulance driver in Canada?
Entry into the field of an ambulance driver EMT or paramedic is relatively open since only a formal training course is needed and no baccalaureate or higher college degree is required. This implies that job opportunities for ambulance drivers will grow.
