Air Ambulance Paramedic: Key Skills, Qualifications and Career Path
Learn about the key skills, qualifications, and career path for a Air Ambulance Paramedic
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Practice Now »What is a Air Ambulance Paramedic?
As an Air Ambulance Paramedic in the UK, you'll be providing essential medical care from the sky, often dealing with critical cases in remote locations where land access is difficult. This role requires fast response times, exceptional medical skills, and the ability to make quick decisions under extreme pressure while transporting patients to hospitals for further treatment.
Skills
- Advanced life support techniques
- Ability to work under high-pressure situations
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
- Proficient in emergency medical procedures and protocols
- Ability to assess and prioritize patient needs
- Strong physical stamina and fitness
- Effective teamwork and collaboration skills
- Ability to remain calm and composed in stressful situations
- Continuous learning and adaptability to new technologies and medical advancements
Qualifications & Education
- Entry via a student paramedic position with an ambulance service trust
- Completion of an approved full-time university course in paramedical science
- Qualification requirements for entry to university courses vary (GCSEs, A levels or equivalent)
- Full, manual driving licence (with appropriate classifications) is required
- Paramedics working in the NHS must be registered with the Health Professions Council
Career Path
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, paramedics can work in air ambulance in the UK. The medical team on the helicopter includes a doctor and paramedic who are skilled in treating patients with serious traumatic injuries.
To become an air ambulance paramedic in the UK, you need to first become a paramedic. Once you have completed paramedic training, you can then undergo air ambulance training, which typically involves a 32-hour class over four days. This training will cover topics such as flight safety, different types of aircraft, and other essential skills needed for success as an air ambulance paramedic.
To become a paramedic on an air ambulance in the UK, you need to have at least 5 years of prehospital care experience, the ability to safely deliver a prehospital emergency anaesthetic, and pass a specified fitness test. These jobs are advertised on the NHS jobs website prior to the secondment.
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