Ambulance driver is to drive the ambulance and transport sick, injured, or non-ambulatory patients to the nearest hospital or medical facility.
Below are steps to Become An Ambulance Driver South Africa
Step 1: Secure a Driver’s License
A valid driver’s license is a requirement for all ambulance driving jobs, and some states require a special endorsement on the driver’s license to drive an ambulance. Obtaining a license in most states requires taking both a written and a practical driving exam.
Step 2: Attain CPR Certification
Even in states that don’t require ambulance drivers to be EMTs, employers often require ambulance drivers to have at least CPR and BLS certification.
These 1-2 day courses are available from the American Red Cross and other community resources, such as community colleges. CPR certification is required for most EMT programs.
Step 3: Get Emergency Medical Training
State requirements could include current EMT-Basic licensure. The US Department of Transportation’s EMT-Basic National Standard Curriculum outlines the scope of these entry-level EMT certificate programs, offered through community colleges and vocational schools. Hands-on training is often included.
Step 4: Obtain Driving Certifications
While some employers may provide on-the-job training, prospective drivers may need to complete an ambulance driving or safe driving course and obtain a specialized ambulance driver certificate.
Many employers require their ambulance drivers to have an Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC) certificate or obtain it after being hired.
Based on a curriculum developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, this course combines classroom and practical experience. It covers topics like safe driving, navigation and GPS and legal requirements for emergency vehicle drivers.
Career Requirements toBecome An Ambulance Driver South Africa
Required Education | High school diploma or equivalent |
Licensure and/or Certification | Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC) certificate and a special endorsement on state driver’s license may be required in some states; Basic Life Support (BLS) and/or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification may be required |
Experience | 1-2 years of EMT and/or driving experience, depending on employer |
Key Skills | Verbal and written communication, critical thinking, decision making, safe driving, active listening, problem-solving, mapping and navigation skills; knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet and map creation software; global positioning system expertise; physical stamina; valid driver’s license |
Salary | $25,750 (2018 median for ambulance drivers and attendants, excluding emergency medical technicians) |
What qualifications do you need to be an ambulance driver?
Completing a Full Time Qualification – You must enrol and complete a full time qualification in paramedic science.
The Student Route
Maintain a high level of personal fitness.
Develop two years driving experience and maintain a clear licence.
Complete a C1 training course to allow you to drive ambulances.
How long does it take to become a paramedic in SA?
Diploma Emergency Medical Care. This will be a two year course, or only one year if the ECO has been completed. Bachelor of health sciences- this is a four year course provided at universities. It is level NQF8 and equips the paramedic with all the necessary skills to practice as advanced life support.
How much does an ambulance technician get paid?
The average salary for a an Emergency Ambulance Technician is £28,606 per year in United Kingdom, which is 4% lower than the average London Ambulance Service salary of £30,057 per year for this job.
Are all ambulance drivers paramedics?
To drive an ambulance, you’ll usually be a qualified ambulance care assistant/patient transport service driver, emergency care assistant, ambulance technician or paramedic. However, it’s unlikely you will just drive an ambulance.
How long does it take to be a ambulance technician?
It is a good idea to spend some time with an ambulance service. Courses are usually three years full time. They include a mixture of theory and practical work including placements with ambulance services. It will help to have some relevant experience in healthcare or first aid, either voluntary or paid.
How many hours does an ambulance driver work?
Ambulance drivers usually work forty hours a week. They work irregular hours including nights, weekends, and holidays. Since many ambulance calls involve matters of life and death, drivers work under intense pressure. Ambulance drivers may have to perform physically strenuous duties.