An ambulance driver is not an ordinary driver who knows how to drive well and transport people from one place to another. He operates emergency vehicles and works for hospitals, fire departments, lifeguard agencies, and private ambulance providers transporting injured and ill patients to a medical center in the scenes of emergencies. As such, he is a significant and valuable part of the medical emergency team and public service. However, the requirements and qualifications for becoming an ambulance driver depend upon the state or country in which he is residing. Nevertheless, for a person who is determined to help other people through medical and emergency services, this job can be quite appealing and exciting. Also, he must be able to exhibit that he can handle safe operation of the emergency vehicle, at high speeds, under congested conditions, but without driving rashly.
Becoming An Ambulance Driver
Eligibility
To apply for an ambulance driver, a candidate should be at least 18 years of age, must posses a driving license, and have a good driving record. He must have completed high school diploma, or its equivalent, GED (General Educational Development) Test. Attaining a college degree is not compulsory for this particular career. What is important is obtaining a driver’s license and keeping the driving record clean. Maintaining a clean criminal record improves the chances of obtaining a better-salaried job later on. You should be physically active to perform the duties of an ambulance driver swiftly and without any problem.
Courses Required
Depending from state to state and country to country, an ambulance driver should complete an Emergency Vehicle Operators course. Take up courses related to health care, community service, mathematics, and reading comprehension. Obtain a certified course in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid, and lifesaving from any local agency or recreation center. To get detailed information on the training requirements, you can contact a local private ambulance company.
Skills Required
To become an ambulance driver, you should be physically and mentally fit. The Department of Transportation in some nations requires ambulance drivers to submit a medical card stating your proof of physical fitness. If your nation is one amongst them, then you might be required to undergo a complete physical examination before you qualify for the job or even opt for training. You must be capable of making fast decisions and transport medical personnel and patients to a medical center timely and safely. Further, you should follow safe driving instructions and take the necessary precautions to avoid accidents. Besides, an ambulance driver must be able to work under stressful conditions since ambulance calls generally involve matters of life and death. Since the driver may be required to lift weight, it is important for you to be strong and have a good physical stamina. Be prepared to work on an emergency basis under irregular working hours including nights, weekends, and on holidays. Possessing high levels of commitment due to the demanding nature of the job is also important.
Roles & Responsibilities
An ambulance driver should be capable of operating ambulances to various emergency situations. He should transport the medical team to the person in need of medical help. He should carry sick people and accident victims to hospitals. Depending upon the training and needs and policies of the employer, an ambulance driver may also have to help in moving patients in and out of the ambulance. Candidates with some medical training also have to administer basic first-aid to patients at times. He should be able to follow directions, read maps, recognize the names of the streets, and be able to figure out locations quickly so that he can navigate swiftly, ensuring the safety of his passengers and patient/s and reach the hospital in the shortest period of time. Apart from emergency calls, an ambulance driver may also be required to provide non-urgent transport, such as carrying non-urgent patients and outpatients to hospitals, day centers, and other places. He is responsible for the working condition of the ambulance. Any minor maintenance and repairs should be performed by him on the ambulance. However, in case of damages or malfunctions, he should report to the authorities on immediate basis.
Career Prospects
After you have completed the requisite education and training for becoming an ambulance driver, apply for entry-level jobs in the medical field. There are many companies that offer on-the-job training and provide internship programs. You can opt for this as you would be getting paid and attaining the required training for becoming an ambulance driver. During your internship program, you will learn to experience people, medical equipment, procedures, and chances of working alongside other life-saving personnel. However, if you are not able to get a job as an ambulance driver at the first instance, you can try other entry-level opportunities, such as volunteer fire fighter, emergency service telephone dispatcher, private ambulance company operator, or ambulance maintenance. This will give you know-how of all medical services and serve as a solid foundation for becoming a professional ambulance driver. Over the next 5 to 6 years, employment for ambulance drivers is likely to grow faster than the average of other professions. As such, the drastic increase in population and demand for ambulance services is sure to generate employment opportunities for ambulance drivers. Ambulance drivers with advanced training and extensive experience are more likely to experience faster growth.
Similar to a taxi driver, an ambulance driver is a combination of emergency room doctors and racecar drivers. While driving the ambulance at a fast speed, he has to ensure that the patient should be alive throughout the journey to the hospital. With rapid increasing population of the world, demand for ambulance drivers is on the hike. All the best if you have opted for such a generous and humble career!
