Ambulance Officers and Paramedics

Ambulance Officers and Paramedics provide emergency health care and transport for injured, sick, infirm and aged persons to medical facilities.

**Indicative skill level:**

The occupation Ambulance Officer in this unit group has a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.

#### In Australia:

- AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma, or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 2)

#### In New Zealand:

- NZQF Diploma, or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 2)

In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

The occupation Intensive Care Ambulance Paramedic (Aus) / Ambulance Paramedic (NZ) in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.

#### In Australia:

- AQF Bachelor degree or higher qualification. At least five years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1)

#### In New Zealand:

- NZQF Bachelor degree or higher qualification. At least five years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1)

In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Registration or licensing is required.

**Tasks include:**

- attending accidents, emergencies and requests for medical assistance - assessing health of patients, determining need for assistance, and assessing specialised needs and factors affecting patients' conditions - performing therapies and administering drugs according to protocol - resuscitating and defibrillating patients and operating life-support equipment - transporting accident victims to medical facilities - transporting sick and disabled persons to and from medical facilities for specialised treatment and rehabilitation - instructing community groups and essential service workers in first aid - attending public gatherings and sporting events where accidents and other health emergencies may occur - ensuring that ambulances are adequately maintained and stocked with medical supplies, and that equipment is in good working order - preparing written reports on the state of patients' injuries and treatment provided