Ambulance drivers and attendants drive vehicles and assist in transporting sick or injured people. Saving lives requires speed… but never at the cost of control. Drivers and attendants carefully move patients, place them on stretchers, and secure them in the vehicle. They must be ready to administer first aid, such as bandaging a wound or administering CPR to a person in distress. Many of these jobs do not come with flashing lights and sirens, however. People recovering from medical procedures, or who need help getting to and from medical appointments, are also taken care of by ambulance drivers and attendants. These workers often provide reassurance and help calm people in a high state of anxiety. Most candidates entering the field have a high school diploma or equivalent, although it’s not always required. Drivers must have a valid driver’s license, and many jobs require certifications such as Emergency Vehicle Operator, first aid, and CPR. Testing for drug or alcohol use occurs regularly. With additional education and training, an ambulance driver and attendant may become an emergency medical technician – or EMT. This is a job that requires physical strength and patience under pressure. Even though you might need to hurry, you can never rush.
What they do:
Drive ambulance or assist ambulance driver in transporting sick, injured, or convalescent persons. Assist in lifting patients.
On the job, you would:
Remove and replace soiled linens or equipment to maintain sanitary conditions.
Drive ambulances or assist ambulance drivers in transporting sick, injured, or convalescent persons.
Report facts concerning accidents or emergencies to hospital personnel or law enforcement officials.
Business
customer service
management
Arts and Humanities
English language
Safety and Government
public safety and security
law and government
Education and Training
teaching and course design
Basic Skills
thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
Social
looking for ways to help people
understanding people's reactions
Verbal
listen and understand what people say
communicate by speaking
Attention
do two or more things at the same time
pay attention to something without being distracted
Controlled Movement
quickly decide if you should move your hand, foot, or other body part
use your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down
Ideas and Logic
notice when problems happen
People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
Dependability
Concern for Others
Self Control
Attention to Detail
Integrity
Cooperation
You might use software like this on the job:
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Helpdesk or call center software
Computer aided dispatch software
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
high school diploma/GED or some college usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.