Overview:
This occupation is found in healthcare. Paramedics carry out their work in a wide variety of settings, which may include a front-line ambulance, GP surgery, a minor injury/illness centre, in remote medicine or a varied range of other community environments, including people's homes. On successful completion of this apprenticeship standard, including the approved qualification, apprentices would be eligible to apply to the Health and Care Professions Council to register as a Paramedic, which is a protected title. Paramedics may work shifts and are required to work in traumatic and stressful situations; the role can be physically and mentally demanding and is often outside in all environmental conditions.
An employee in this occupation will be responsible forinitiating care and effective treatment to people in both hospital and pre-hospital environments. Paramedics select and apply skills and equipment safely and within their level of training, competency and scope of practice. A paramedic is responsible for making clinical decisions and, if appropriate, providing advice to patients, clinicians and other healthcare professionals. Paramedics use high-tech equipment when attending to emergency situations (e.g. defibrillators) and are required to maintain the vehicle and equipment and ensure efficient use of medical supplies. A paramedic can administer medicines, intravenous fluids and oxygen. They normally act independently, within the bounds of their knowledge and scope of practice, reporting to a more senior colleague as required. They will mentor other staff and may be required to provide supervision.
