Ambulance care assistant
Transport

How to become an ambulance care assistant

You can get into this job through:

• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

Apprenticeship

You could get into this job through an advanced apprenticeship as an ambulance support worker.

Apprenticeship (Entry requirements)

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Volunteering & Experience

You may have an advantage if you've worked or volunteered in a health or social care role. You could contact the voluntary services co-ordinator at your local NHS trust for advice about this. First aid work would also be useful, for example with St John Ambulance or the British Red Cross.

Direct application

You can apply directly for jobs. You'll need:

• driving experience
• the ability to read maps and knowledge of the local area
• experience of working with the elderly or disabled people

Some ambulance services may ask you for 4 GCSEs, including English, maths and a science at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent.

If you passed your test after 1996, you may need an extra driving qualification for larger vehicles and for carrying passengers.

More info

Further information You can find out about becoming an ambulance care assistant from Health Careers.

What it takes

Skills & Knowledge

You'll need:

• sensitivity and understanding
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• customer service skills
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• excellent verbal communication skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restriction & Requirements

You'll need to:

• have a full driving licence
• pass enhanced background checks
• have a good level of fitness

What you'll do

Day to day

Your day-to-day tasks could include:

• helping patients out of their home and into the ambulance (it may involve lifting)
• helping patients settle back home after their appointments
• using a radio to keep in touch with the ambulance control room
• checking and maintaining the ambulance and its equipment
• keeping accurate records of journeys

Working environment

You could work on an ambulance. Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding. You may need to wear a uniform.

Career path and progression

Career path & progression

With experience, you could become a team leader or supervisor. You could also become an emergency care assistant or apply to be a student paramedic. You could also move into personnel, training, health and safety, or operations management.