Ambulance care assistant

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

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

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.

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.

Further information

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

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

You'll need to:

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

You may:

• help patients out of their home and into the ambulance (it may involve lifting)
• settle patients back at home after their appointments
• use a radio to keep in touch with the ambulance control room
• check and maintain the ambulance and its equipment
• keep accurate records of journeys

You could work on an ambulance.

Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.

You may need to wear a uniform.