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Sometimes, we have an understanding of when we might need to see a healthcare professional - at other times, the need for care can be much more unexpected, and a serious emergency.
Fortunately, the paramedic team is on hand to support during some intense and anxious times for patients and their families, providing emergency care, or getting them to the healthcare settings they need.
Paramedics are healthcare professionals who are trained to provide emergency medical care to patients which tends to be before or during transport to the hospital. In 2020, the NHS employed over 16,000 ambulance paramedics all of whom will deliver life-saving treatment either alone or as part of an ambulance crew.
Emergencies aren’t 9-5 so neither is the job of a paramedic! As paramedics tend to be the first medical professionals on scene it can be a high pressured role, but equally one that is hugely varied and highly rewarding. Paramedic roles provide plenty of varied opportunities, but there are many career opportunities that will allow you to make a huge difference.
Paramedic science is the term typically used to describe the study needed to become a paramedic. In 2020, the NHS employed over 16,000 ambulance paramedics all of whom will deliver life-saving treatment either alone or as part of an ambulance crew. Paramedics must assess and treat patients as quickly as possible, to best support their chances of physical recovery. This care could include administering pain relief and delivering life support, and often even providing important mental health support.
In 2021, the NHS received over one million calls in October of 2021 so it is a job that is more in demand than ever. Paramedics work around the clock, usually in shift patterns, to ensure that all patients are given equal access to treatment.
It’s easy to think that people who become paramedics just work in emergency services, transporting patients to hospitals, but that’s really not the case! For paramedics, there are numerous opportunities available. Let’s take a look, and broaden our horizons of what it means to be a paramedic!
Ambulance services are a fundamental part of emergency services, and paramedics work within ambulance trusts who work alongside other services and the NHS. Paramedics working for ambulance trusts will handle 999 calls, dispatch ambulances, see and treat patients, and transport patients to hospital when necessary.
In instances like this, air ambulance teams may be involved, who are paramedics able to use helicopters and aircraft in order to locate and access patients who may need urgent care or transportation to specialist locations.
In fact some paramedics work in hospices, and have received particular training to become specialist palliative care providers for end-of-life care patients.
Paramedics in this area are involved wherever support is most needed, from transporting patients to supporting NHS services.
Such as assessing drug and alcohol intoxication levels of detainees, or supporting with mental health crises.
This is what newly qualified paramedics can expect to start their careers earning, and with experience, specialisms, and leadership roles, this can increase to over £33,000.
This is what a typical working week looks like - the paramedic team will work with flexibility over a seven day period. Emergencies sadly don’t have a day off, and this means that different working hours may be encountered in order to support their needs and provide emergency care.
The NHS, private healthcare providers, and organisations which employ paramedicsl are passionate about supporting individuals who want to make a difference. There are plenty of training opportunities and support to help take you far on your career journey.
Healthcare providers will help provide a healthy work/life balance, including part-time opportunities, flexibility, and childcare support. When you care for others, it’s important that the healthcare provider places value in you, meaning that you’re able to focus on providing the best quality care.
The paramedic team has a great deal of responsibility to manage in daily life, in order to ensure that patients receive emergency care and are provided the best possible circumstances. Although each patient or call-out may have different circumstances, there are a core set of responsibilities that define paramedics’ work. Let’s take a look.
Every patient can be different - paramedics can come and assist patients with many different needs, or who have experience different injuries. It’s important that paramedics stay focused and use their knowledge to make a difference in emergency situations.
The paramedic team will work together, with other health and care professionals, and even with other emergency services as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide the best care possible for their patients. By relying on different expertise and opinion, they can play a key role in a team that looks after the complete health needs of a patient, and ensuring a continuity in the care they receive.
Defibrillators can be crucial in ensuring that patients can stay alive and receive further treatment. Paramedics will have expert knowledge of how to use them and other equipment to provide care when it’s needed most.
Being able to drive is a key skill of being a paramedic - it’s important that they’re able to get patients from A-B as quickly, safely, and securely as possible. They’re often expert drivers who will alert other road users of the emergency at hand.
The midwifery team is there for families at every stage - pregnancy, labour, and birth. Midwives are on hand to support and assist during labours, helping make the delivery process as straightforward as possible.
Paramedics from time to time may have to be involved in delivering a baby! In emergency situations, they may be the healthcare professional on hand, so it’s important that they can provide the support and care needed to successfully deliver the child.
It’s important for the paramedic team to keep an eye on any observations they make, and keep regular and accurate records to ensure that all the relevant information on the patient is stored correctly so that if a patient is transferred, the healthcare team have all the information they need.
It’s important that the paramedic team remain connected to their colleagues and peers, and continually strive to be up-to-date with any new developments.
The paramedic team will work together, with other health and care professionals, and even with other emergency services as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide the best care possible for their patients. By relying on different expertise and opinion, they can play a key role in a team that looks after the complete health needs of a patient, and ensuring a continuity in the care they receive.
Not all patients will require emergency physical care. Some may be experiencing mental health crises, and it’s important that paramedics have the skills and awareness of how to help people who may be feeling incredibly vulnerable in these situations.
