September 25: Air Ambulance Paramedic
Air Ambulance Paramedic
Prepare for take-off! In recognition of ‘Air Ambulance Week’, a week dedicated to raising awareness and funding for the lifesaving service, this month’s career is: Air Ambulance Paramedic. Become the eye in the sky, supporting those in need of immediate medical and emergency care, reaching those hard-to-reach spots that an ambulance cannot. If you thrive under pressure and want a role that goes above and beyond, literally, for others – this could be the career path for you!
Let your future take flight…
Job Description
Salary (Avg.) £42,453
As an Air Ambulance Paramedic, you’ll be at the frontline of emergency care, providing rapid response to urgent calls across a wide range of situations, from medical conditions, minor to major injuries and traumatic accidents – no two days will ever be the same! Typically, you’ll work in an air crew of two, alongside a doctor, to cover all possible outcomes you may face. As an Air Ambulance Paramedic, you’ll need to be able to work under incredible pressure and often independently in high-stakes situations. This career truly takes you to new heights, with salaries reaching up to £64,000 per year. Beyond responding to emergencies, you’ll also play a crucial role in medicine management, maintaining stores and equipment, completing audits and compliance checks, and ensuring the readiness of your vehicle.
Qualifications and Skills
First, you’ll need to train and qualify as a paramedic. The Great North Air Ambulance Service usually looks for around five years’ experience before you can fly, so you’ll be confident handling anything that comes your way.
To work as a paramedic, you’ll need to be registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC). To do that, most people take an HCPC-approved degree in Paramedic Science/Practice. These courses last three or four years and mix classroom learning with real-life placements.
To become a paramedic, you need GCSEs and A-Levels, specifically English, Maths and Science. Some courses also ask for a full UK manual driving licence with C1 status (or working towards it), which will allow you to drive the ambulance.
Another route you could take is by applying directly to an ambulance service trust as a student paramedic or working your way up through a paramedic degree apprenticeship, where you’ll study part-time while getting hands-on experience and receiving a pay check.
This is a career with endless opportunities to grow, perfect if you’re looking for excitement, challenge, and the chance to make a real difference.
What you can be doing now
Help your career take off by working towards your future today! As an Air Ambulance Paramedic, you’ll need to stay sharp and think on your feet, so start building that skill now through activities that challenge your quick thinking, like problem-solving, first aid practice, or volunteering.
You’ll also need to be a strong team player. Even though the crew is small, teamwork is vital when saving lives. Getting involved in team sports, group projects, or clubs is a great way to build those skills.
Since your career will begin on the ground, working towards your driving licence is another step that will put your future career in motion.
Aim high with a career that truly soars above the rest and become an Air Ambulance Paramedic!