University of Tasmania, Australia

What is a Paramedic?

A paramedic is a mobile, out-of-hospital healthcare worker who specialises in managing clinical emergencies and acute health issues in the community, most commonly working in an Ambulance Service. Their role is to provide the first medical contact for the community in a health crisis which involves possessing the knowledge and skills in a diverse range of health problems. Paramedics not only respond to health emergencies but are also called upon to assist the community with sudden personal health ailments.

What is being a paramedic like?

A paramedic’s work day is never the same; they work in any environment where there are people, so a major attraction to paramedic work is the diversity, the great range of environments and situations in which they work. The occupation of a paramedic involves shift work and they are required to work shifts covering 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year.

Great satisfaction is achieved from being able to help people in times of crisis: easing pain, assisting to deliver a baby, providing reassurance and ensuring people access the health care they require.

How do I become a paramedic?

On successful completion of the Bachelor of Paramedic Practice, you will be eligible to apply for employment as a Graduate Paramedic in most Australian states. Each state Ambulance Service has its own web site which lists current vacancies and information specific to Graduate Paramedic positions.

The successful completion of the accredited Bachelor of Paramedic Practice degree at the University of Tasmania is only one of the requirements for employment as an Ambulance Paramedic. State Ambulance Services impose additional conditions for employment, which include sufficient physical and mental capacities, and that the person is of good character. There are a number of these requirements contained within this course which are mandatory prior to attending clinical placements, but individual Ambulance Services may require you to resit or undertake similar testing prior to employment.

How can I expand my Paramedic career?

After completion of qualifying as a Paramedic and meeting other requirements such as a period of experience, Paramedics employed in a State Ambulance Service may apply for a number of diverse roles that paramedics perform. These are continually being developed by each State Ambulance Service. Specialist roles such as:

• Intensive Care Paramedic – an advanced level of paramedic care which utilises specialist equipment, techniques and medications to provide emergency care to the most critically injured and ill patients.
• Rural Paramedics – the rural environment provides unique challenges for paramedics as they need to contend with distances from major health facilities and local health resource issues.
• Flight Paramedic – working in a team environment in both fixed wing (Air Ambulance) and rotary wing (Helicopter) environments.
• Urban Search and Rescue – Paramedics working in a specialist Fire Service teams who provide rescue services in major incidents and disasters.
• Tactical Paramedics – working with some law enforcement agencies to provide emergency care.
• Wilderness Paramedic – paramedics who are trained to provide patient care in very remote and wilderness environments often working as a team with search and rescue personnel.
• Clinical supervision and education – within each Ambulance Service there are a number of teams who conduct continuing education and professional development programs.

How is the Bachelor of Paramedic Practice recognised within the sector?

The UTAS paramedic course is accredited by the national ambulance body which ensures graduates form the course have a qualification which is recognised by Ambulance Services in each Australian State, Territory and in New Zealand. There is no formal recognition internationally and each country will have a process to assess graduates who apply for a position internationally.

What career opportunities are available?

Paramedics are employed mainly by State Government Ambulance Services and some non-emergency privately run Patient Transport businesses and there is a growing increase in paramedics being employed in some industries, such as mining and immigration, to provide both emergency care and OH&S services.