Entry requirements (ambulance care assistant and patient transport driver)
There are no set entry requirements to become an ambulance care assistant and patient transport driver. Most employers expect good standards of literacy and numeracy.
Experience
Some may ask for qualifications such as GCSEs, NVQs or equivalent. Employers look for relevant work experience. It would be an advantage if you have worked with elderly or disabled people, either in paid employment or voluntary work.
To drive an ambulance, you need a full, manual driving licence. If you passed your test after 1996, you may need an extra driving qualification for larger vehicles and carrying passengers. Most employers expect you have a driving licence when you apply. Ambulance service trusts use vehicles of different sizes, so check carefully which classifications you need on your licence.
Personal characteristics
An ambulance care assistant and patient transport service driver needs to be:
- patient
- caring
- calm
- a careful driver
- interested in other people and their concerns
- able to reassure with people who may be nervous
- able to deal with challenging behaviour
- physically fit and strong for lifting
Skills required
An ambulance care assistant and patient transport service driver needs:
- good communication skills
- good driving skills