As an emergency medical technician, you may operate as a single responder to an incident or support a paramedic on a double-crewed ambulance. You’ll have many of the same skills as paramedics, such as being able to assess, triage and provide lifesaving treatment.
Training and qualifications required
For entry onto the level 4 apprenticeship as an emergency medical technician (EMT), you will typically need a general standard of education and be committed to self-development; a full UK manual driving licence (including the full C1 category) with a minimum of 1 year's driving experience; your own transport to attend training and work; experience in dealing with a range of people of different ages and social groups and a high degree of physical fitness.Training is through a level 4 apprenticeship which takes 12-18 months. Following an initial classroom-based course, you will continue your apprenticeship and learning whilst out on the road, responding to emergency calls. If you successfully complete the course, you will then be eligible to continue as a qualified EMT role with the ambulance service trust.
Expected working hours and salary range
Most jobs in the NHS are covered by the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay scales and emergency medical technician jobs will usually be at band 4. If you are in a trainee position, you may receive a percentage of the band 4 rate, rising to the full band rate once qualified. Check terms and conditions with the employing ambulance service trust. You will usually work standard hours of 37.5 per week on a shift pattern. Shifts cover 24 hours a day, 7 days a week throughout the year. So the pattern includes evenings, nights, early starts, weekends and bank holidays. You need to be prepared to work outdoors in all conditions, where necessary. Terms and conditions can vary for employers outside of the NHS.
Desirable skills and values
You will need an understanding of compassion, respect and dignity through patient-centred care; dedication, motivation and drive. If you're applying for a role either directly in the NHS or in an organisation that provides NHS services, you'll be asked to show how you think the values of the NHS Constitution apply in your everyday work.
Prospects
You could progress to become a team leader or supervisor. You would be in charge of a team, responsible for allocating work and drawing up shift rotas. You could apply to train as a paramedic. You would have to pass entrance exams and meet other requirements before being accepted onto a full-time paramedic course, paramedic degree apprenticeship or student paramedic position with an ambulance service trust.
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