Summary
What is the role of the paramedic?
Before the treatment
The paramedic must have all the information necessary for the smooth running of his journey. He collects from medical or emergency personnel all the data concerning his passenger:
- physical constants;
- degree of urgency;
- nature of injuries;
- …
He must help the person to get into the ambulance and to settle down if he is mobile.
Safe transport
The ambulance driver must transport his passengers, whether they are injured, sick or elderly, in complete safety. Even in the event of an emergency and at high speed, he must ensure that his passenger is doing well and is installed in the best possible conditions of comfort.
During the journey, he provides first aid if necessary: cardiac massage, respiratory assistance…
Sole master on board
The paramedic is also responsible for his vehicle: he must clean it after each transport. He must also sterilize the equipment and complete the support papers and the invoice.
What are his working conditions?
Always driving
The paramedic spends long hours driving his vehicle. He experiences significant stress when driving an emergency or first aid vehicle.
Duty hours
Paramedics generally work irregular hours. They must provide night shifts, weekends and public holidays.
Never alone
The paramedic always works in pairs with a colleague. This is essential for transporting the sick and helping them while the other is driving.
How much does a paramedic earn?
A paramedic starts at Smic.
He reached more than €1,700 at the end of his career.
What training to become a paramedic?
License B above all
To be a paramedic, you must have held a B license with mention Ambulance for more than 2 years. This mention is granted by the services of the prefecture after a medical check carried out by the driving license commission.
Class 1 civic prevention and relief diploma
The future paramedic must hold the PSC1 diploma, which is obtained following a training course of approximately 1 day and a half. This takes place in civil protection offices or at the Red Cross. This training costs between 60 and 80 €.
A state diploma
Once the Ambulance B license and the PSC1 in hand, the future ambulance driver can register for the Certificate of Ambulance Capacity (CCA). The admissibility tests include a written test, an oral, physical fitness and driving tests.
The state ambulance technician diploma is then issued after 630 hours of training, part-time or continuous, alternating theory and practice (5 weeks of training). It is sanctioned by a written test and an oral test.
What qualities are needed?
human qualities
The paramedic must be considerate, dedicated and understanding, especially with the elderly or in great distress.
Resistance and responsiveness
The paramedic must have good resistance to stress and fatigue. Reactive, he must be able to make quick decisions, without panicking. He must of course be an excellent driver.
Content updated on 07/10/2012
Our tips:
To register for the Certificate of Ambulance Competence, you must produce a medical certificate:
- noting the absence of affections and handicaps incompatible with the exercise of the profession of ambulance driver;
- attesting to vaccinations against diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, tuberculosis and hepatitis B and providing proof of BCG vaccination for less than 3 months.