The work of the ambulance crew
The work of the ambulance crew is often fast-paced and varied. In many cases, the crew does not know what kind of situation and injuries they are about to be faced with and they must always be prepared.
The emergency ambulance crew usually consists of a paramedic and an emergency care assistant; both paramedics and emergency care assistants (also known as emergency medical technicians) are highly trained in caring for patients in emergency situations, providing life-saving treatment, stabilising patients, dealing with a variety of injuries, ranging from strokes to crushing injuries and using high-tech equipment and instruments. The emergency ambulance crew responds to a variety of calls. However, they will mainly deal with very serious calls which require urgent medical attention.
The crew is required to attend incidents and scenes, treat patients on site and then stabilise their condition, as they make their way to hospital. Both paramedics and emergency care assistants are trained in driving the ambulance and one will usually drive, while the other stays with the patient, provides necessary treatment, stabilises their condition, reassures them and tries to make them as comfortable as possible.
The crew are also qualified to prescribe medications, carry out diagnostic tests, refer patients to social services and admit patients to specialist medical units.
A&E Support crews
Some ambulance trusts also have A&E Support crews; these crews provide care for people who do not require the specialist treatment of a paramedic or emergency care technician. The support crews are trained in basic life support and first aid and can provide care for patients who do not require the emergency ambulance crew. This ensures that the emergency ambulance is free to attend patients who require urgent medical attention.
Specialist work
Some paramedics may also undergo further training to allow them to work in specialist units, such as the air ambulance and many are now working alongside nurses and doctors as emergency care practitioners.
Non-emergency work
The work of the ambulance crew is not always associated with emergency scenarios. Ambulances also play an important role in transporting people to and from hospital and taking people to medical appointments. Many patients are taken home by ambulance once they have been discharged from hospital and often ambulances are used to take older people and people who struggle to get out and about to appointments at their local hospital or health centre.
