I'm going through a bit of a forced career change and would like to join the ambulance service?

The Paramedic Degree is still in its infancy and as such not many Ambulance Trusts are offering as part of the recruitment. As far as I can tell it is experimental with a lot of Trusts and staff are doing the degree off their own back (and pocket) or taking part in a trial.

Presently the qualification to practice as a Technician/Paramedic in this country is an IHCD affiliated course. When you join the Ambulance Service it is this course you will attend.

The Degree course does require that you are already working within the Ambulance Service as you have to provide work based learning.

Many Ambulance Trusts (ATs) recruit from within their own ranks first so the first rung of the ladder to Paramedic is working as an Ambulance Care Assistant, then passing an exam to allow you to apply for Technician grade (EMT) then work for 1-2 years before applying for Paramedic training (dependant on vacancies).

You should contact your local AT or ATs to find out what their current recruitment situation is and what their current position on the degree course is.

My suggestion is to go to the ambulance station and ask them specifically where to go for the training. You have to become an EMT-Basic to complete the Paramedicine and to test as a Paramedic and I am betting they will offer that at the paramedic station. That will get your foot in the door at the service as everyone always needs emts. Then that will begin your experience into EMS. They then could potentially have the training at the service to become a Paramedic or they will tell you where you have to go to obtain it. It is generally at a vocational school. Good Luck!