I want to become a paramedic

[Mumma2threecherubs]

I would love some insight into becoming a paramedic from anyone who is one or is becoming one. Anyone become one in Brisbane? Who did you go through?

Is there anyone who is a paramedic and has a young family? What kind of hours do you work? Is it 12 hour shifts?

Anyone's experiences or advice would be soo helpful. I am trying to research and get as much info as possible but would love some first hand knowledge.

[EmPowering]

I know it's now a 4 year course at many Unis could maybe start researching there and asking questions :)

[samsausage]

http://www.ambulance.qld.gov.au/recruitment/ is probably the best source of info re their requirements and recruitment processes.

I work in NSW so I'm not familiar with the ins and outs of QAS but I'm happy to answer any questions about rosters, childcare etc, pm me if you like :)

[Mumma2threecherubs]

Thanks so much will do!! :)

[Caviar]

A very good friend of mine became a Paramedic. She is a single mum and has two children under 12. She entered the service as a trainee and worked her way up. The hours did prove taxing (average shift was 12 hours but she routinely did more) and the lifestyle was not accommodating of her situation so she works during the day in a training capacity now but says the journey for her was worth it. There are many avenues you can take in the Ambulance Service. It just depends on which state or territory you are in.

[Izzys Mummy]

There is a graduate entry program at QUT Gardens Point (city campus) for becoming a paramedic.

[lolz83]

Full time is 4 shifts on, 4 shifts off. They are generally 2x 10hr day shifts followed by 2x12 hour night shifts. You can work part time which is 2 shifts in 8 days. Base pay is not great but money is good after penalty allowances for night shifts and overtime.

You will need to study a 3-4 yr uni degree with most unis offering the degree. The entrance rank in SA is very very high. After you finish you have to do an intern year which in SA they only offer 30-40 places for approx 100 graduates. I know a friend who waited 2yrs before being offered a position. It is a great and stable career once you have a position.

Most unis have finished their intake for this year.

[Caviar]

Each State and Territory differs in their training and requirements.

In Queensland, you don't have to attend uni straight up. You can apply for a Student Paramedical position. Those who opt to go to uni straight up apply for a Graduate position. They're both different. My friend undertook the former option.

QAS no longer run a continuous recruitment service but employ only when vacancies come up. They conduct their training via Qld Combined Emergency Services Academy (http://www.ambulance.qld.gov.au/about/qcesa.asp) and you can check them out for other positions to train for if you find that the paramedical option is not for you.

:gl:

[GrownupsCallMeK]

My DH has just joined in July 2011. In NSW though.

The recruitment process was to apply then wait until we heard from the service. Once we heard he had to travel to Sydney to go through aptitude tests, physicals, interviews, medicals etc. then we waited - again. Then once he was accepted it is an 8 week intensive training course in Sydney. You come out as a Trainee paramedic. From there you get your first station and it can literally be anywhere in NSW. We originally were supposed to go to Queanbeyan which was 14 hours south of where we we're living at the time.

From here you work at that training station for 10-12 months then go back to school for 4 weeks. Again you get another posting which again can be anywhere in the state but you can potentially stay there for the rest of your career if you like. You are now an Intern Paramedic.

To become a fully qualified paramedic takes 3 years then you can work your way up to ICP or specialised areas but this is up to you to pursue these avenues.

Stations vary in shifts depending on if they are 24 hour stations or on call stations. DH works at a 24 hr station so he does 4x 12 hr shifts then has anywhere from 4-6 days off. His roster generally consists of 3 day shifts and his last shift is a night.

The whole process from the initial application to walking into the training school took DH 15 months with lots of waiting in between. The benefit of this way over the Uni degree (in NSW) is that you can go to uni but still not be guaranteed a job at the end. Going through the service guarantees you a job. It's also the same degree but without the cost of the actual degree but factor in costs of living in Sydney for the 8 weeks and moving etc.

Sorry it's so long but it's still fresh in our memory haha