Ambulance Attendant

    Medical Assistant & Health Sciences

    CIP Name: Ambulance Attendant|CIP Code: 51.0810
    SOC Code: 53-3011

    Assist licensed EMTs, under the supervision of a physician, to prepare and transport ill or injured patients, and to operate emergency vehicles and equipment such as life support units.

    $34K
    Median Salary
    -1.3%
    Job Growth
    3mo-1.5yr
    Training
    1.4K
    Jobs/Year

    What Ambulance Attendants Do

    Assist licensed EMTs, under the supervision of a physician, to prepare and transport ill or injured patients, and to operate emergency vehicles and equipment such as life support units.

    Common Tasks

    • 1Remove and replace soiled linens or equipment to maintain sanitary conditions.
    • 2Drive ambulances or assist ambulance drivers in transporting sick, injured, or convalescent persons.
    • 3Report facts concerning accidents or emergencies to hospital personnel or law enforcement officials.
    • 4Place patients on stretchers, and load stretchers into ambulances, usually with assistance from other attendants.
    • 5Accompany and assist emergency medical technicians on calls.

    What You'll Learn

    first aid and emergency medicine field techniquespatient stabilization and caremedical field communicationsequipment operation and maintenanceemergency vehicle operationapplicable standards and regulations

    Types of Ambulance Attendants

    Ambulance AttendantAmbulance DriverCPR Ambulance Driver (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation Ambulance Driver)Chair Car DriverDriverDriver MedicEMS Driver (Emergency Medical Services Driver)Emergency Care Attendant (ECA)First ResponderMedical Van Driver (Medi-Van Driver)

    Work Environment

    Locations

    • • Ambulance and EMS services
    • • Hospitals and emergency departments
    • • Private medical transport companies
    • • Nursing homes and long-term care facilities
    • • Fire departments or municipal EMS agencies

    Schedule

    Many roles work set schedules that may include nights, weekends, and holidays, with moderate time pressure during calls.

    Physical Demands

    The job requires frequent lifting, moving, and securing patients and equipment, with lots of handling objects and moderate bending and twisting. You’ll spend time sitting while driving and standing/walking during patient transfers.

    Salary & Job Outlook

    Median $34,330
    $25,459$46,633+
    Entry Level
    10th percentile
    $25,459
    Early Career
    25th percentile
    $29,577
    Median
    50th percentile
    $34,330
    Experienced
    75th percentile
    $38,001
    Top Earners
    90th percentile
    $46,633+

    National Employment: 12,300 jobs

    Top Paying States

    Why Demand May Grow

    Demand can rise as the population ages and more people need non-emergency medical transport and assistance getting to care. Growth in healthcare facilities and community EMS systems can also increase call volume and staffing needs.

    Skills You'll Need

    Safe emergency vehicle operationFirst aid and basic emergency care techniquesPatient handling and safe lifting/body mechanicsClear communication and radio/dispatch proceduresCalm decision-making under pressureAttention to detail with protocols and documentationEquipment operation and basic maintenance checks

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Directly helps people during stressful situations
    • Work is varied and rarely routine day-to-day
    • Team-based environment with EMTs and hospital staff
    • Skills can transfer to other healthcare or EMS roles
    • Clear procedures and protocols to follow

    Cons

    • Physically demanding patient lifting and equipment handling
    • Exposure to illness, bodily fluids, and traumatic scenes
    • Shift work can include nights, weekends, and holidays
    • Emotional stress from emergencies and patient outcomes
    • Pay may be modest compared with the responsibility
    FAQ

    Common Questions About the Ambulance Attendant Trade

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