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Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians

Drive ambulance or assist ambulance driver in transporting sick, injured, or convalescent persons. Assist in lifting patients.

What you’d do

  • Place patients on stretchers, and load stretchers into ambulances, usually with assistance from other attendants.
  • Replace supplies and disposable items on ambulances.
  • Accompany and assist emergency medical technicians on calls.
  • Earn and maintain appropriate certifications.
  • Drive ambulances or assist ambulance drivers in transporting sick, injured, or convalescent persons.
  • Administer first aid, such as bandaging, splinting, or administering oxygen.
  • Remove and replace soiled linens or equipment to maintain sanitary conditions.
  • Report facts concerning accidents or emergencies to hospital personnel or law enforcement officials.

Skills that matter

  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Service Orientation
  • Speaking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Learning

How to get there

Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one

Also called

  • Ambulance Driver
  • Driver
  • EMS Driver (Emergency Medical Services Driver)
  • First Responder
  • Chair Car Driver
  • CPR Ambulance Driver (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation Ambulance Driver)
See all careers
  • Emergency Medical Technicians

    • Bright Outlook
    • Rapid Growth

    Assess injuries and illnesses and administer basic emergency medical care. May transport injured or sick persons to medical facilities.

    Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree

  • Paramedics

    • Bright Outlook
    • Rapid Growth

    Administer basic or advanced emergency medical care and assess injuries and illnesses.

    Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree

  • Orderlies

    Transport patients to areas such as operating rooms or x-ray rooms using wheelchairs, stretchers, or moveable beds.

    Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one

  • Nursing Assistants

    • Bright Outlook
    • Numerous Job Openings

    Provide or assist with basic care or support under the direction of onsite licensed nursing staff.

    Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree

  • Home Health Aides

    • Bright Outlook
    • Rapid Growth
    • Numerous Job Openings

    Monitor the health status of an individual with disabilities or illness, and address their health-related needs, such as changing…

    Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one

  • Surgical Assistants

    • Bright Outlook
    • Rapid Growth

    Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons. May, in accordance with state laws, help surgeons to make incisions and close…

    Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree