Volunteer Ambulance Driver

kleftangel

I have been thinking about it for a while, and when i get my full license, i think i would like to be a part time volunteer ambulance driver. The only reason i say volunteer, is because i don't want to do more than part time because of college and eventually, because of a full time career in something else.

What qualifications do i need apart from a full license? Do i need medical qualifications? Is there a way i can do it and get paid? I really don't mind the pay as long as the hours aren't ridiculous. Any help, experience or guidance would be greatly appreciated

DrIndy

not sure if you can be a part time paramedic in ireland like you can be a part time fireman.

http://www.phecit.ie/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=5&tabid=509

its a really rewarding job and never boring.

I am not sure what you need beyond a full driving license but I suspect you would need extensive training as you would be driving on lights at speed through traffic.

You don't need prior medical qualifications.

Check out the website for more info.

NATS or National Ambulance Training Service are based in St. Mary's in the Park and they run diploma programs.

kleftangel

There is the St. John's Ambulance Brigade, which I think I will look into joining. All I need to get started is my full license and that's only if i'm driving the ambulance.

Tree

st johns, the order of malta and the red cross are the main voluntary first aid organisations in ireland. defo recommend joining your local division, great craic and a great experience. when the super finds out you want to drive ambulances you'll never get a day off again

what part of the country are you in?

kleftangel

I'm in Dundrum, in Dublin. Even the Leeson street isn't far away for me. That's the only division I know of. I have emailed them asking for any information they have. But unfortunately, even if I wanted to, I can't drive an ambulance yet cause I don't have a full license. Apart from the time it will take up, I think that it would be a great experience, learning and social.

Tree

Could have sworn there was a dundrum division. leeson st hq will have the details. no harm doing the first aid course while you're doing the full license. they might even give you hand getting your license. st john's is great craic alright.

tallaght01

I started out learning first aid with the red cross 15 years ago, and have stayed with them ever since.

It's a really cool service to get involved in. We had a great couple of ambulance drivers.

Any of the voluntary first aid organisations are good fun. You'll meet some nice people, and you might even manage to save a life/do some good along the way.

!!!!!conor!!!!!

Here's a link to the websites for the vol ambulances, you have prob looked at them already! The order of malta and red cross websites list where their units are but the st john one is just the hq.

http://www.redcross.ie/get_involved

http://www.orderofmalta.ie/what-we-do.asp?id=15

http://sja.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17&Itemid=35

At the end of the day, you should receive the same qualifications from whichever organisation you choose.

Also if you would like to do it part-time for money take a look at

http://www.redcross.ie/get_involved/jobs_at_the_red_cross/emergency_medical_first_responders_emt_s_paramedics

You would have to train up to emfr first but it is an option once you have!

fogey88

Hi guys,

I'm a volunteer with the Order of Malta Ambulance Corps. I think it's a great cause and a great pass time. We have about 80 units across the country, if anybody is thinking of joining. There's a unit in Dundrum:
dundrum@orderofmalta.ie or call 086 8784714

http://www.orderofmalta.ie/what-we-do.asp?id=34&cid=286,

This is the link to the Dundrum unit website, they meet in the church hall.

What do we do?
Member's participation range. We are a completely voluntary organisation, and so unfortunately the members don't get paid. But all courses and equipment are paid for. All members must complete a basic first aid course. We meet weekly where we organise duties and do first aid training and practice with ambulance equipment from ****** therapy to spinal boards.

We provide public training courses in first aid and public access defibrillation. Our instructors are experienced members trained in methods of instruction and have plenty of experience in the field, that's why our courses have an edge over others. Our First Responder course has been appraised by the the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council. We're currently seeking recognition as an official training institution by the regulatory body, and hopefully will soon be the first voluntary organisation to do so.

Interested in First Aid?
Do First Aid duties at matches, concerts etc. and gain some invaluable experience.
Wanna learn more? We provide various courses to our members: Automated External Defibrillator Operation, Cardiac First Responder, First Responder. We soon hope to be the first providers of Voluntary Emergency Medical Technician Course (EMT) to our members, which will bring our volunteers to a level just below Paramedics. Want to work with kids? Complete our basic youth leadership course and you can train our Cadets (Youth Section).
Other courses: Manual Handling, Patient Handling, Child Protection, Nursing Skills, N.C.O., Officers Course, Methods of Instruction, Ambulance Driving and more...

Just want to help out?
Some members prefer not to do first aid but still want to help out. For potential drivers, we provide an Ambulance Driving Course. We also need people from time to time to help out with fundraising.
Whatever way you want to help out, you're very welcome!!

The Order of Malta Ambulance Corps is operating in lreland since 1938 and currently has approximately 2000 adult and 2000 youth members nationwide. We are based in 80 communities throughout lreland and operate a fleet of 127 vehicles.The Order of Malta mission statement is to make a difference in society by providing Community Care, Youth & Personal Development, First Aid, Nursing and Ambulance Services in a Christian, caring and non-discriminatory environment throughout lreland.

I hope this is a help, and that some of you will be inspired to join, or help out in some way. Contact your local unit or visit www.orderofmalta.ie