There are opportunities but this career is specialised.

A paramedic clinical instructor delivers training and support to paramedic interns. Paramedic Clinical Instructors are responsible for on the road day-to-day training of graduate paramedics and qualified ambulance paramedics returning after time away. Clinical Instructors are responsible for on the road day-to-day training of graduate paramedics and qualified ambulance paramedics returning after time away. Clinical Instructors focus on the clinical, operational and professional development of the students and paramedics.
   
A clinical paramedic instructor works with students in a clinical environment to give them real-world training and enhance classroom education. Clinical paramedic instructors are essential to the paramedic curriculum.

ANZSCO ID: 4111

Knowledge, skills and attributes

A paramedic clinical instructor needs:

• strong written and oral communication skills
• excellent practical skills
• leadership and motivational ability
• organisational skills
• analytical and interpreting skills
• a passion for and commitment to teaching
• intellectual curiosity
• interpersonal skills
• good oral and written communication
• reading comprehension

• high level of intelligence

Adrian Ross instructs trainee paramedics on how to drive safely ABC News 26 February 2019 One of the first things trainee paramedics are taught is to briefly disregard their clinical training — the most important thing they'll do is drive. "That's the single highest risk you take in getting to your patient," paramedic trainer Adrian Ross said of driving an ambulance. In the wake of a fatal accident in Queensland last month, paramedics spoke with ABC Radio Darwin about the challenges they faced on the road, from heavy downpours to road rage. "There's an analogy I like to use: it's no good being a brain surgeon if you don't get to your patient," Mr Ross said. Balancing speed and safety When the clock is ticking, the roads are unpredictable and a life is in danger, so how do they strike a balance between life and safety? "It can be really stressful," duty manager Nicole Johnston said. "Obviously we are still bound by safe driving policies in terms of speed limits and those things, but it is really, really imperative that we can get to those patients quickly, but more so safely." One of the biggest challenges paramedics face is unpredictable driving.(ABC Radio Darwin: Jesse Thompson) Ms Johnston said confidence driving came with time and that paramedics become expert multi-taskers. "There's a significant difference in observation skill," Mr Ross said. Expect people to make mistakes Drivers are trained to instinctively check nine separate points of interest including roads, intersections, mirrors and their speedometer. "Plus we want them to be doing five seconds of vision, so they need to be able to see ahead all the traffic for five seconds, depending on what speed they're going," Mr Ross said. A paramedic in training. But even the best drivers can be affected by the unpredictable behaviour of other road users. "What we emphasise to people is you need to allow for your driving skills and everybody else's mistakes," he said. "Expect that they'll make a mistake, and if you plan for that you'll be safer." Keep calm and veer left Despite that, director of ambulance services Matt Eastham said collisions between ambulances and cars were infrequent but the risks remained high. "We've had incidents where we have had people that have been either intoxicated or drugged drive into the side of our vehicles for no particular reason at all but just through inattention," Mr Eastham said. Drivers listening to music, using their phones and driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol were common occurrences, he said. Matthew Eastham, director of ambulance services, says collisions are surprisingly rare.(ABC Radio Darwin: Jesse Thompson) Lights and sirens cause confusion "We have plenty of examples where we can be coming up on a code one [a life-threatening emergency] drive with lights and sirens, which can be scary for members of the public. "They're unsure what to do so they will slam on the brakes. "That's a very common thing that happens to us and we need to be prepared for that, which obviously can cause a bit of an incident if it's wet." People also edge out into intersections when they're sitting on a red light — a common error but a dangerous and unnecessary one, according to Mr Eastham. If in doubt, he said the best advice was to pull off to the left where possible or maintain your position and slow down. "What I'd say is we all need to keep calm," he said. "The ambulance will get around you, they'll find an alternate way, and they're trained to do that."

Duties and Tasks
   
A paramedic instructor teaches students in an emergency medical technician (EMT) training course. Your duties in this career include planning classes, assessing the performance of students, and providing instruction in emergency medical care. Your responsibilities can include teaching in a classroom setting, performing hands-on exercises, and taking students into the field to train in a real-world environment. You help students gain the skills that they need to pass the licensing exam or meet other requirements to work as a paramedic in their state. You keep records of the progress of each student so that you have documentation that they have accomplished training requirements.

Working Conditions

Paramedic clinical instructors work in the offices, classrooms located within universities, in the ambulance itself and in the field offering practical training. They usually work regular business hours. They may be employed on either a full-time or a part-time basis. They will normally wear a uniform.

Tools and Technologies

Paramedic clinical instructors use computers to write up reports incluing assessment of students' practical capabilities. They spend a lot of time demonstrating the use of ambulance equipment that is used specifically for each patient. One of the main things students learn initially is to get the patient tolley in and out of the ambulance in a manner that doesn't further hurt the patient.

Education and Training

To become a Paramedic clinical instructor you usually need to complete your Paramedic degree followed by years of experience. This experience provides crediability and practical knowledge for the students.

Employment Opportunities

The need for Paramedics is growing so along with this need is the need for Paramedic Clincal Instructors who have many years experience as a Paramedic to convert university theory into practice for students.

A rescue paramedic provides pre-hospital care in remote and difficult locations. They must be highly skilled, as most rescue operations are undertaken in life-threatening circumstances.

When you think of a Search and Rescue Paramedic, chances are you’ll visualise images like the ones below, where Paramedics and support crews are abseiling of a vertical cliff, or maybe helicopters dipping low over the ocean, or the Flying Doctors landing a twin engine Piper on a sandy runway in the bush.

While these are awesome careers within an Ambulance Service, there are many others industries that would also benefit from the skills of a Search and Rescue Paramedic. (Think SES, volunteering organisations, Surf Life Saving clubs, mining companies and even the military.)

ANZSCO ID: 411111
  
Alternative names: Wilderness Response Paramedic,

Specialisations:

• Aquatic Paramedic: Aquatic Paramedics have a range of skills and knowledge specific to aquatic environments. They accompany other emergency services in boats to reach patients or work close to water such as on boats at docks. Aquatic Paramedics undergo training from Life Saving Australia for coastal response and additional situations paramedics may find themselves in including flood rescue boats, inland waterways and rivers.

• Air Ambulance Paramedics: MICA flight paramedics work on our helicopters and our aeroplanes are staffed by either qualified ambulance paramedics or MICA flight paramedics, depending on the level of care required for the patient. Air Ambulance paramedics are trained to perform advanced treatments in challenging environments such as on a boat or 10,000 feet in the air. MICA flight paramedics are also skilled in performing winch rescue services.

(Source: Australian Paramedical College)

Duties and Tasks

• Work as part of a multi-agency team
• Treat patients in challenging and uncomfortable environments
• Use specialist equipment
• Provide patient care over protracted periods
• Awareness of various hazards associated with different aquatic and wilderness environments
• Awareness of various aquatic vessels, helicopters used by partner agencies
• Risk minimization strategies when being transported on aquatic vessels or helicopters
• Self-preservation and survival strategies in an aquatic environment or in rugged country
• Familiarisation of safety equipment
• Types of personal floatation devices, emergency position indicating radio beacons (EPIRBSs) and flares
• Risk assessment.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become qualified as a Search and Rescue Paramedic or Special Operations Paramedic, you of course need to be a Paramedic with a few years service behind you. With a new system of registration for Paramedics was in 2018, only degree-qualified personnel can call themselves a Paramedic.

As a practicing Paramedic, there are the standard clinical skill sets that come naturally – but with a move into Search and Rescue, here’s a few key skills you’ll need to learn

• Road crash rescue
• Vertical rescue
• Confined space and trench rescue
• Navigation skills
• Advanced four-wheeled driving
• Urban search and rescue protocols
• Perform a variety of chemical, biological and radiological procedures.

Patient being transported via helicopter with aid of Paramedics

First aid is the first and immediate assistance given to any person with either a minor or serious illness or injury, with care provided to preserve life, prevent the condition from worsening, or to promote recovery until medical services arrive. First aid is generally performed by someone with basic medical training.
  
First aid trainers are educators in emergency aid. A First Aid trainer educates and assesses adults and young people in the ability to execute emergency aid.

A First Aid trainer runs courses to teach people how to respond initially when faced with a situation where a person is injured.

First Aid trainers are required to teach the basic skills of reaction, response, call for help and attention to minor injuries.

They may also be required to assess their course attendees for certification in First Aid training, usually ‘First Aid at Work’.

First Aid trainers will work in a demonstrative environment with moderately-sized groups of people, meaning trainers need to be confident and have the ability to speak clearly and get their point across effectively.
 

A first aid trainer teaches emergency first aid skills to teenagers and adults. These educators teach people how to provide CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and first response care to an individual who has sustained an injury or has become unwell. This can include teaching course participants how to call for emergency medical assistance and how to help the injured or unwell individual until the medical assistance arrives.

Instructors then assess their trainees' ability to deliver CPR and first response care before issuing them with certification. First aid instructors usually teach people in small groups by verbally explaining and physically demonstrating first aid methods and life-saving techniques.

(Source: St John's Ambulance Australia)

ANZSCO ID: 451815
  
Alternative names: First Aid Instructor, First Aid Teacher, Emergency Aid Instructor, First Response Trainer

Knowledge, skills and attributes
  
Being a First Aid trainer requires excellent interpersonal skills so as to create a comfortable environment where people can learn easily and feel relaxed enough to ask questions.

First Aid trainers need to:

• Be confident in speaking to groups of people and demonstrating practices in front of them
• Speak fluent English and be able to speak simply and eloquently
• Be able to teach in a kinaesthetic manner
• Be hands-on
• Be friendly, approachable and patient with questions
• Have the ability to work flexible hours
• Have a keen eye for detail when it comes to assessment
• Possess basic computer skills for keeping up-to-date records
• Have a jargon-free writing style when producing learning resources for the group
• Have an in-depth understanding of customer care and health and safety procedures

ABCDE method    Airway (clearing airways): If the patient responds in a normal voice, then the airway is patent. Airway obstruction can be partial or complete. Signs of a partially obstructed airway include a changed voice, noisy breathing (e.g., stridor), and an increased breathing effort. With a completely obstructed airway, there is no respiration despite great effort (i.e., paradox respiration, or "see-saw" sign). A reduced level of consciousness is a common cause of airway obstruction, partial or complete. A common sign of partial airway obstruction in the unconscious state is snoring. Untreated airway obstruction can rapidly lead to cardiac arrest. All health care professionals, regardless of the setting, can assess the airway as described and use a head-tilt and chin-lift maneuver to open the airway. With the proper equipment, suction of the airways to remove obstructions, for example, blood or vomit, is recommended. If possible, foreign bodies causing airway obstruction should be removed. In the event of a complete airway obstruction, treatment should be given according to current guidelines. In brief, to conscious patients give five back blows alternating with five abdominal thrusts until the obstruction is relieved. If the victim becomes unconscious, call for help and start cardiopulmonary resuscitation according to guidelines. Importantly, high-flow oxygen should be provided to all critically ill persons as soon as possible. Breathing (ensuring respiration): In all settings, it is possible to determine the respiratory rate, inspect movements of the thoracic wall for symmetry and use of auxiliary respiratory muscles, and percuss the chest for unilateral dullness or resonance. Cyanosis, distended neck veins, and lateralization of the trachea can be identified. If a stethoscope is available, lung auscultation should be performed and, if possible, a pulse oximeter should be applied. Tension pneumothorax must be relieved immediately by inserting a cannula where the second intercostal space crosses the midclavicular line (needle thoracocentesis). Bronchospasm should be treated with inhalations. If breathing is insufficient, assisted ventilation must be performed by giving rescue breaths with or without a barrier device. Trained personnel should use a bag mask if available. (Source: The Manufacturer) Circulation (internal bleeding): The capillary refill time and pulse rate can be assessed in any setting. Inspection of the skin gives clues to circulatory problems. Color changes, sweating, and a decreased level of consciousness are signs of decreased perfusion. If a stethoscope is available, heart auscultation should be performed. Electrocardiography monitoring and blood pressure measurements should also be performed as soon as possible. Hypotension is an important adverse clinical sign. The effects of hypovolemia can be alleviated by placing the patient in the supine position and elevating the patient's legs. An intravenous access should be obtained as soon as possible and saline should be infused. Disability (neurological condition): The level of consciousness can be rapidly assessed using the AVPU method, where the patient is graded as alert (A), voice responsive (V), pain responsive (P), or unresponsive (U). Alternatively, the Glasgow Coma Score can be used.16 Limb movements should be inspected to evaluate potential signs of lateralization. The best immediate treatment for patients with a primary cerebral condition is stabilization of the airway, breathing, and circulation. In particular, when the patient is only pain responsive or unresponsive, airway patency must be ensured, by placing the patient in the recovery position, and summoning personnel qualified to secure the airway. Ultimately, intubation may be required. Pupillary light reflexes should be evaluated and blood glucose measured. A decreased level of consciousness due to low blood glucose can be corrected quickly with oral or infused glucose. Exposure (overall examination, environment): Signs of trauma, bleeding, skin reactions (rashes), needle marks, etc., must be observed. Bearing the dignity of the patient in mind, clothing should be removed to allow a thorough physical examination to be performed. Body temperature can be estimated by feeling the skin or using a thermometer when available.

(Source: Your Career)

Duties and Tasks

First Aid trainers are responsible for ensuring that their group are certified to deal with emergency situations.

This mean that they can be liable in cases where misinformation is delivered, therefore, their responsibility to ensure accuracy in their job and group understanding is vital.

Therefore, the primary responsibility of a first aid educator is to teach and certify people to respond to emergency situations appropriately. To achieve this, their daily duties often comprise:

• researches, plans, develops and implements first aid curriculum
• facilitates practical experience
• evaluates ongoing and changing educational needs and monitors course outcomes
• organising training course times and venues
• providing beginner, intermediate and advanced course participants with detailed first aid information
• delivering high-quality and comprehensive course materials in a way that all trainees can understand
• showing trainees how to administer emergency first aid treatment
• introducing various pieces of first aid equipment and demonstrating their operation
• assessing trainees' capabilities and certifying those who meet the requirements
• keeping training resources and equipment clean and maintained
• managing course bookings, payments and attendee records
• providing potential participants with course information
• evaluating ongoing first aid training requirements
• monitoring the outcomes of the training courses they deliver
• taking part in first aid development
  
• participates in developing and implementing policies affecting first aid.

(Source: St John)

Working conditions
  
First Aid Trainers conduct first aid training courses in a variety of settings to a range of clients, including corporate clients, school students, community groups and other members of the public. Being a First Aid trainer requires the ability to create a positive and relaxed environment with the group and sufficient knowledge to answer questions and act out hypothetical situations.

First Aid trainers may have to travel around the country to deliver their courses and will not always work usual office hours as courses often have to be delivered to fit around daily work schedules or trainees.

This means being flexible and prepared to work anti-social hours. First Aid trainers will work in a variety of environments, usually indoors. These can include sports halls, school classrooms and community centres. Work environments will usually be a hired venue for holding the course.

Sessions will be held with groups of around 15 people meaning that First Aid trainers need to be confident in public speaking and demonstration.

The potential for physical injury in First Aid training is low as any risky practices will use a simulation dummy. Physical demands are also low in this role – there is minimal lifting and carrying of demonstration dolls but they are not particularly heavy.

First Aid trainers are often required to travel to the location of the group they will be training and assessing. This can mean long journeys and possible overnight stays. With this in mind, First Aid trainers need to possess their own vehicle or means of travel as transportation of equipment to courses will be a necessity.

Hours are usually office hours as courses are normally run from 9am to around 4pm, but working days are irregular.

Some First Aid trainers may be required to work evenings and weekends.

First Aid trainers may be required to wear a uniform, usually a t-shirt with appropriate logo provided by the employer, but besides this, loose fitting clothes that are easy to move in are most suitable.

    
Tools and technologies
   
First aid kits
A first aid kit consists of a strong, durable bag or transparent plastic box. They are commonly identified with a white cross on a green background. A first aid kit does not have to be bought ready-made. The advantage of ready-made first aid kits are that they have well organized compartments and familiar layouts. Here are the usual items:

• Information leaflet
• Medium sterile dressings
• Large sterile dressings
• Bandages
• Triangular dressings
• Safety pins
• Adhesive dressings
• Sterile wet wipes
• Microporous tape
• Nitrile gloves
• Face shield
• Foil blanket
• Burn dressings
• Clothing shears
• Conforming bandages
• Finger dressing
• Antiseptic cream
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Cotton

(Source: St John First Aid Training)

Education and training/entrance requirements

You need a certificate IV in training and assessment to work as a First Aid Trainer. It is common for First Aid Trainers to have a post-school qualification in a related field, such as nursing or education.

Training in First Aid is generally provided by attending a course, typically leading to certification. Due to regular changes in procedures and protocols, based on updated clinical knowledge, and to maintain skill, attendance at regular refresher courses or re-certification is often necessary. First aid training is often available through community organizations such as the Red Cross and St. John Ambulance, or through commercial providers, who will train people for a fee.

Employment Opportunities

Self- employed First Aid trainers may be contracted by private businesses and other organisations
St John’s Ambulance
Local councils
Hospitals and paramedic departments
Private or alternative educational establishments

Career Progression
  
There is limited career progression for First Aid trainers. Many trainers move on to starting their own businesses and becoming self-employed.

Within companies, it is hard to move up without moving into purely administrative roles.

Some First Aid trainers become paramedics themselves or move sideways into teaching First Aid alongside causes they believe in.

First Aid trainers are needed worldwide, so the role gives great opportunity for travel.

Related Jobs or Working with these Jobs

Call Centre Operator	Corporate Trainer	Emergency Medical Specialist	Firefighter
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State Emergency Service Officer [SES]	Teacher	University Lecturer

Materials sourced from
Jobs & Skills WA [Ambulance Officer; ];
Paramedics Australasia [Role Descriptors];
Australian Paramedical College;
Ambulance Victoria [Types of Paramedics; ]
Paramedicine Online [Critical Care Paramedic; ]
Indeed [First Aid Trainer; ]
Wikipedia [First Aid; ]
MyJobSearch [First Aid Trainer; ]
Your Career [Ambulance Officer; Ambulance Officer and Paramedic; Intensive Care Ambulance Paramedic; First Aid Trainer; ]