Ambulance Driver Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the healthcare sector, the importance of ambulance drivers has never been more vital.

As medical emergencies increase, so does the demand for skilled professionals who can transport patients safely and swiftly.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an ambulance driver?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager searching for the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the crucial role of ambulance driving,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable ambulance driver job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Ambulance Driver Duties and Responsibilities

Ambulance Drivers are tasked with the duty of driving the ambulance to transport patients, medical equipment, and healthcare professionals swiftly and safely to medical facilities.

They are trained to provide basic medical care when necessary and to follow all road regulations.

Their daily duties and responsibilities include:

• Driving the ambulance safely and swiftly during emergencies
• Assisting in the loading and unloading of patients into the ambulance
• Providing basic medical care and first aid during transit
• Inspecting the ambulance before and after each trip to ensure it’s properly equipped
• Maintaining the cleanliness and sanitation of the ambulance
• Reporting any mechanical issues or damage to the ambulance
• Adhering strictly to road regulations even during emergencies
• Assisting medical professionals and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) as needed
• Completing necessary paperwork, including patient reports and trip logs
• Participating in regular training and drills to improve response time

 

Ambulance Driver Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Ambulance Driver to safely transport patients to and from medical facilities.

This includes responding to emergency calls, transporting patients from the scene of an accident to the hospital, and transferring patients between medical facilities.

The ideal candidate should have excellent driving skills, be able to remain calm under pressure, and have a deep understanding of health and safety regulations.

 

Responsibilities

• Respond to emergency calls promptly and follow the most effective route to the patient’s location
• Transport patients to and from medical facilities in a safe and efficient manner
• Ensure the ambulance is cleaned after each transport and maintained in good working condition
• Assist medical personnel with loading and unloading patients
• Maintain accurate patient records and ambulance logbooks
• Adhere to all traffic and health and safety regulations
• Provide emotional support to patients and their families during transport
• Perform routine checks and maintenance on the ambulance

 

Qualifications

• Valid state driver’s license with a clean driving record
• Proven experience as an ambulance driver or a similar role
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations, medical terminologies, and first aid procedures
• Excellent driving skills with the ability to remain calm under pressure
• Good physical condition and stamina to lift and move patients
• Ability to work with a diverse range of patients and medical professionals
• High school diploma or equivalent
• CPR and First Aid certification

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Training opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Ambulance Driver
• Work Environment: This role involves working in a variety of environments including hospitals, clinics, and emergency scenes. This may also include exposure to infectious diseases and potentially distressing situations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Ambulance Operations Manager or Supervisor.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time, with a requirement to work shifts, weekends, and public holidays.
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Ambulance Driver Do?

Ambulance Drivers are vital healthcare professionals who provide emergency transportation services to individuals in critical health situations.

They operate specially equipped vehicles to transport ill, injured or convalescent persons to or from their destinations, which can often include hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, or other healthcare facilities.

They are trained to respond quickly to emergency situations, navigating complex routes while following local regulations and road laws to ensure patient safety.

While their main role is driving, Ambulance Drivers are also trained in basic first aid procedures, and they may provide preliminary care until the patient is handed over to a healthcare professional.

They might also be required to communicate with dispatchers, report their status, document their actions, and maintain the ambulance and its equipment in clean and working condition.

Additionally, they often work closely with Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and paramedics, assisting in carrying patients on stretchers or other medical equipment, if required.

In some cases, Ambulance Drivers are EMTs themselves, with the added responsibility of providing more advanced medical care during transit.

 

Ambulance Driver Qualifications and Skills

An effective ambulance driver should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record to ensure the safety of the patient and the ambulance crew.
• Physical fitness and stamina to lift and transport patients, maneuver stretchers and perform other strenuous tasks as required.
• Excellent knowledge of emergency medical procedures and protocols to provide immediate care when necessary.
• Exceptional driving skills to navigate through high traffic or difficult weather conditions and reach the destination quickly and safely.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact with patients, their families, paramedics and medical staff.
• Ability to remain calm and composed in high-stress situations to effectively respond to emergencies.
• Knowledge of basic vehicle maintenance and repair to ensure the ambulance is in good working condition at all times.
• Good navigational skills and familiarity with local streets and highways to find the most direct and quickest routes.
• Flexibility to work during nights, weekends, and holidays as emergency services operate 24/7.

 

Ambulance Driver Experience Requirements

Ambulance drivers generally start their journey with a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by completing a driver’s training program which includes classroom instruction and practical driving experience.

Many ambulance services require drivers to have a certain amount of driving experience, often around 2-3 years.

This experience can be gained through a variety of roles such as delivery driver, bus driver, or taxi driver, amongst others.

Additionally, experience in emergency situations can be a significant advantage.

Many employers also require their ambulance drivers to have an Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC) certification, which provides training in driving emergency vehicles under various conditions.

Candidates with over 5 years of driving experience, along with additional qualifications such as advanced first aid or CPR certification, may be considered for more advanced or leadership roles within the ambulance service.

Experience working in high-pressure environments, dealing with emergency situations, and excellent navigational skills are some of the key experience requirements for an ambulance driver.

 

Ambulance Driver Education and Training Requirements

To become an Ambulance Driver, an individual generally needs a high school diploma or equivalent education.

The primary training for an ambulance driver is to receive a certification as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic.

These programs typically require hundreds of hours of specialized training and clinical experience.

Alongside this, Ambulance Drivers must possess a valid state driver’s license and often require a special ambulance driver’s license.

These licenses often require successful completion of a driving skills test and a written exam about laws and safe driving practices.

Some states or employers may require an Ambulance Driver to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

In addition to these, Ambulance Drivers need to have CPR certification and complete courses in defensive driving and hazardous materials handling.

It is recommended that Ambulance Drivers pursue ongoing training and education to maintain and improve their emergency care skills, as well as to stay up-to-date with the latest techniques and technologies in emergency medical services.

Prior experience in patient care or a related field can be beneficial for this role, demonstrating the driver’s ability to handle high-pressure situations.

 

Ambulance Driver Salary Expectations

The average wage for an Ambulance Driver is approximately $15.57 (USD) per hour.

However, salaries can fluctuate based on factors like level of experience, specific location, and the nature of the employing agency or hospital.

Annual earnings for this role typically fall between $31,000 and $39,000 (USD), depending on full-time or part-time status and overtime opportunities.

 

Ambulance Driver Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does an ambulance driver need?

Ambulance drivers should have a high school diploma or equivalent and a valid driver’s license.

Some states require a special ambulance driver’s license.

Additionally, they should have completed a CPR and First Aid training program.

Having a clean driving record and passing a physical examination, including drug and alcohol tests, are also typical requirements.

 

What skills are required for an ambulance driver?

Ambulance drivers need to be highly skilled in defensive driving techniques to safely transport patients to medical facilities.

They should possess great communication skills to interact with patients, their families, and medical staff.

The ability to stay calm under pressure, handle stressful situations, and make quick decisions are also essential skills.

 

What are the daily duties of an ambulance driver?

An ambulance driver’s duties include responding to emergency calls, driving the ambulance to specified locations, assisting paramedics with medical equipment, and maintaining the ambulance equipment in good working order.

They may also need to fill out reports on patient condition and treatment, and ensure the ambulance is clean and stocked with medical supplies.

 

What qualities make a good ambulance driver?

A good ambulance driver is compassionate and has a strong desire to help people.

They are able to stay calm and make quick decisions in high-stress situations.

Good physical stamina and the ability to lift and carry heavy loads are also important qualities.

Ambulance drivers should also be team players, as they often work with other medical professionals to provide care to patients.

 

Is it difficult to hire ambulance drivers?

Hiring ambulance drivers can be challenging due to the high-stress nature of the job and the specific requirements.

The need for clean driving records, physical fitness, and the ability to handle intense situations can limit the pool of potential candidates.

It can be helpful to provide competitive compensation and supportive work environment to attract skilled drivers.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve demystified the role of an ambulance driver, shedding light on what it truly means.

And guess what?

It’s not just about being behind the wheel.

It’s about navigating the road to recovery, one patient at a time.

With our handy ambulance driver job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to hit the ground running.

But why stop there?

Delve further into your career journey with our job description generator. It’s your next pitstop for accurate and detailed job descriptions or for optimizing your resume to the finest detail.

Remember:

Every mile you drive is a part of a greater journey.

Let’s embark on that journey. Together.

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