Paramedic
Also known as
Work environment
- Usually work long shifts, including nights and weekends
- Usually work in ambulances, air ambulances and helipcopters, and may travel locally and nationally
- May work in all weather conditions
- May do emotionally demanding work
- Need to work well under pressure, communicate well and be safety conscious
Salary information
Typical tasks
- Respond to medical emergencies
- Transport patients to and from hospital
- Give medicine to patients
- Perform advanced life support techniques
- Support patients during emergencies
- Communicate with other medical and emergency professionals
- Drive ambulances
- Communicate with whānau and caregivers
- Monitor patients responses and progress
Outlook
Paramedicine is evolving beyond traditional emergency response, with growing opportunities to support community health, primary care and patient care outside hospital settings. In New Zealand, changing healthcare needs and new models of care are influencing how paramedic services are delivered. Advances in digital health technology, remote monitoring and clinical decision-support tools are also shaping the future of the profession.
What employers and industry want in graduates
- Ability to stay calm under pressure
- Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication and teamwork
- Empathy and compassion for others
- Sound clinical judgement and attention to detail
- Resilience and adaptability in changing situations
Professional registration
Paramedic Council
04 381 9080
AUT programmes
The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.
Further study options
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This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.