Ambulance technicians are also known as Health Emergencies Technicians (TES) and they are health professionals who will provide care to people who have suffered accidents before they arrive at the hospital. Becoming an ambulance technician will require a combination of several factors such as education, practical training, and certain personal qualities.
In the next article we are going to tell you what you have to study to become an ambulance technician and what opportunities the labor market offers.
What are the educational requirements and training to be an ambulance technician?
ESO
The first thing you have to do to become an ambulance technician is to finish ESO. Although it is not mandatory to take any type of special subject, it is advisable to have a foundation in sciences, such as biology and chemistry, and mathematics. This knowledge is key when it comes to understanding the vast majority of medical concepts and be able to perform a series of calculations regarding the administration of medications.
Medium Level Vocational Training
Once they have finished ESO, students must enroll in a Medium Level Vocational Training (FP) in Health Emergencies Technician. This is the main way to become a TES in Spain. This program will last two years and is taught in educational centers specialized in health training.
Some of the modules of this Medium Degree Vocational Training (FP) in Health Emergencies Technician are the following:
- mechanical preventive vehicle maintenance. In this module, students will be taught how to perform preventative maintenance and basic repairs on emergency vehicles.
- Health logistics in emergencies. It refers to the management of health resources and the organization of logistics in emergency situations.
- Health provision. It discusses the equipment and materials found in an ambulance and how it should be used.
- Health care in emergency situations. Students will gain knowledge about how to evaluate and care for patients in emergency situations, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), fracture stabilization, and hemorrhage management.
- Evaluation and transfer of patients. This module will teach techniques to be able to mobilize and transfer patients safely, minimizing the risk of aggravating their injuries.
- Psychological support in emergencies. Teaches students different emotional and psychological support techniques for patients and their families in times of crisis.
- Anatomophysiology and basic pathologies. It provides essential knowledge about the anatomy and physiology of the human body, as well as the main pathologies that can be found in emergencies.
- Training and career counseling. This module will prepare students for the world of work, addressing various aspects such as job search, labor legislation and occupational risk prevention.
Formation in work centers
A very important part of the FP program is Training in Workplaces (FCT), where students will carry out professional practices in environments that are real. In these internships, students will work under the supervision of experienced professionals in this field. This type of training is key so that future ambulance technicians can acquire the necessary skills and become familiar with the entire work environment without problem.
Once the vocational training program has been completed and internships have been completed in workplaces, graduates will obtain the official certification that accredits them as Health Emergencies Technicians. In addition to this, they must register in the Professional Registry corresponding to be able to practice as TES.
Job offer
There are numerous job opportunities those offered by being an Ambulance Technician:
- This type of professional can work in ambulances and respond to medical emergencies.
- Providing support in emergencies and transporting patients to different hospitals and health centers.
- Offering non-urgent medical transportation services, such as private ambulance companies.
- Collaborating in emergency and disaster situations together with the Civil Guard and the Firefighters.
- Providing medical care in disaster situations and national emergencies together with the Security Corps and the Armed Forces.
By continuing to gain experience and continue training, ambulance technicians can advance in their careers, becoming supervisors, instructors, or specializing in different areas such as advanced life support (ALS) or tactical medicine.
What is the salary of Ambulance Technicians or Health Emergency Technicians (TES)?
A TES usually has an average salary of about 20.000 euros gross per year, with a salary range of 1.000 to 2.0000 euros gross per month. The salary will vary significantly depending on the Spanish province in which said work is carried out.