Emergency Care Assistant
Supports paramedics on ambulances — driving, moving patients and assisting with care. A common entry point into the ambulance service.
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Strong on AI resistance and entry; held back by work–life balance.
Can reach ~£80,000 via Clinical Director / Consultant-level Lead.
Mid-sized workforce (~28,172); shrinking (-4% YoY).
Highly resistant to automation — hands-on clinical work.
Challenging work–life balance; heavy shift work.
Easy entry — low study load, moderate competition.
2 onward routes; limited flexible-working scope.
Career Score™ is CareRoute's own indicative rating from public NHS-style data — not an official NHS ranking. A composite of six factors; same inputs always give the same score.
What you'd do
- Drive and maintain the ambulance
- Assist paramedics with patient care
- Move and handle patients safely
- Restock and check equipment
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Typical progression routes
Indicative routes from the career graph — not usage data.
Your salary roadmap
Indicative pay on the highest-reaching route, by year.
Skills & requirements
- Maths & English GCSE (grade 4/C) or equivalent
- BSc Paramedic Science (HCPC-approved)
- UCAS / university application (degree route)
- HCPC registration (allied health professional)
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Honest, practical answers grounded in real NHS-style data — not a recruiter.
Guides & updates
We're writing in-depth ambulance & theatres guides — pay, entry routes and progression. In the meantime, explore the roles and career map above.
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