Provides specialised transport services and emergency health care for the injured, sick, infirm and aged.

Attends accidents, emergencies and requests for medical assistance and provides pre-hospital care; assesses health of patients, assesses need for assistance, specialised needs and factors affecting patients' conditions; performs therapies and administers drugs according to protocol; resuscitates and defibrillates patients and operates life-support equipment; transports accident victims to medical facilities; transports sick and disabled persons for specialised treatment and rehabilitation; instructs community groups and essential service workers in first aid; attends public events where accidents and other health emergencies may occur; ensures that ambulances are adequately maintained and stocked with medical supplies, and that equipment is in good working order; prepares written reports on the state of patients' injuries and treatment.

• Works inside, in ambulances, people’s homes or at accident scenes. May also transport patients between hospitals. Homes and vehicles are generally adequately heated and ventilated, but employees are required to work outside in all weather conditions when attending accident and emergency situations.
• Deals with serious injuries and fatalities on a daily basis and may work in dangerous and difficult situations.

• Sedentary to very heavy physical demand level.
• The job involves frequent walking and standing. Sitting is required on an occasional to frequent basis.
• Stretching and reaching across is occasionally required. Bending, squatting, crouching or kneeling is frequently necessary. Twisting of the body or neck and heavy to very heavy lifting, pulling or carrying are occasionally likely.
• Contact with skin irritants or water is unlikely. When in contact with people who have infectious conditions protective equipment will be utilised.
• Driving of vehicles is frequently required. Repetitive movements are not a significant feature of this job. Hand-held objects used include medical equipment and general office tools.
• Mental skills needed are communication, health care and first aid skills.

To become an Ambulance Officer qualified with basic life support (BLS): a National Diploma in Ambulance Practice (NZQ Level 5); a full Class 1 driver’s licence, and a good driving record. Some ambulance officers then go on to become intermediate life support (ILS) paramedics by completing additional qualifications (ANZSCO Skill Level 2).

• Shift work is a norm for this job.
• There are opportunities for flexibility of movement but they are limited.