AMBULANCE DRIVER JOB DESCRIPTION

Most people never question whether an ambulance will arrive ready. The Ambulance Driver is the reason it does — every vehicle check, every patient handoff, every compliant transport run adds up to that assumption holding true. Working within EMS systems that operate under HIPAA compliance requirements and EMT-B licensure standards, this role owns the physical movement of patients from point of crisis to point of care. It demands equal parts clinical awareness and operational discipline.

As the Ambulance Driver, you deliver safe, timely patient transport across emergency and non-emergency calls while maintaining vehicle readiness and compliance with EMS protocols. You operate within a care team structure, coordinating directly with paramedics, charge nurses, and communication specialists to ensure each transport meets both clinical and regulatory standards.

Career Impact: Hands-on experience across emergency, air-to-ground, and interfacility transport builds a documented record of EMT-B competency that supports advancement toward paramedic licensure or clinical coordination roles.

Business Impact: Patients reaching definitive care on time, with accurate pre-arrival information conveyed to the receiving team, directly reflects the Ambulance Driver's execution on every run.

Growth Opportunity: Expanded scope in high-volume EMS environments, including precepting new drivers and cross-training in ED support functions, accelerates the path toward senior field or transport supervisor roles.

• Transport emergency and non-emergency patients to designated facilities safely and within required response windows.
• Perform pre-transport safety assessments and document vehicle condition, equipment status, and any deficiencies on the daily checklist.
• Convey incoming patient information to the charge nurse or receiving clinical team before or upon arrival.
• Maintain ambulance interior, equipment, and supply levels in compliance with infection control and Environment of Care standards.
• Assist paramedics and EMTs during patient care within the authorized EMT-B scope of practice.
• Conduct 12-lead EKGs and specimen collection and labeling in accordance with established clinical protocols.
• Orient and precept newly hired drivers and EMS students as assigned by department leadership.
• Coordinate with dispatch and communication specialists, responding to transport requests within required timeframes.

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent, required.
• Two or more years of active EMT-B or paramedic experience in an EMS or transport setting.
• Current EMT-Basic certification from a state-approved training program, required.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record and no more than 4 points, required.
• BLS certification from the American Heart Association, required.
• Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) or CEVO certification, or ability to complete within 30 days of hire.
• Demonstrated knowledge of HIPAA regulations, patient confidentiality obligations, and EMS compliance requirements.
• Physical ability to lift, push, or pull more than 50 pounds and assist with patient movement and transfers.

• Experience operating within CAMTS-accredited transport programs or air-to-ground interfacility transport environments.
• Proficiency in IV access, phlebotomy, and specimen handling within the EMT-B or expanded scope of practice.
• Prior experience precepting EMT students or orienting newly hired field personnel.
• Familiarity with EMS quality improvement processes, including STEMI, stroke, and trauma performance metrics.

• Response time to FCO dispatch call, measured against the 60-second return standard.
• Pre-transport checklist completion rate, reflecting daily vehicle and equipment readiness.
• Patient handoff accuracy rate, based on completeness of information conveyed to the receiving clinical team.
• Infection control compliance rate, measured through post-transport vehicle and equipment inspection audits.
• Continuing education completion rate against annual or biannual CEU requirements for EMT-B recertification.

• Base Salary Range: $36,000 to $52,000 per year, depending on experience and region.
• Bonus: Shift differentials are common for nights, weekends, and holiday coverage.
• Equity: Not typically offered at this level in EMS settings.
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage is standard across most EMS employers.
• PTO: 10 to 15 days annually, increasing with tenure.
• Common Perks: Uniform provision, continuing education reimbursement, and EMS certification renewal support.

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Background check completion, including motor vehicle record review and applicable drug screening, is a condition of employment for this position. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

The Ambulance Driver provides basic life support and emergency medical care across ambulance calls and transport trips, operating within Thayer County Health Services. Working in compliance with TCHS policies and HIPAA regulations, this role ensures safe patient transport, clinical task execution, and ongoing participation in continuing education to advance patient care outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Transport sick and injured patients to the designated facility safely and on time.
• Perform 12-lead EKGs and similar clinical tasks.
• Operate the ambulance according to state rules and regulations.
• Maintain and promote good health practices and personal hygiene standards.
• Comply with HIPAA regulations and avoid discussing patient matters outside clinical settings.
• Participate in continuing education and training relative to medical and industry advancements.
• Conform to TCHS procedures, policies, and Compliance Program requirements.

Required Qualifications

• A current, valid state driver's license with a clean driving record is required.
• Current EMT certification from an approved training course is required.
• Experience as an EMT preferred.
• Knowledge of ethical, moral, and legal obligations of patient care.
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills.

Embedded within the Metro Life Flight program, the Ambulance Driver participates in patient care as guided by Life Flight RNs and Paramedics within the EMT-B scope, maintaining compliance with CAMTS requirements and all associated documentation. Working closely with communication specialists, MLF personnel, and Emergency Department staff, this role ensures age-specific competency across all patient populations and supports seamless transport operations that uphold Metro Health System standards.

Core Functions

• Maintain compliance with CAMTS requirements and all associated documentation.
• Demonstrate age-specific competencies across infant, pediatric, adult, and geriatric patient populations.
• Assist in the Emergency Department during downtime, including transporting non-monitored patients, restocking, and taking vital signs.
• Clean and maintain the ambulance interior and equipment according to infection control guidelines.
• Orient newly hired paramedics and EMT-B drivers as assigned.
• Reinforce patient education and act as a patient advocate.
• Maintain the EMS room cleanliness, communication board, and quality performance information.
• Return call to FCO within 60 seconds and respond to transport requests immediately.
• Work collaboratively with communication specialists and other MLF personnel.

Qualifications and Experience

• A high school diploma or passage of a high school equivalency exam is required.
• Current Ohio EMT-Basic certification or higher is required.
• Current and valid Ohio driver's license required.
• BLS Certification from the AHA is required.
• Minimum one year of active experience as a paramedic or EMT-B in an EMS service is required.
• Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) or CEVO certification completed within one month of hire, required.
• Knowledge of transport standards, basic life support standards, and ground transport safety guidelines.
• Ability to pull, push, or pick up more than 50 pounds and assist with patient movement.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to speak assertively and sensitively in stressful situations.
• Ability to interact effectively with a wide range of cultural, ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Reporting to operational control, the Ambulance Driver transports patients to and from hospital safely, comfortably, and on time in partnership with NHS Trusts. Partnering with other agencies and clinical facilities, this role ensures safe patient handling, vehicle readiness, and compliance with G4S policies to maintain and improve patient quality of life throughout the transport journey.

Primary Duties

• Assist, move, and handle patients who may be ambulatory or wheelchair bound using appropriate equipment.
• Ensure patients are safely seated and secured whilst in transit.
• Maintain cleanliness and perform routine daily checks of designated vehicles before deployment.
• Assist patients when entering and leaving their homes and ensure the safety and security of their property.
• Liaise and report to Control as directed, updating location and status and responding to instructions.
• Convey patients to the appropriate location within the treatment facility upon arrival.
• Provide support to other agencies in the event of serious injury or emergency.
• Maintain records as appropriate and comply with all G4S instructions, procedures, and policies.

Skills and Qualifications

• Full UK Manual Driving Licence required.
• Willingness to undergo manual handling, first aid at work, and advanced driving training.
• Physically fit and able to lift and support patients.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• A caring attitude toward patients with the ability to show empathy.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and commitment to delivering high-quality patient service.

Sitting at the intersection of emergency response and clinical support, the Ambulance Driver transports incoming ambulance and aircraft patients while performing pre-transport risk assessments and conveying critical information to the Charge Nurse. Operating across CareFlight ground transport and the Emergency Department, this role enables safe, compliant patient movement and supports care team performance through coaching, documentation, and equipment readiness.

Duties

• Perform pre-transport risk assessment via the safety matrix before each ground transport.
• Receive report of incoming ambulance and aircraft patients and convey pertinent information to the Charge Nurse.
• Ensure necessary assistance is available for unloading air medical patients.
• Maintain proficiency in radio and satellite communications with the CareFlight communication center.
• Inspect the ambulance for damage and equipment failure, and document findings on the daily checklist.
• Apply prevention and intervention techniques when interacting with violent, mentally disturbed, or intoxicated patients.
• Obtain IV access, bloods, and specimens proficiently and label and transport within established standards.
• Maintain the Environment of Care and Point of Care standards, supply stocking, and equipment checks during downtime.
• Advocate, precept, and coach EMS and nursing students as well as new employees.

Experience and Qualifications

• Minimum three months of post-high school education with completed IV course, required.
• Current EMT-B certification and a valid driver's license with fewer than 4 points are required.
• Minimum two years of experience required.
• Knowledge of EMS operations, quality, and performance improvement.
• Proficiency in accurate and timely documentation using ASAP.
• Ability to safely operate motor vehicles in compliance with SCL Health Systems Driver Safety Policy.