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Paramedic : Salary and conditions

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  2. Salary and conditions
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  • Salaries are covered by the National Health Service (NHS) Agenda for Change  pay scales. Paramedic salaries are in Band 5, which ranges from £21,176 - £27,534. Up to 25% more can be earned for working unsocial hours (salary data collected June 2010).
  • For team leaders, salaries are in Band 6: £25,472 - £34,189 (salary data collected June 2010).
  • Employee benefits may include an NHS pension scheme, study leave for sponsored courses, relocation package and access to counselling services and physiotherapy treatment.
  • The emergency ambulance service operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Paramedics typically work 37.5 hours per week, usually including night and weekend shifts and cover for public holidays. There is usually an annual leave entitlement of 27 days, plus public holidays or time in lieu.
  • You may be required for additional stand-by and on-call duties, especially in remote areas.
  • Part-time and reduced hours, career breaks and job-sharing are usually available. Self-employment is an increasingly popular option, although this is largely part time.
  • Jobs are available in all NHS trust regions throughout the UK.
  • Uniforms are worn and protective clothing, such as a bright jacket and boots, may be necessary.
  • A paramedic is usually the senior member of a two-person ambulance crew. The other crew member is an ambulance technician, who acts as an assistant. Paramedics sometimes also work alone using an emergency response car, a motorbike or even a bicycle.
  • Apart from patients, paramedics also have to deal with other individuals present who may be distressed or violent.
  • The work is physically demanding and may be psychologically and emotionally stressful. Debriefing, chaplaincy and counselling systems are in place and stress management courses are available.
  • Ambulance crews are quite frequently exposed to verbal and physical abuse, particularly as a result of the increasing number of alcohol-related call-outs.
  • Nightshift and weekend working may impact on social life.
  • Travel within the working day is a regular feature of the role. Overseas work or travel is unusual.
 
AGCAS
Written by AGCAS editors
Date: 
June 2010
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