Volunteering for ambulance

We are always looking for committed, caring people to help us. Our volunteer ambulance officers:

• are often first responders to the scene of medical emergencies in rural Tasmania
• work alongside our paramedics
• provide patient care
• operate our vehicles
• complete Patient Care Records
• hand over care to arriving ambulances or hospital staff.

How to become a volunteer ambulance officer

• No experience is necessary.
• You must be at least 18 years of age.
• You must be in good health and fit.
• You must hold a current Driver’s Licence (‘C’ class standard car license).
• You must be passionate about helping and willing to learn.
• You must complete an application form including your background, health and fitness.
• You must authorise us to do a ‘criminal convictions’ check through Tasmania Police.

Register your interest

Types of volunteer ambulance officers

VAO-1 volunteers

• You support more qualified staff.
• This includes managing the scene, stretcher and equipment handling, and driving.

VAO-2 volunteers

• You are a first responder to medical emergencies.
• This includes managing scenes and providing basic life support until more qualified crews arrive.

VAO-3 volunteers

• You will treat and monitor patients until backup arrives if required.
• You may also or transport less seriously ill patients to hospital.

How much time is involved?

VAO-2 and VAO-3 volunteers

• You are rostered on duty for a minimum of 240 hours each year.
• You will also attend at least 10 training sessions each year.

VAO-1 volunteers

• You must commit to 100 hours each year.
• You will need to attend four compulsory training sessions yearly.

Do I need to know first aid?

• You must have a current Advanced First Aid qualification.
• We will support you in obtaining your First Aid qualifications.

What is involved in the training sessions?

• Initial training is held over two days in Hobart, Launceston or Burnie.
• After that, most groups train locally once a fortnight.
• You will have practical, tutorial and e-learning training.
• We also run some informal training sessions.
• A lot of training also occurs in the field.

Other important information for volunteers

• You will be supported by paramedics if you need help.
• You are covered under our workers compensation policy if you are injured while working for us.
• We provide you with uniforms, pager and appropriate vaccinations.
• We provide critical incident stress management when required.
• Ambulance volunteers are not paid but we will pay you for approved out-of-pocket expenses.

Benefits of becoming a volunteer

As a volunteer you can:

• make new friends and work as part of a close-knit team
• learn new skills including first aid and how to manage stressful and demanding situations
• help care for people who are sick or injured, and reassure their loved ones
• contribute to a vital service for residents and visitors in rural communities
• keep physically and mentally active
• contribute to your community.

View our Ambulance station locations