Paramedic Salary & Working Conditions

If you have decided to become a paramedic, you’ve chosen a worthy course that would get you involved in saving lives. The fulfillment that comes in helping to resuscitate people and providing help in times of emergency is incomparable. However, you must know that the job is quite challenging and demanding, both emotionally and physically. You would be called upon even at odd hours when emergency cases arise. The good news is that you can cope with the demands of being a paramedic once you go through sufficient training. The pay and conditions of a paramedic are also encouraging and you may find yourself asking, how much do paramedics get paid?

How much do Paramedics get paid in the UK?

A question I get asked time and time again by aspiring paramedics is “how much do paramedics get paid uk?”

  • You can find out how much paramedics get paid under the NHS (National Health Service) Agenda for Change pay scales.
  • Ranged in Band 5, the salaries of paramedics could be anywhere from £21,176 – £27,534, and it could get higher by 25 per cent, especially when a paramedic works unsocial hours.
  • The paramedic salary for team leaders could range from £25,472 – £34,189, which is a Band 6 salary scale.

Other Employee Benefits

Alongside the Paramedic salary, this career path also offers loads of benefits in addition to the pay packet. For instance, a paramedic can become a benefactor of the following:

  • National Health Service (NHS) pension scheme
  • Relocation packages
  • Study leave for sponsored courses
  • Access to physiotherapy treatment, as well as counselling services.

Paramedic Working Conditions

The operational structure of the emergency ambulance service is 24 hours a day, throughout the year. Typically, a paramedic in the UK works approximately 38 hours each week, this would normally include weekend and night shifts, as well as cover for public holidays.

Also, as a paramedic, you could be called upon for extra stand-by and on-call duties, particularly when operating in remote locations.

Usually, a paramedic is entitled to an annual leave of 27 days, this would include time in lieu or public holidays. Also, paramedics enjoy other favourable working conditions such as the following:

  • Career breaks
  • Job sharing
  • Part-time and reduced hours
  • …and more

These days, it is becoming increasingly common to find paramedics who are self employed. However, this is basically on a part-time basis.

Throughout the United Kingdom, paramedic jobs can be found in all National Health Service (NHS) trust regions. The paramedics wear uniforms and clothing that offers protection such as boots and bright jackets.

  • Usually, a paramedic makes up the two-person ambulance crew, as a senior member of the crew.
  • The ambulance technician is the second crew member, who is there to render assistance to the paramedic.
  • Also, it is not unusual for a paramedic to work alone, with an emergency response car or motorbike. Some paramedics may also use a bicycle in the course of their duty.

Obviously, the job of a paramedic is challenging, but also fulfilling. Sometimes, you may have to deal with aggressive people and different outbursts of emotion. But, the pay is also encouraging, including some employee benefits from the National Health Service (NHS) and other sources.

If you’ve decided to become a paramedic in the UK, follow your instincts and go for your dream career.

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