SAAS provides ambulance services right across South Australia. In smaller country towns, we rely on our network of volunteer ambulance officers who staff 70 ambulance stations across the state. Without these volunteers, many rural areas would not have a local ambulance station.
Our volunteers are special people who care about their family, friends
and community and want more out of life.
Their community benefits from their knowledge and specialised medical emergency skills. These skills are priceless and remain with volunteers for life.
Being able to help people in their time of need is very rewarding. Are you interested in finding out more about this satisfying role?
The Certificate IV in Basic Emergency Care (HLT41002) is a nationally recognised course, usually run over a 12-month period. Students practice as volunteer ambulance officers under the supervision of qualified volunteers, gaining practical skills, experience and knowledge throughout the course.
This training is designed to equip
volunteers to operate within a state ambulance authority and provide
basic emergency care and transport in isolated or low-workload areas.
The format is written information, presented in workbooks, and continual practical assessments.
The course is delivered over six weekends by experienced qualified trainers. This is supplemented by station training nights.
Students must satisfactorily complete 19 nationally recognised units to gain this qualification. These are:
| BSBCMN303A | Contribute to the effective workplace relationship |
| HLTAMBAE1A | Enable safe access and egress in an emergency |
| HLTAMBAE2A | Implement specialist access and egress procedures |
| HLTAMBAE3A | Follow procedures for routine safe extrication of patient |
| HLTAMBAE4A | Follow procedures for safe extrication of patient in a life-threatening situation |
| HLTAMBCR1A | Deliver basic patient care |
| HLTAMBFC1A | Communicate within an ambulance environment |
| HLTAMBFC2A |
Communicate in complex or difficult situations |
| HLTAMBPD1A | Manage personal stressors in the work environment |
| HLTAMBSC1A | Manage routine scene |
| HLTAMBSC2A | Manage scene of special event |
| HLTAMBSC3A | Manage the scene of an emergency |
| HLTAMBT1A | Transport non-emergency patients |
| HLTAMBT2A | Transport emergency patients |
| HLTHIR1A | Work effectively in the health industry |
| HLTHSE1A |
Follow the
organisation’s occupational health and safety policies |
| HLTIN1A | Comply with infection control policies and procedures |
| PUACOM005A | Foster a positive organisational image in the community |
| PUAVEH001A | Drive vehicles under operational conditions |
As a potential volunteer, you also need to complete an application, attend an interview, and pass a medical assessment (which your medical practitioner can conduct) and police clearance.
As a volunteer ambulance officer you will be more than a first-aider. You will learn to manage cardiac, respiratory, trauma and medical emergencies in a pre-hospital environment.
You will become skilled in the administration of emergency medication under specific instruction from a medical practitioner.
Training is conducted at your own pace with the assistance and support of other team members.
You will be supplied with a uniform and free Ambulance Cover. All workbooks and resources will be provided.
Your workload will vary seasonally and will differ according to where you are stationed.
SAAS will also provide financial assistance for some childcare and reimbursement of appropriate out-of-pocket expenses.
The skills you acquire will be regularly updated and maintained through an on-going training and reaccreditation program. This program covers any new information that is essential to keep volunteers up to date medically, legally and professionally.