You may also need knowledge of map reading and local geography as not all accidents happen in the home; you may get a call needing medical help from somebody up on a mountain or in an isolated area. If you were able to speak another language, this would be an advantage.
Training would either be ‘on the job’, classroom based or ‘in house’. You will be trained to use the switchboard and radio and any other equipment you may need. You will need to learn how to prioritise calls, the work of A & E crews, how to give advice over the telephone and first aid.
Audiologist
The role of an Audiologist is to work with patients identifying and assessing hearing loss and/or balance. Audiologists need to able to communicate with people of all ages. They have to have a caring and patient focused attitude as well as a scientific approach. They will examine patients and give them the best hearing aid for their needs or refer them for further investigation. Once qualified, an Audiologist can specialise in different areas such as paediatrics.
The entry requirements are GCSE’s including; English, Maths/Science grades A-C and three A levels with at least one in a science subject. To qualify as an Audiologist you will have to take a degree course, which will take four years. The first 2 years are spent at university where you will learn all about the science behind the tests and treatments that are currently used. The third year will be on clinical placement e.g. hospital, learning about how audiology services work in the NHS and learning how to carry out procedures. For the final year, you will be back at university learning more advanced techniques of audiology.
Cardiological Technician/ Cardiac Clinical Scientific Officer (CCSO)
The role of a CCSO is to carry out investigations on the function of the heart and any equipment used to help the heart e.g. pacemaker.
They are required to record and analyse electrocardiograms (ECG’s). They would then report their finding to the doctor who is responsible for treatment.
Entry requirements would be at least four GCSE’s including; English, Maths and two Sciences all at grades A-C, which would then enable you to take the BTEC National Certificate in Medical Physics/Physiology Measurement. Some hospitals may want you to take the Higher National Certificate. Training will involve a two year nationally agreed programme, which is work based training and attending college. Senior staff carries out training, which allows you to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to perform the procedures safely and eventually independently.
The rates of pay for Medical Technical Officers depends on your grade; starting at Trainees salary which is £9,929 - £11.937. When you are qualified, you will then be on a grade scale of Grade 1 up to Grade 5, the wages range from £12,815 for Grade 1 up to £38,340 for Grade 5.