Driver / Ambulance Driver

Role Overview

As an Ambulance Driver, you are the first link in the chain of survival — the person who gets a trained clinical crew and life-saving equipment to a patient quickly, and then moves that patient safely to definitive care. The role combines high-pressure emergency driving with disciplined vehicle stewardship: you keep the ambulance roadworthy, correctly stocked and ready to respond at any hour. Because every minute on scene and in transit directly affects patient outcomes, reliability, composure under pressure and strict adherence to emergency-driving standards are central to how this position is judged.

Key Responsibilities

• Respond to emergency and non-emergency calls by the fastest safe route, applying emergency-driving techniques while remaining within the legal exemptions and code of conduct that govern emergency vehicles.
• Transport patients to and between medical facilities, assisting the clinical crew with stretcher loading, patient positioning, securing of equipment and safe transfer into and out of the vehicle.
• Carry out pre-trip and post-trip inspections covering brakes, tyres, lights, sirens, beacons, fluid levels and emergency warning systems, and report defects promptly to the fleet or maintenance function.
• Verify that the ambulance is response-ready at the start of every shift — oxygen cylinders, suction, first-aid and resuscitation equipment, consumables and fuel — and flag any shortage or expiry for replenishment.
• Clean, disinfect and decontaminate the vehicle interior and equipment after each patient contact, following infection-control procedures, and dispose of clinical waste correctly.
• Maintain accurate trip, mileage, fuel and call-out records, and complete handover documentation and incident reports as required.
• Coordinate with dispatch, control room staff, receiving facilities and the attending clinical team so that route, timing and patient status are communicated clearly throughout each call.
• Stand by on call and work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends and public holidays, remaining contactable and ready to deploy at short notice.
• Keep the vehicle secure when unattended and safeguard patient confidentiality and dignity at all times.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Valid Class BCE driving licence together with a current Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licence.
• At least five years of professional driving experience, including demonstrated ambulance-driving experience in an emergency medical, rescue or patient-transport setting.
• A clean driving record with no endorsements or disqualifications, and a valid Certificate of Good Conduct from the relevant authority.
• Working knowledge of vehicle inspection routines, fault identification and basic maintenance practices sufficient to keep an emergency vehicle in serviceable condition.
• Willingness and availability to work shift patterns and on-call duties, including nights, weekends and public holidays.
• Ability to stay calm, make sound judgements and follow instructions while driving under time pressure and in adverse weather or traffic conditions.
• Sufficient physical fitness to assist with stretcher handling and movement of patients and equipment.
• First Aid or Basic Life Support certification and formal defensive-driving training are an added advantage.
• Clear verbal communication skills and the ability to keep accurate written records.