Ambulance paramedic

What does an ambulance paramedic do? – Tasks and work environment

Ambulance paramedics provide emergency care and life-saving interventions to individuals affected by accidents or sudden illnesses. Their tasks include assessing the patient's condition, performing medical procedures on-site and during transport, and working closely with colleagues, especially ambulance nurses and other healthcare providers. The environment is characterized by shift work, high pace, and varied workplaces, from traffic accidents to patients' homes. The profession requires good physical ability, stress resilience, and a high degree of empathy, as workdays often involve encounters with people in vulnerable situations.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, salaries for ambulance paramedics have shown a steady upward trend. In 2022, the average salary was 34,800 SEK per month, increasing in 2023 to 36 200 SEK, and further to 37 500 SEK in 2024. The total increase during this period is approximately 7.7%, slightly above the general wage development in the healthcare sector. The increase is driven by higher demand for qualified emergency healthcare staff and a growing focus on the importance of ambulance services in society. Salaries are also influenced by regional needs and competition for trained personnel, which promotes improvements in both wages and working conditions.

Ambulance paramedic salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 37 500 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 35,400 SEK/month (female, post-secondary education shorter than 3 years)
• Highest salary: 43,000 SEK/month (male, public sector, 3-year high school education)
• Hourly wage: 225 SEK/hour
• Women earn: 36 100 SEK/month (94% of men's salary)
• Men earn: 38 400 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Salaries may vary depending on region and employer

Education and qualifications

To work as an ambulance paramedic, you need completed education in healthcare, usually a high school program with a focus on care and nursing, supplemented by additional training in ambulance care. Practical experience and certifications in emergency healthcare are often required for employment. A driving license with authorization for emergency driving is also necessary.

• Formal education: Care and nursing program at high school and a one-year supplementary training for ambulance paramedics
• Certifications: Approved training in emergency healthcare and a driving license with emergency vehicle authorization
• Practical training: Practical components and supervised service are included in the training
• Prerequisites: High school diploma with passing grades in healthcare subjects
• Tips for choosing: Experience from other emergency healthcare or rescue services is meritorious

Common benefits and compensations

Ambulance paramedics are often covered by collective agreements that provide extra compensation for unsocial hours, on-call duties, and standby, as well as access to wellness allowances and occupational pension. Health insurance, skills development, and paid further training may also be included depending on the employer and region. Access to work clothing and protective equipment is standard.

Challenges and competition

The competition for positions as ambulance paramedics varies between regions, but there is generally a significant demand for trained personnel. One of the biggest challenges is the physically and mentally demanding work environment, where shifts can be long and stressful. The profession requires high flexibility and the ability to handle difficult or emotionally taxing situations. Limited opportunities for recovery and high workload affect the work environment. At the same time, the profession’s societal importance motivates many employees.

Tips for those who want to become ambulance paramedics

To succeed as an ambulance paramedic, it’s good to have a strong commitment to helping people and the ability to handle stressful situations calmly and decisively. Good communication skills facilitate teamwork with colleagues and patients, which is crucial when quick interventions are needed. Practical problem-solving skills are important, as unforeseen challenges often arise in the field. Physical endurance is necessary to handle heavy lifts and long shifts, while empathy and a professional attitude create safety for patients in crisis. Continuing education and staying updated on new methods in emergency healthcare are highly recommended. Finally, good local knowledge, especially during emergency responses in large or complex geographical areas, is an advantage.

Key facts about ambulance paramedics

• Education level: High school + supplementary training (~1 year)
• Work pattern: Shift work, often nights and weekends
• Typical work environment: Emergency vehicles and urgent situations
• Demand: 375 job openings in 2024
• Special skills: Emergency healthcare and emergency driving

Career paths and future prospects

After several years of experience as an ambulance paramedic, opportunities exist to further train as an ambulance nurse or take on leadership roles within ambulance services, such as instructor or trainer. It’s also common to move into other acute care environments, like emergency departments or rescue services. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecast, no precise assessment is made for the profession due to limited data, but signs point to continued demand, especially in larger regions. Opportunities for further education and skills development are good, and experience in ambulance care is advantageous in many healthcare fields.

Frequently asked questions about ambulance paramedics

• What does an ambulance paramedic earn?
  - The average salary for an ambulance paramedic is 37 500 SEK per month.
• What is required to become an ambulance paramedic?
  - High school healthcare education and supplementary training in ambulance care, as well as a driving license with emergency vehicle authorization.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn 94% of what men do on average within the profession.
• What is the highest salary for an ambulance paramedic?
  - The highest reported salary is 43,000 SEK per month (male, public sector).
• What is the job market like for ambulance paramedics?
  - There are 375 job openings and demand is expected to remain good.
• What are the most common tasks?
  - Emergency care, transports, medical interventions, and collaboration with colleagues during responses.
• What benefits are often included in the job?
  - Collective agreements, overtime pay, wellness allowances, and occupational pension are common.