With the rise in need across the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many states are signing executive orders to allow for the creation of easier pathways to Ambulance Vehicle Operator (AVO) positions. In an effort to help cities and rural areas meet the increased need for travel between hospitals and healthcare facilities, AVO professionals are more essential than ever. If you have ever thought about putting your driving skills and medical passion to work for those in need, now is the time to help a world in need.
Typically, the standard for ambulatory services requires that two Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are present when an ambulance is transporting a patient. One drives the ambulance while the other monitors the patient and helps administer emergency care as necessary. With new standards in many states, the requirement has been loosened to allow an EMT and an AVO to be present when traveling between locations with a patient.
With these new standards, individuals who have considered getting into the healthcare field through ambulatory or emergency services now have an open door to fulfilling their dreams.
At Integrity Medical Transport, we field many questions from individuals interested in getting their foot in the door with emergency services – especially due to the recent pandemic. Here are some of the most common questions we receive about the AVO position:
One level below the role of an EMT, an AVO’s education and skill is certified through a registry known as the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). Typically, the process to becoming an AVO requires a 45 hour education and skills course, and a certification for validation of your AVO license. Passing a background check and having a legal driver’s license is also required.
The process to become an EMT is longer and requires more education – potentially up to a collegiate level of courses at 190 hours. Many AVOs will not be trained or qualified to handle some of the more intensive responsibilities of an EMT, but can often aid them in their work. To help you learn more, visit your local state or city’s EMT and AVO requirements.
For an average AVO, the primary job they will fulfill is transporting patients from one location to another via an ambulance. This may include both emergency and non-emergency situations, and will potentially require the AVO to step in with life-saving medical care as necessary. For example, AVOs may be required to jump in and provide CPR, attend to wounds or lacerations, stabilize individuals in severe health conditions for transportation, and more.
An AVO is also responsible for maintaining communication with dispatch for processing information regarding patient care and situation updates. As an AVO, a keen eye for detail and a preparedness for the unexpected can help you step into every situation ready to handle anything that may arise. AVOs will also be tasked with ensuring that the vehicle is ready for every trip, and will be called upon to process any repair or maintenance requests as necessary.
While EMT training requires more than an AVO certification, the experience that you will gain as an AVO will be invaluable for helping you learn if the life of an EMT is right for you. In your time as an AVO, you will have the unique opportunity to engage with EMTs and learn about their daily life and work.
Working as an AVO while you pursue your EMT certification and education is a great way to supplement your education with real-world experience. Working as an AVO will pay huge dividends toward both your education in EMT as well as helping you get a taste of what to expect in the daily work-life balance of that career path. Also, your time as an AVO will reduce the number of field hours required for EMT certification.
While EMT training requires more than an AVO certification, the experience that you will gain as an AVO will be invaluable for helping you learn if the life of an EMT is right for you. In your time as an AVO, you will have the unique opportunity to engage with EMTs and learn about their daily life and work.
Working as an AVO while you pursue your EMT certification and education is a great way to supplement your education with real-world experience. Working as an AVO will pay huge dividends toward both your education in EMT as well as helping you get a taste of what to expect in the daily work-life balance of that career path. Also, your time as an AVO will reduce the number of field hours required for EMT certification.