How Can I do A Paramedic Ride Along?

Paramedic ride alongs are basically a chance for paramedic, medical and nursing students to ride along in an Ambulance and observe how paramedics treat and manage patients in their unique prehospital care environment, which is very different from providing the same medical care in a hospital.

Depending on what your current background is (are you a student, or do you work in the industry) as well as the location in which you would like to have an Ambulance Ride Along will determine whether or not you are able to participate in a ride along.

Because there are issues regarding patient confidentiality, observer safety and legitimacy of a “random” person being allowed into complete strangers homes during medical emergencies, some Ambulance Services will not allow you to participate in an Ambulance Ride Along.

If you would like to see what paramedics do, I would suggest contacting your local Ambulance Service and asking them what the process is. Most Ambulance Services will make you complete a criminal record check, and also identify a reason why you should be allowed to do a ride along. This will normally have to be something, such as being a current student in some health science degree or working in the industry. Most Ambulance Services wont just let you go on an Ambulance Ride Along just because you are curious what paramedics do, or you have seen a really cool TV show and would like to watch it for real.

Having said all this, some Ambulance Services (especially if they have a volunteer component) will gladly accept people with no medical or student background into their Service to participate in a ride along.