Day in the life
A Day in the Life of an Ambulance Driver
What ambulance drivers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for an ambulance driver?
Inspect the vehicle. From there, the day usually includes drive ambulances or vans, move patients, and secure wheelchairs and stretchers. Shifts include nights and weekends.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for an ambulance driver working full time.
- Inspect the vehicle.
- Stock supplies.
- Transport a dialysis patient.
- Move a patient between hospitals.
- Clean the stretcher.
- Pick up a discharge.
- Complete trip logs.
Where ambulance drivers work
Drivers work in vehicles, hospitals, clinics and homes.
Hours and schedule
Shifts include nights and weekends.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Drive ambulances or vans
- Move patients
- Secure wheelchairs and stretchers
- Clean and stock vehicles
- Assist EMTs
- Complete trip records
- Inspect vehicles
Tools you’ll use every day
- Ambulances
- Wheelchair vans
- Stretchers
- Stair chairs
- Radios
- Tablets
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Help patients
- Short training
- Path to EMT
- Steady demand
What’s hard
- Lifting patients
- Odd hours
- Modest pay
- Stressful moments
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I want to help patients
- I drive safely
- I can lift
- I stay calm
- I might become an EMT
- I want short training
Not sure? Take the free Ambulance Driver fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Use proper lifting
- Follow infection control
- Drive defensively
- Secure all equipment