Community Paramedic

Community Paramedics, sometimes referred to as First contact Community Paramedics, are registered healthcare professionals who are increasingly becoming employed within the primary care environment. To practice as, and call yourself a Paramedic, you must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

To qualify as a Paramedic you can:

  • take a full-time approved qualification in paramedic science (e.g. at a university) and then apply to an ambulance service as a qualified paramedicor
  • become a student paramedic with an ambulance service and study while you work
  • apply for a degree standard apprenticeship in paramedic science with an ambulance service trust

A Community Paramedic working in primary care is a Paramedic who has undertaken additional First contact Community Paramedic training developed by Health Education England (HEE).

Read more about becoming a Paramedic

Download First contact Community Paramedic job role, job descriptions and case studies

Training

Paramedic motorcycle

HEE Primary care First contact Community Paramedic training must be completed as the minimum threshold for entry to primary care. This can begin 3-5 years after the completion of a postgraduate degree.

Funding

Practice Manager

The payband for a First contact Community Paramedic is usually AfC band 7.

From April 2021, the role of First contact Community Paramedic will be reimbursed at 100% of actual salary plus defined on-costs, up to the maximum reimbursable amount of £38,890 over 12 months.