Ambulance and Defence Force personnel can legally supply and administer prescription medicines if they have authority to practice, or they’re a registered health professional with this ability described within their scope of practice by their registering authority.

Authority to practice (ATP) is granted at a specified practice level (listed below) – this is what you’ll see identified on the uniforms of ambulance officers (on the epaulettes on their shoulders).

Ambulance officer is the generic term to describe staff working at all practice levels.

First Responder (FR):

Ambulance officers practising at this level have undergone a comprehensive first aid course, as well as a specialist module specific to their environment (ambulance, events or communications).

First responders have no ATP and are so can’t administer prescription medicines independently.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT):

This base ambulance qualification is the first level to be issued an ATP. These officers have successfully completed the National Diploma in Ambulance. This course takes 6-12 months to complete, and includes core skills, as well as the theory and application of key concepts relating to both medical and traumatic events.

Paramedic (PARA):

Paramedics are capable of delivering some medicines specific to patients requiring pain relief, in shock, or who are continuously fitting. Officers at this level have either completed an internal education package, or have completed a Bachelor of Health Science in Paramedicine.

Intensive Care Paramedic (ICP):

Officers at this level are specialists in critical care and clinical judgement, with a proven ability to manage complex patients. They’re capable of delivering a wide range of medicines, advanced airway management, and a number of invasive skills. A minimum of a Bachelor Degree is required to achieve this level at present.