How to Write a Paramedic CV: Step-by-Step Guide

Emergency medical services play a vital role in patient care in the healthcare industry, so paramedics have an in-demand and rewarding role to pursue. There are many ways to start training and get qualified, even if you’re starting a new career, progressing through an apprenticeship, or considering a career change. 

Learning how to write a good CV for a paramedic is your first step to stand out in this competitive field. The NHS and private healthcare providers are actively recruiting in the UK which means now is an excellent opportunity to apply and impress recruiters.

In this guide, we cover:

• A paramedic CV example.

• The key sections and information to include.

• What to include for a professional healthcare CV format.

• How to highlight relevant skills, work experience, and education.

• Tips for optimising your CV for application tracking systems (ATS).

Use our expert tips to write a modern CV for a healthcare job and increase your chances of landing a video interview during the assessment stage. 

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Paramedic CV example

In this paramedic CV example for the UK, Jason Reed highlights over five years of experience in emergency medical services, specialising in trauma management, patient assessment, and life-saving care. Using the Harvard CV template, his profile showcases expertise in advanced cardiac life support (ALS), emergency response, and patient transport, making it a strong example for aspiring paramedics.

Do you also need a cover letter for your application? Check out our short cover letter example and writing guide!

What to include in a paramedic CV?

Your CV should be clear, well-structured, and tailored to the job you’re applying for. The NHS and private healthcare employers expect a concise, professional CV highlighting your qualifications, work experience, and emergency response skills. You must also demonstrate alignment with NHS patient care policies and procedures and health and safety regulations when training and once you’re qualified.

Essential sections to include in your CV:

• Contact details: Include personal information such as your name, city/region name, phone number and email address.

• Personal profile: Brief CV summary highlighting your experience, soft skills, and career goals.

• Education: List relevant qualifications like medical or scientific degrees, health-related courses, or apprenticeships.

• Work experience: List key responsibilities and achievements gain from relevant jobs or internships using a chronological format.

• Skills section: A mix of hard and soft skills, from patient care to administrative efficiency, like keeping accurate medical records and managing IT systems.

• Professional memberships: Include relevant affiliations such as HCPC registration, St. John’s Ambulance, or other healthcare organisation.

• Additional information: First aid certification, medical, or advanced background checks. Make sure to keep your CV between 1-2 pages in length.

For more tips on structuring your CV, check out our guide on the CV writing process and using a master CV. This document records all your jobs, qualifications, and experiences, making it easier to tailor your CV for specific job applications.

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Are you writing a CV for a first job? Explore healthcare jobs that require little to no experience.

How to write a paramedic CV: 5 steps with examples

1. How to add paramedic skills to a CV

Paramedics require essential medical expertise to help people in emergencies. Still, they also use technical knowledge, such as working with computer databases, to access patient records and share real-time information with hospital departments. They also need excellent interpersonal abilities (soft skills), such as communication, resilience, adaptability, and empathy, when handling high-pressure situations that can be unpredictable and demanding. Learn more about listing communication skills in a CV and how to include computer skills for a CV.

Essential paramedic skills for your CV:

• Emergency response: Assess and treat patients in medical emergencies.

• Patient care: Deliver compassionate and effective care.

• Decision-making: Make quick and accurate medical decisions under pressure.

• Communication skills: Effectively relay information to patients, families, and colleagues.

• Knowledge of personal protective equipment (PPE): Proper use of safety gear.

• Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) compliance: Adhere to NHS values and regulations.

• First aid certification: Advanced knowledge of life-saving techniques.

Experience in or interested in similar career choices? Browse other care roles CV examples to find more skills that you can list on your CV:

• Care Assistant CV

• Caregiver CV

• Support Worker CV 

• Midwife CV 

• Nanny CV.

Discover 100+ top skills to put on your CV for more tips. 

2. How to write a personal profile for a paramedic CV

A strong CV personal profile is essential to showcase who you are to potential employers using a concise statement. It offers a snapshot into your background, experience and top soft skills to list on a CV. Focus on using keywords from the job description and highlight key strengths in your CV, such as patient care, emergency response, and team collaboration. 

In your paramedic personal statement:

• Demonstrate how you have successfully applied these skills in real-world emergency care settings

• Include soft skills and keywords to highlight your qualities

• Showcase your career goals in the industry and how you want to develop. 

Examples of personal profiles for a paramedic job application

Learn more about how to write a student CV.

Learn more about how to write an apprenticeship CV.

Learn more about how to write a graduate CV.

Alternatively, if you’re interested in other medical CV examples in the UK for both private and public organisations, explore these CV examples with writing guides:

• Nursing CV 

• Dentistry CV 

• Physiotherapy CV

• Microbiologist CV

• Biomedical Scientist CV.   

Thinking of trying something new? Learn more about how to write a CV for a career change.

3. How to include practical work experience

When listing your work experience in a CV for a paramedic job, highlight the technical skills and clinical expertise you applied in each role. Use a chronological CV format (starting with your most recent or relevant position).

Clearly outline your key duties, using action verbs in your CV such as “supported,” “managed,” “diagnosed,” “improved,” or “performed” to describe your contributions. When listing achievements in your CV, be sure to quantify them wherever possible by including metrics such as the number of patients treated or specific results of your interventions. Here are some key tips:

• Highlight diverse clinical skills in patient assessments, medical interventions, life-saving treatments, and emergency response.

• List measurable outcomes, such as “administered life-saving treatments to 150+ patients” or “reduced response times by 12% through improved protocols.”

• Include specific examples of how you managed complex medical emergencies, diagnosed critical conditions, or performed medical procedures under pressure.

Paramedic CV work experience example with little to no experience

Volunteer First Responder, St. John Ambulance, 2023 – present

Helped out in emergencies by giving first aid and checking on patients until paramedics arrived. Provided basic care, like CPR and bandaging wounds, to keep patients safe. Assisted with moving patients and passing on vital information to medical teams. Played a part in improving response times by setting up equipment quickly and following instructions.

• Provided first aid support at community events, helping ensure quick response to minor injuries and emergencies.

If you’re just starting your career, utilise transferable skills gained from customer service or other high-pressure environments. Volunteering with first aid organisations like St John Ambulance can also help build hands-on experience and improve your employment prospects. Learn more about how to write a CV with little to no experience.

Paramedic CV work experience examples

Associate Ambulance Practitioner (AAP), Manchester Ambulance Service, 2020 – 2023

Completed the AAP course with over 300 hours of practical experience in emergency medical services. Assisted paramedics with patient assessments, administering basic life support and wound care during medical emergencies.

• Reduced response times by 10% through effective communication and coordination during emergency calls.

• Contributed to a 20% improvement in team preparedness by managing PPE and medical equipment.

Ambulance Care Assistant, Croydon Ambulance Service, 2021 – 2025

Assisted paramedics with the transport of patients, ensuring comfort and safety during medical emergencies. Provided initial patient care, including administering first aid and monitoring vital signs during transit. Ensured the safe and efficient use of medical equipment and PPE.

• Contributed to a 20% improvement in response efficiency.

• Supported paramedics in providing compassionate patient care, improving overall patient satisfaction by 15%.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), NHS, Bristol, 2020 – 2021

Responded to emergency calls and provided pre-hospital care, including airway management and trauma care. Administered first aid and basic life support (BLS) per NHS values and protocols. Collaborated with paramedics to manage medical emergencies and stabilise patients for transport.

• Improved response times by 12% through effective teamwork and communication during emergencies

• Assisted in transporting over 50 patients, prioritising safe and effective handovers to hospital teams.

Paramedic, GHI Ambulance Service, London  2017 – Present

Responded to over 1,200 emergency calls, providing critical care and managing medical emergencies. Conducted patient assessments and administered life-saving interventions, including CPR and advanced airway management. Collaborated with hospital teams for seamless handovers and effective treatment planning.

• Improved patient survival rates by 15% through prompt interventions

• Managed a team of emergency medical technicians, improving team response times by 12% through effective coordination and communication during emergency calls.

Interested in other public service roles that impact communities and public safety? Explore the police officer CV or firefighter CV examples.

4. How to include education on a paramedic CV

The education CV section is crucial for showcasing your formal qualifications, particularly if you’re applying for an entry-level position or have no formal work experience. For a professional layout:

• Follow a chronological format, starting with your most recent qualifications.

• Add bullet points to list academic modules or extracurricular activities relevant to your job targets.

• Mention additional certifications and training to boost your CV and showcase how you can meet healthcare organisations' values and clinical standards.

How to format a university degree:

• [Degree] in [program name], [institution/school name], [Location], [date range, year of graduation, or in progress]

Example:

BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, 2019 – 2022

• Trained in using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and conducting patient assessments in line with HCPC registered paramedic requirements.

• Completed over 1,200 hours of clinical work placements across hospitals, ambulance services, and community healthcare settings.

Learn more about writing an undergraduate CV and refer to our cover letter tips for a work placement.

How to format A-Levels:

• [A-Level] in [subject names], [institution/school name], [location], [date range]

Example:

Stockport College, Manchester, 2017 – 2019

• A Levels in Biology, Chemistry, and Psychology.

• Built foundational knowledge in human anatomy, medical ethics, and psychology, essential for managing patients in high-pressure environments.

How to format an apprenticeship

• [Course name], [institution/school name], [Location], [date range, year of completion, or in progress]

Example:

Associate Ambulance Practitioner (AAP) Course, St. John Ambulance, London, 2021 – 2022

• Completed an AAP course on providing emergency care and patient transportation within NHS guidelines.

• Trained in administering basic life support, manual handling, and using specialist equipment such as defibrillators and spinal boards.

If you are a recent school leaver refer to our blog on career opportunities for school leavers.

Alternatively, if you're new to the industry, explore healthcare student paramedic apprenticeship with the NHS.

5. How to add additional relevant information in a CV

Additional information can help demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning for demanding emergency roles. This section is particularly valuable if you have no healthcare job experience. Focus on highlighting additional qualifications, volunteer work, or any specialist skills gained outside formal work experience.

How to list courses and certificates

Showcase relevant courses on a CV with a brief description of what you did to demonstrate your readiness for the role and commitment to professional standards. Here are some examples:

• First Aid Certificate, St. John Ambulance, 2023 – Certified in basic life support, CPR, and trauma management.

• Advanced Life Support (ALS) Certification, Health Education England, 2022 Developed advanced skills in airway management, cardiac resuscitation, and emergency interventions.

• Mental Health First Aid Course, Mind, 2022 – Trained to provide immediate emergency mental health support

• Safeguarding Level 3, NHS Digital, 2022 – Recognised training in protecting vulnerable individuals and ensuring patient safety.

How to list additional experience

Highlight relevant volunteer work, internships, or side projects that showcase valuable skills and industry knowledge. For example:

Volunteer First Responder, British Red Cross, London, 2020 – 2021

• Assisted in training workshops, helping to educate the public on basic life-saving skills.

How to add awards and recognitions

Showcasing your awards and recognitions can highlight your expertise and achievements. Include relevant accolades to strengthen your CV and demonstrate your commitment to excellence. Here are some examples:

• Outstanding Trainee Award, St. John Ambulance, 2022 – recognised for exemplary performance and dedication during the AAP course

• Excellence in Patient Care, University of Hertfordshire, 2021 – awarded for achieving top scores in clinical placement evaluations.

Explore how to improve your CV in 10 easy steps for more ideas on impressing healthcare employers.

Key takeaways

To write an effective paramedic CV, highlight relevant qualifications, clinical experience, and measurable achievements. Tailor your application to the job description and align it with standards from the NHS and HCPC. If you’re interested in a healthcare job but have no experience, showcase relevant courses, volunteering, or internships. Highlight technical skills, certifications, and patient care contributions to help you stand out to potential employers.

Learn more about when and how to include references on a CV.

Next steps?

Ready to refine your CV and boost your chances of landing your ideal healthcare role? Choose the right CV font and colour for your CV. Follow our tips for writing a cover letter or get expert support from our CV Writing Service. Organise your job search with tips for tracking job applications and explore strategies for these NHS interview questions.

FAQs

Are paramedics in demand in the UK?

Yes, paramedics are amongst one of the high demand roles in 2025 across the UK due to increasing pressures on emergency medical services and the need for skilled professionals to respond to medical emergencies. Explore more health careers in the NHS.

How long does it take to become a paramedic in the UK?

Becoming a paramedic takes 3 years, including completing a paramedic science degree approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and relevant hands-on training. Learn more about healthcare career prospects and how to get qualified in the UK with Step into the NHS. 

Can a foreigner be a paramedic in the UK?

International applicants can become paramedics in the UK if they meet eligibility requirements, such as HCPC registration, proof of qualifications, and passing advanced background checks. Learn more about applying for a job in the UK if you are an international student.

How much do UK paramedics get paid?

Paramedics in the UK typically earn between £28,000 and £43,000 per year, depending on experience and NHS banding. The National Careers Service can help you learn more about role requirements and salary. 

Is there a paramedic shortage in the UK?

The UK currently faces a shortage of paramedics due to increased demand for emergency medical services and workforce challenges.