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Basic Ambulance Assistant Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Transfer Coordinator (EMT/CNA)

Lanham, MD · On-site

$24.53 - $37.44/hr

Flight and Ground Transport requests in FlightVector and Metro Complete Flight Dedicated ambulance ... NREMT - National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians-Basic (EMT-B) (current or prior ...

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/DUTIES * Assist mechanics as needed * Small repairs and installs with AMR ... Document condition of ambulance at EOS and schedule preparedness for shift personnel. * Update ...

Basic Ambulance Assistant information

See Washington salary details

$10

$21

$32

How much do basic ambulance assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for basic ambulance assistant in Washington is $21.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $23.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Basic Ambulance Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Basic Ambulance Assistant, you need a recognized Basic Ambulance Assistant (BAA) qualification, knowledge of emergency care procedures, and a valid driver’s license. Familiarity with emergency medical equipment, ambulance dispatch systems, and patient care reporting tools is essential. Strong communication, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are important soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering effective pre-hospital care and ensuring patient safety during emergencies.

What qualifications do you need for an ambulance?

To work as a Basic Ambulance Assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with certification in emergency medical services such as a Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. Good communication skills, physical fitness, and the ability to work under pressure are also important requirements.

What are some of the common challenges faced by Basic Ambulance Assistants during emergency calls?

Basic Ambulance Assistants often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing situations, high-stress environments, and the need to make quick decisions while ensuring patient safety. They must also navigate through traffic or crowded areas to reach patients promptly and work collaboratively with paramedics, other emergency personnel, and hospital staff. Additionally, managing emotional stress and maintaining clear communication with patients and their families are essential aspects of the job.

What is the difference between Basic Ambulance Assistant vs Emergency Medical Technician?

AspectBasic Ambulance AssistantEmergency Medical Technician
CertificationsBasic Ambulance Assistant certificationEMT certification (varies by level)
Work EnvironmentAmbulance services, hospitalsAmbulance, emergency scenes, hospitals
Job RoleAssist with patient transport, basic careProvide advanced emergency medical care

The Basic Ambulance Assistant and Emergency Medical Technician roles share similar environments and certifications, but EMTs typically provide more advanced emergency care. Basic Ambulance Assistants focus on patient transport and basic support, while EMTs are trained for more complex medical interventions. Both roles are essential in emergency medical services, with EMTs often working alongside or above Basic Ambulance Assistants depending on certification levels.

What jobs can you do as an EMT basic?

As an EMT Basic, you can provide emergency medical care, assist with patient transport, and support paramedics in pre-hospital settings. This role involves basic life support skills, using medical equipment, and working in emergency environments, often requiring certification and training.

What is an ambulance assistant?

An ambulance assistant is a healthcare worker who supports emergency medical services by assisting paramedics with patient care, equipment, and transportation. They often perform basic life support, help with patient lifting, and ensure the ambulance is prepared for emergencies, typically requiring certification and training in first aid and emergency response.

Why do so many paramedics quit?

Many paramedics quit due to high stress, long and irregular working hours, and exposure to traumatic situations. The physically demanding nature of the job and the risk of injury or burnout also contribute to high turnover rates in emergency medical services.

What are Basic Ambulance Assistants?

Basic Ambulance Assistants, often known as BAAs, are trained healthcare professionals who provide pre-hospital emergency care and patient transport. They are responsible for assessing patients, performing basic medical procedures, and supporting paramedics during emergencies. BAAs also ensure that ambulances are properly equipped and maintained, and they often serve as the first point of contact for patients in distress. Their role is crucial in stabilizing patients and ensuring safe transport to medical facilities.
What cities in Washington are hiring for Basic Ambulance Assistant jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Basic Ambulance Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Basic Ambulance Assistant job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,632 per year, or $21.5 per hour.
Transfer Coordinator (EMT/CNA)

Transfer Coordinator (EMT/CNA)

MedStar Health

Lanham, MD • On-site

$24.53 - $37.44/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Medstar Health rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 238 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

131st of 890 rated healthcare providers


Job description

About the Job
General Summary of Position
We have a full-time Transfer Coordinator opportunity at our Transfer Center located in Lanham. The Transfer Coordinator provides services including: Emergency requests to transfers critical patients to MedStar Hospitals for conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, trauma and other time sensitive emergencies; non-emergency transfer requests to MedStar hospitals; dispatches helicopters and ground critical care ambulances; requests for ambulance and wheelchair transports for all MedStar hospitals; coordination of critical responses such as in-hospital Code Heart; coordination of regional hospitals information during disasters; critical radiology communications; and other critical communications for the MedStar Health system.
This department is open 24 hours a day and this position requires a combination of day, evening, and overnight shifts. The shifts are 12 hours and every other weekend is required. This Full-Time position will be represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 722.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
  • Serves as the point of contact for referrals and obtains necessary information to initiate the patient's transfer into or between member hospitals of the MedStar Health System.
  • Receives transfer requests from physicians and hospitals. Information includes demographic insurance and clinical data.
  • Completes extensive data entry in multiple systems including: Transfer requests in Cerner Transfer Center; Flight and Ground Transport requests in FlightVector and Metro Complete Flight Dedicated ambulance dispatch in Traumasoft; Discharge Transport requests in naviHealth Radiology ticket management in Zendesk
  • Connects with accepting MedStar Physician to determine clinical appropriateness for the transfer.
  • Performs follow up transfer to patient financial services insurance companies physicians case managers social workers nurses staff members and others regarding expediting approval of a patient transfer.
  • Collaborates with Admitting and Bed Management to determine availability of appropriate bed.
  • Arranges for appropriate ambulance or helicopter to be dispatched based on patient acuity (e.g. BLS ALS and Critical Care Transport).
  • Communicates with the referring and accepting hospital of approval and time to transfer and admit patients.

Minimal Qualifications
Education
  • High School Diploma or GED required
  • Successful completion of training program as an Emergency Medical Technician or EMT Paramedic preferred
  • Associate degree preferred

Experience
  • 3-4 years acute care experience required

Licenses and Certifications
  • NREMT - National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians-Basic (EMT-B) (current or prior registration) preferred
  • National Association of Air Medical Communication Center Specialist Certification - NAACS (current or prior registration) preferred
  • Emergency Medical Dispatcher (current or prior registration) preferred
  • Medical Assistant (current or prior registration) preferred
  • Certified Nursing Assistant (current or prior registration) preferred

Knowledge Skills and Abilities
  • Proficiency in keyboarding (>60 words/minute preferred)
  • Ability to manages multi-line telephone system (10 lines)
  • Detail-oriented ability to multi-task and manage projects

This position has a hiring range of
USD $24.53 - USD $37.44 /Hr.

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About Medstar Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

MedStar Health is dedicated to providing the highest quality care for people in Maryland and the Washington, D.C., region, while advancing the practice of medicine through education, innovation, and research. Our team of 32,000 includes physicians, nurses, residents, fellows, and many other clinical and non-clinical associates working in a variety of settings across our health system, including 10 hospitals and more than 300 community-based locations, the largest home health provider in the region, and highly respected institutes dedicated to research and innovation. As the medical education and clinical partner of Georgetown University for more than 20 years, MedStar Health is dedicated not only to teaching the next generation of doctors, but also to the continuing education, professional development, and personal fulfillment of our whole team. Together, we use the best of our minds and the best of our hearts to serve our patients, those who care for them, and our communities. It's how we treat people.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Columbia, MD, US

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