Diploma of Emergency Health Care

Patient Transport Officers require well-developed visual, hearing, and tactile abilities to provide safe, effective, and patient-centred care during transport and handover processes.

Vision

PTOs perform a range of tasks that rely on the ability to see clearly and accurately. Students must be able to:

• read patient documentation, transport forms, and identification details accurately
• check equipment such as stretchers, oxygen cylinders, and monitoring devices for correct setup and function
• observe patient condition, including changes in skin colour, alertness, and distress
• safely manoeuvre patients and equipment within different environments, including tight spaces and varied lighting conditions
• identify potential hazards during patient movement and transport.
   

Hearing

The ability to hear clearly is essential for safe communication and patient care. Students must be able to:

• communicate effectively with patients, particularly those who may speak quietly or have communication difficulties
• listen and respond to instructions from healthcare staff
• hear environmental sounds that may indicate risk or changes in patient condition (e.g. distress, breathing changes, equipment alarms where applicable)
• communicate effectively in busy or noisy environments such as hospitals or public settings.
   

Tactile ability (touch)

A well-developed sense of touch supports safe patient handling and care. Students must be able to:

• assist with patient transfers while recognising patient comfort and safety
• detect changes in skin temperature or moisture that may indicate discomfort or deterioration
• apply appropriate pressure when assisting with movement or positioning to avoid injury
• safely handle equipment and secure patients during transport.
   

This combination of visual, hearing, and tactile skills ensures that Patient Transport Officers can maintain patient safety, respond appropriately to changing situations, and provide high-quality care throughout the transport process.

Patient Transport Officers require well-developed motor skills to safely assist with patient handling, equipment management, and transport across a variety of healthcare and community settings.

Gross motor skills

Gross motor skills involve the use of large muscle groups to perform physical tasks such as lifting, pushing, pulling, and bending. Students will be expected to:

• bend, squat, and kneel to safely assist with moving, transferring, and positioning patients
• push and manoeuvre stretchers, wheelchairs, and equipment in confined spaces and over varied distances
• perform lifting and transferring techniques using safe manual handling practices
• load and unload patients and equipment from transport vehicles safely
• undertake cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), performed on a manikin located on the floor for a minimum of two (2) minutes over five (5) cycles.
   

Fine moto skills

Fine motor skills involve precise and coordinated hand movements required for safe and effective patient care. Students will be expected to:

• operate and adjust equipment such as stretcher controls, safety straps, and oxygen delivery systems
• accurately complete documentation, including patient transport forms and electronic records where required
• use communication devices (e.g., radios or mobile equipment) safely and effectively
• perform basic patient observations where applicable (e.g., taking a pulse or using monitoring equipment within scope)
• secure equipment and patient restraints appropriately to ensure safety during transport.
   

These motor skills are essential to ensure that Patient Transport Officers can perform their duties safely, maintain patient comfort, and respond effectively to changing situations during transport.

Patient Transport Officers are required to maintain consistent physical and mental performance throughout their shift to ensure safe, efficient, and patient-centred care. Both the clinical environment and simulated training settings may require sustained effort over extended periods.

Students should be able to:

• stand, walk, and remain physically active for extended periods, often across a full shift
• maintain focus and attention to detail while managing patient transport tasks, documentation, and communication requirements
• perform repeated physical tasks, such as moving equipment and assisting with patient transfers, using safe manual handling techniques
• manage multiple responsibilities throughout the day, including patient care, time management, and coordination with healthcare staff
• remain calm, alert, and responsive in changing or potentially stressful environments.
   

Sustained performance and endurance are essential to ensure that Patient Transport Officers can work safely, support patient needs effectively, and maintain a high standard of care throughout the transport process.

Literacy and numeracy skills are essential for Patient Transport Officers to ensure accurate communication, safe patient care, and effective coordination with healthcare teams. These skills are required for completing documentation, understanding instructions, and working with basic numerical information during patient transport.

To ensure safe and effective practice, students must be able to:

• accurately record patient details, observations, and transport information in records
• perform basic mathematical functions and understanding time using the 24-hour clock
• record and interpret basic numerical data where required (e.g. times, simple observations, or equipment checks)
• complete clear and concise written documentation for patient handover and transport records
• contribute to patient care records or transport management systems
• read and interpret patient information, transport requests, and instructions provided by healthcare staff
• understand written communication such as workplace procedures, protocols, and documentation.
   

These skills ensure that Patient Transport Officers can communicate effectively, maintain accurate records, and support safe, coordinated care throughout the patient transport process.

Mental wellness is important for Patient Transport Officers to effectively manage the physical and emotional demands of the role. It involves maintaining a state of well-being that allows individuals to cope with everyday stress, remain focused, and work safely and productively. Behavioural stability refers to the ability to regulate emotions, respond appropriately in different situations, and maintain professionalism at all times.

The patient transport environment, including training simulations and clinical placements, can be physically demanding and may involve exposure to stressful, sensitive, or confronting situations. Students will be required to interact with patients, families, healthcare staff, and the wider community, and must be able to adapt their behaviour accordingly.

Students are expected to:

• maintain focus, engagement, and composure across a range of situations
• interact professionally and respectfully with patients and healthcare teams
• respond appropriately to feedback and reflect on their performance to support ongoing improvement
• manage multiple demands while maintaining safe and effective patient care
• handle sensitive or potentially distressing situations with professionalism, objectivity, and respect.
   

Many students who experience mental health challenges are able to complete their studies successfully with appropriate support. Maintaining mental wellness and behavioural stability is essential to ensure safe practice, effective teamwork, and high-quality patient care during transport.