Medic (Defence)
Tasks & duties
Defence medics may do some or all of the following:
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perform regular medical check-ups on New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel
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treat sick and injured NZDF personnel in training and combat zones
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assist medical professionals
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maintain medical records
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check medical equipment and supplies
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ensure health and hygiene standards are maintained
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evacuate casualties
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teach first aid and emergency procedures to all NZDF personnel
Skills & knowledge
Defence medics need to have:
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skill in evaluating medical conditions
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skill in analysing blood pressure results
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knowledge of the human body, diseases, injuries and medical treatments
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first-aid skills
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knowledge of emergency care, nursing and surgical methods
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knowledge of New Zealand Defence Force regulations and warfare
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knowledge of basic safety and rescue techniques
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knowledge of medical administration
Entry requirements
To join the New Zealand Defence Force you must:
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be at least 17 years old
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be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
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have no criminal convictions
To become a defence medic you need to have NCEA Level 2 (12 credits per subject) in English, maths and science (preferably biology), or Sixth Form Certificate equivalent.
Training on the job
New Zealand Defence Force recruits need to complete basic military training with the service they wish to join, before training for their specific trade.
All defence medic recruits then go to the Joint Services Health School (JSHS) at Burnham military camp for a 14-week Junior Medic Course. This is followed by 12 months of on-the-job training to gain practical skills and experience.
Defence medics then return to the JSHS for a 13-week Intermediate Medic Course, which provides further training in defence medical procedures. Immediately after this, defence medics complete 10 weeks of civilian hospital training and five weeks of civilian ambulance training.
Later in their career, defence medics may have the opportunity to gain relevant civilian tertiary qualifications, such as the Diploma of Military Medicine and the Diver Medical Technician course.
Useful experience
Useful experience for defence medics includes training in the Territorial Force, work as an ambulance officer, health work or involvement in youth organisations and team activities with a regular fitness programme.
Related courses
First Aid
Paramedical Studies
For more information, please refer to Career Services.
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