AbstractThis paper utilises a case study approach to the emergence of the division of labour in health care. Such a phenomenon, the key feature of which is medical dominance, needs to be examined through the historical sociology of different medical occupations. In this case study the occupation of Ambulance Officer is analysed. From basically entailing driving the sick and injured to hospital, the work of Ambulance Officer has expanded to an established paramedical location in the social structure of health care delivery. Other themes in the sociohistorical development of Ambulance Officers examined include its voluntary origins, gender, industrial organisation, training and careers; as well as the development of its status as ‘adjunct’ to medic