Job Description
JOB DESCRIPTION
POST: Emergency Care Assistant
SALARY: £11.50
LOCATION: Swansea
REPORTS TO: Team Leader
HOURS: 4 on 4 off
Job Summary
To work as part of a double crewed Ambulance responsible for assessment, care, treatment, and transport of patients and their carers/relatives in emergency and non-emergency situations, whilst adhering to the operational procedures and directives of Ambulnz Community Partners and the client NHS Trust.
To apply appropriate skills and the use of equipment safely and within appropriate level of training, competency and scope of practice.
Main duties and responsibilities
- To provide a professional and caring service for all patients whilst in the care of Ambulnz Community Partners Ambulance Service
- Use of the appropriate knowledge and skills in order to make professional judgements and treatments in line with the appropriate level of training and competency.
- Clinical To work in line with the Trust specific scope of practice as detailed in the relevant client Trust induction and reference documentation. If you are unsure of this you must request clarification from your line manager, or the organisation’s clinical lead.
- To provide and contribute to the care, effective treatment and safe transportation of patients, providing the highest standards of clinical and personal care within the inter-hospital and pre-hospital environment.
- To respond to operational requirements, in a safe, timely and efficient way, as directed by Emergency Control Centre staff, senior clinician, scene manager or another authorised manager.
- To respond to clinical requirements of patients in a safe, timely and efficient manner as directed by a senior clinician on scene or remotely as per clinical guidelines/protocols.
- When working as a crew with a paramedic or technician, support the work of the senior clinician by providing effective clinical care using appropriate knowledge and skills in order to assist them make professional judgements; conduct diagnostic procedures and provide safe and effective treatments as and when requested by the senior clinician in accordance with Ambulnz procedures, guidelines and protocols.
- To drive all types of approved ambulance service vehicles under normal and emergency (blue light) conditions, in accordance with the standards of Ambulnz and within road traffic law, taking particular care of the vehicle, its occupants and other road users.
- To ensure a continuous duty of care to patients, within the level of training, scope of practice and competency of this role, ensuring an appropriate level of monitoring and treatment is maintained and continued until the patient is either discharged or transferred to the care of another healthcare professional.
- Transfer the care of patients to appropriate health care services, ensuring all associated procedures are followed.
- To ensure the safe transfer of patients, to and from vehicles, following health and safety and other appropriate protocols and procedures, taking account of the safety of patients, self, colleagues and others, using appropriate equipment and manual handling techniques.
- Ensure the prompt, accurate and legible completion of all relevant documentation including the Patient Clinical Records (PCR), vehicle and equipment log sheets and where appropriate completion of the electronic PCR.
- Vehicles and Equipment
At the commencement of each shift the post holder is to check that the allocated vehicle is equipped appropriately and is road worthy reporting issues through the VDI on the company issued XDA, or onsite manager. * To carry out daily routine checks, e.g. oil, water, brake fluid, battery levels and tyre tread and pressure, as per daily VDI check.
- Complete and record vehicle equipment check list (including equipment daily function checks), and ensure that equipment is ready for use and that expendable stores have been replenished, filling in relevant documentation, signing check list and taking over responsibility for the vehicle and its contents
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness of vehicle during the shift in line with Ambulnz procedures and policies
- Drive company vehicles in a safe and proper manner, under all driving conditions having due regard to the needs of the patient, the safety of other road users, the conditions and prevailing traffic regulations, and using audio-visual warnings only where necessary
- During the shift, report all accidents, adverse incidents, breakdowns and defects to vehicle and equipment by informing Control, and completing relevant documentation.
- To handle hazardous waste e.g. vomit, faeces, urine and patients who have had treatment with radioactive isotope fluids and a working knowledge of contagious / infectious diseases and to take necessary precautions
- Replace all consumable items following shift and ensuring the vehicle is equipped for operational use.
- It is of primary importance that the National speed limits and road laws are adhered to. The paramedic has a duty of care to ensure the patients safety and comfort whilst in transit. If authorisation has been provided for the use of blue lights drivers must adhere to the Ambulnz Ltd Blue Light policy.
- Documentation and Record Keeping Ensure the prompt, legible and accurate completion of all patient and incident records, providing a full and accurate record of decision making in accordance with the Caldicott principles, current legislation and regulatory framework.
- Participate in organisation’s clinical audit and effectiveness processes as required including evaluation of clinical procedures, processes and instructions to ensure the highest standards of service are achieved in the interest of patient care. Where appropriate, make proposals for change to own working practices and policies within own working area.
- Ensure the sharing of information is always done in compliance with information governance procedures.
- In line with the Ambulnz and the client NHS Trust’s policies/procedures record information and maintain records of e.g. passengers, journeys, vehicle refuelling and duty hours.
- Complete and submit all necessary reports and notifications as required by Ambulnz and the client NHS Trust’s Operational, Clinical, Health & Safety and other relevant instructions.
- General
To ensure that statutory regulations and organisational policies and procedures are always implemented and adhered to * To take part in staff development programmes and annual development reviews and/or undertake further training when required
- To act always in a manner consistent with legislation, policy and procedures in respect of Equality and Diversity
- To work to the values of the organisation and display high standards of integrity and professionalism towards clients and colleagues
- To continuously develop and update own knowledge and skills within the job role and contribute to setting own work objectives.
- To demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills in order to work effectively with clients and colleagues at all levels both internally and externally.
- To plan and organise own workload within tight timescales and to set and work to agreed objectives.
- To undertake any other duties relevant to the post as may be assigned from time to time which are consistent with the post.
The postholder must work within the confines of the said and stated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). In addition, the postholder must ensure that the above responsibilities are achieved as well as other duties and tasks as allocated at the discretion of the line manager (who represents the company) are within the postholder’s capabilities and within the scope of the post. The organisation reserves the right to review the postholder’s performance on a regular basis and it is expected that unless prevented by ill health the postholder will devote the whole of their working time, attention and abilities to the business of the organisation.
Person Specification
___________________________________________________________________
Job Title: Emergency Care Assistant
These are the minimum requirements needed for the trained, competent jobholder:
Criteria
Qualifications
- FPOS-I
- FREC4
- Or equivalent
- Blue light qualification (desirable).
- Prospective candidates must pass all training given by Ambulnz that will enable them to achieve the required standard for an ECA.
Experience
- experience of coping with difficult situations and dealing with people in sensitive, distressing, traumatic, and potentially hostile & dangerous circumstances
Knowledge / Skills / Abilities
- Hold a valid EU Driving License (No more than 3 endorsement points. In exceptional circumstances a maximum of 6 points may be considered) and no convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Good verbal and written communication skills, able to convey information well and complete all necessary documentation accurately and legibly.
- Able to work well under pressure, assimilate information quickly
- Good physical co-ordination and manual dexterity in difficult and cramped environments and where the patient’s condition is time critical and speed and accuracy is essential
- Application of advanced driving skills with due regard for patient condition
- Able to work well as member of a team.
- Able to communicate across wide demographic boundaries in an appropriate manner
- Displays good interpersonal skills
- Have sound knowledge of medical conditions, and illnesses of general population, including paediatric, geriatric and obstetrics.
- Respects and always applies patient confidentiality
- Displays good diplomatic skills, is tactful and discreet
- Good organisational skills, can identify priority pathways and act effectively under pressure
- Able to produce accurate records in accordance with Ambulnz policy
- Able to assimilate information and skills through training or personal development, and to apply these practically in the working environment
- Evidence of a commitment to personal quality standards
- Knowledge of geographical area served
Personal Attributes
- Is self-motivated with ability to work within occupational guidelines
- Displays excellent attention to detail
- Maintains a flexible and proactive approach to work
- Demonstrate a commitment to team working
- Confident and assertive but approachable
- Adaptable – especially in a changing environment
- Professional demeanour
- Sets high personal standards
General
- High degree of honesty and integrity
- Mature person with mental and emotional resilience.
- High standard of personal hygiene, with clean, tidy appearance
- Confident with compassionate and professional approach.
- Good health and attendance record.
- Willing and able to work shifts and change patterns with reasonable notice and following the normal consultation processes
Other Requirements
- Flexible working hours - working on a 24 roster
- Physically fit – can undertake the manual handling of patients and equipment using appropriate equipment
- Good attendance record
- Demonstrates a commitment to the Ambulnz equal opportunity and diversity policies and can demonstrate their incorporation into personal practice.
- Good map reading skills.
- The ability to undertake detailed classroom work and translate that class work to effective and accurate practical abilities.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: £11.50 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
Schedule:
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Swansea, SA6 8QD: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work Location: One location
Expected start date: 01/03/2023