Microsoft Word - Care Assistant Urgent.doc

1. JOB IDENTIFICATION

Job Title: Ambulance Care Assistant Band 3 Urgent Tier

Department(s): Operational/Vehicle Crew

Job Holder Reference: MLPR 004

No of Job Holders: Multi post

2. JOB PURPOSE

Following the completion of the prescribed training course which will include 2 weeks driving training

to A&E standard, the job holder will ensure the delivery of high quality care and safe transportation

A&E urgent call patients and Category C and Category 5 patients when required.

3. DIMENSIONS

Although there are non-emergency, and Categories C and 5, service requirements throughout

Scotland, generally the post holder will be required to perform his/her duties within a fixed

geographical area and will be assigned to one particular ambulance station (with the exception of a

small number of relief post holders).

The post holder will deal with the transportation of A&E Urgent Calls, and Category C and 5, hospital

patients. They will also deal with transfers, discharges and admissions.

The post holder will work with a qualified Ambulance Technician or Paramedic as part of a double

crew.

4. ORGANISATIONAL POSITION

 Post holder is responsible to Team Leader (supervisor level), EMDC Control Officers and Area

Service Manager (manager level).

 Other jobs reporting to Area Service Manager are NES hospital based staff, Team Leaders, vehicle

crew.

 The post holder has no-one reporting directly to them.

5. MAIN TASKS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 Carry out daily inspection of vehicle and report any damage or defects immediately.

 Ensure that all patient care equipment is safe and in good working order.

 Assess the most appropriate method of conveying patients using the relevant equipment and lifting

techniques when necessary.

 Administer First Aid when required.

 Drive Service vehicles in accordance with the approved methods and techniques of driving

 Deliver at all times a high quality of patient care ensuring that consideration is given to the feelings

and needs of the patient

 Ensures that all patients are delivered into the care of the appropriate staff at the receiving

hospital/centre and safely into their homes on the return journey, if applicable.

 Ensure that all patients are delivered/collected according to the time scales in force.

 Work with A&E crewmate in the movement and handling of patients and/or equipment.

 Transmit and receive information via radio/telephone in accordance with Service procedures.

 Provide accurate and factual oral reports about the patient’s condition to medical or nursing staff.

 Complete and submit all documentation to comply with Service requirements.

 Undertake residential or in-service training when required.

 Assists line manager(s) as required with risk assessment of tasks carried out and ensures that safe

working practices are followed at all times in line with Service Policy and current legislation.

 Ensures that any accidents, near misses or hazards are reported immediately to line manager using

the Health & Safety Accident & Incident Reporting Form, the Vehicle Accident Report Form and/or

REPD Incident Report Form as appropriate.

 Ensure that the vehicle and equipment are kept clean and the vehicle has sufficient fuel at all times.

 Carries out any other reasonable duties when requested by senior staff.

6. EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY

 Ambulance vehicle NES/A&E – Front line ambulance, with or without ramp, with or without lowering

system.

 Radio – Service vehicle radio and/or mobile phone.

 Lifting/handling - carry chair, wheelchair, trolley cot and hospital transfer equipment.

 Clinical – assist Technician/Paramedic in use of all equipment carried on Urgent Tier AEU.

7. SYSTEMS

 Post holder keeps manual records of patient journeys, and is required to complete accident/incident

report forms for any incidents, hazards etc.

 Required to provide accurate oral information to nurses or medical staff on patient condition.

8. DECISIONS AND JUDGEMENTS

 Post holder is required to use a degree of discretion in assessing, in conjunction with A&E crew

partner, the most appropriate method of conveying patients, however the post operates within strict

Standard Operating Procedures, which will inform any decision made.

 Judgement required in relation to administering any emergency first aid treatment, again this is

governed by SOP’s and the paramedic/technician will lead on medical decisions.

 Will get direction from A&E colleague. The post holder will occasionally be required to drive under

blue light conditions, and will need to judge the most appropriate driving style, taking into

consideration safety, the prevailing driving conditions and the patient’s condition. In unusual

circumstances, there may be a need to respond to 999 calls.

9. COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS

 Post holder communicates with A&E and EMDC colleagues and patients when carrying out A&E

Urgent Calls, Category C and Category 5 duties.

10. PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB

Physical skills – requirement to drive Service vehicles in safe and appropriate manner occasionally

under blue light conditions, manual handling/dexterity skills such as safe use of trolleycots, carry

chairs, wheelchairs and clinical equipment. Full current driving licence with C1/D1.

Physical Effort – required to drive Service vehicles for periods of time, with interruptions arising when

required to stop at patients homes or clinic/hospital. Effort required to manipulate patients into and

out of homes, vehicle and clinic/hospital, using any lifting/handling equipment required, e.g.

trolleycot, carry chair or wheelchair. May face difficulties at patients’ homes such as steps, stairs or

confined spaces.

Mental demands – high level of concentration required at all times during driving duties to ensure

safe and comfortable journey, especially whilst driving under blue light conditions.

Emotional demands – occasionally dealing with any difficult patients or relatives. Patients/relatives

may be traumatised. Patients may be seriously ill.

11. MOST CHALLENGING/DIFFICULT PARTS OF THE JOB

 Conveying patients in a safe and comfortable manner.

 Carrying out manual handling duties in a safe manner.

 Exposure to wide range of patient conditions.

12. KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO DO THE JOB

Essential:

 Meet Service fitness levels and OHS assessment. Satisfactory sickness record.

 No formal qualification required but must pass Service tests.

 Full UK driving licence held for minimum of 2 years with a maximum of 3 points. Driving licence

must also hold categories C1 and D1’

 Demonstrate the ability to perform manual tasks.

 Ability to retain knowledge, solve problems and make decisions.

 Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively with people and to work well under pressure.

 Satisfactory Disclosure Scotland check.

 Reside within a reasonable travelling distance of place of work.

Desirable:

 Interests and hobbies demonstrate achievement and maintenance of above average level of fitness.

 3 standard grades or equivalent, English, numeric and science.

 Experience of driving a variety of vehicles of varying sizes and of carrying passengers. Already

driving under emergency conditions. Advanced motorist training.

 Previous experience in an environment requiring manual dexterity and/or manual handling.

 Previous experience working with patients, clients or members of the public.

 Previous experience in a caring/medical environment.

Training:

 Two week training course, as per ACA.

 2 weeks driver training to A&E standards.

 Must have excellent and detailed knowledge of appropriate Service SOPs.