Emergency Care Assistant

Job description

Job responsibilities

Attend case of accident and sudden illness and respond to urgent, special and planned patient transfer requests

To use advanced driving skills under blue light and normal traffic conditions to respond to emergency and routine calls as required.

To assist a qualified practitioner in the delivery of high quality and effective clinical and personal care and the transportation of patients, selecting and applying appropriate equipment and skills in line with the scope of practice, training prospectus and associated training.

To operate Patient Support Vehicles and deliver a low acuity service to patients requiring urgent admission to acute care, or transfer to a higher level of care.

To carry out allocated operational duties commensurate with the role and responsibilities, supporting the provision of clinical, social and holistic care to patients in a pre-hospital environment, safely and within appropriate level of training and competency

Post holders will present themselves for duty in accordance with the Company dress code and in the uniform provided at all times whilst on duty. They will ensure that they are properly equipped at the start of each duty period.

A high degree of flexibility is essential. It may be necessary for the postholder to move from one environment to the other at short notice to provide cover as required.

They will at all times promote and uphold the Vision and Values of the company and be focussed on delivering the highest quality patient care, improving the working lives of all staff.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

1.1 To ensure a continuous duty of care to patients, within the level of training 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.

1.2 To ensure that a clear handover report is provided when the patient is handed into the care of another health professional, this should record all pertinent patient information, in accordance with Trust procedure and that the transfer of patients into the care of others is conducted according to procedure.

1.3 Drive all types of approved ambulance service vehicles under normal and emergency (blue light) circumstances, in accordance with the laid down standards of the service and within road traffic law, taking particular care of the vehicle, its occupants and other road users.

1.4 Carry out general vehicle checks at the start of and during each shift, to ensure the readiness of the vehicle and communications equipment to respond as required. All defects, deficiencies and accident damage must be reported in accordance with Trust procedures.

1.5 Ensure that vehicles are clean and appropriately stocked and refuel them as required.

1.6 Maintain a competent working knowledge of all medical and life support equipment carried on vehicles appropriate to the required skill level and scope of practice.

1.7 Maintain competence in assisting a qualified practitioner in the use of appropriate equipment in line with the scope of practice and associated training

1.8 Ensure that all procedures used within the scope of practice are consistent with and promote good infection control

1.9 Ensure that required equipment is stored, transported and cared for so that they are always in good working order

1.10 Comply with basic scene safety checks and the associated basic risk assessments, working with other healthcare or emergency services staff

1.11 Support qualified practitioners as directed, in the provision of high quality care

1.12 Observe patient vital signs using skills and equipment relevant to scope of practice as directed and reporting any changes to the qualified clinician

1.13 Provide and take relevant information from carers or others at any scene, reporting to qualified practitioner, health care professionals, hospital or other relevant agencies as required

1.14 Complete appropriate and clear documentation relating to patients attended, work and journeys undertaken in accordance with Trust policies and protocols.

1.15 Maintain a working knowledge of and operate all required types of communication equipment (including radio, telephone and MDTs) in accordance with Trust protocols to convey accurate information about emergency and routine work and patient information to NHS staff and those from other services as appropriate.

1.16 Maintain regular communication with ambulance control to register updates regarding cancellation and mobility requirements

1.17 Be flexible in attitude to meet the constantly changing nature of care and service delivery

1.18 Be smart in appearance and courteous at all times to convey a high level of confidence to the public

1.19 Work with others and use available equipment to ensure the safe manual handling and movement of patients

1.20 Promote Equality & Diversity and a non discriminatory culture

1.21 Identify and take action when other peoples behaviour undermines Equality and Diversity.

1.22 To treat everyone with whom you come into contact, with dignity and respect

1.23 Comply with all Trust policies and procedures as they apply to the post.

1.24 Monitor quality of own work to ensure that the required standards of performance are met.

1.25 Maintain a professional attitude and public image at all times.

1.26 Exercise high levels of courtesy and communication with patients and the public to ensure that clear information is conveyed, maintaining patient confidentiality at all times.

1.27 Listen to comments from key stakeholders (managers, staff etc) and fed back to clinicians or managers as appropriate in order to develop ways in which the service can be improved.

1.28 Good working relationships must be maintained with - qualified practitioners, Emergency control staff, line managers, other healthcare staff, other emergency services staff and public and patient representatives

1.29 Clean and maintain proper care of any equipment, vehicles and uniform provided by Bristol Ambulance in accordance with current infection control procedures.

1.30 Take responsibility for patients money, valuables and property whilst they are in the care of Bristol Ambulance

1.31 Because of the nature of the work, this post is exempt from the provision (42) of the rehabilitation of offenders act 1974 (Exemptions) order 1975.

1.32 Undertake learning to ensure that own knowledge and skills are maintained at the required level.

1.33 Participate in regular personal development reviews

1.34 Undertake required learning and ensure that this is put into practice

Health and Safety

The post holder would be required to discharge responsibilities as laid down in the Company Policy for Health and Safety Organisation. In particular all employees must;

Take care of their own Health and Safety and that of any other person who may be affected by their acts or omissions.

Comply with the safe systems of work and the Health and Safety information, instruction, training and supervision provided by the Company.

Attend Health and Safety training sessions.

Use, as required, all personal protective clothing, specified safe systems of work equipment, etc. provided by the employer.

Report and record any unsafe practices, or workplace hazards. Ensure all incidents are promptly recorded in accordance with the Services accident/incident policy.

Promote and encourage health and safe working within the Company.

Carry out regular health & safety site inspections and provide reports as required.

Infection Prevention and Control

1. Support the Team Leaders who must ensure that prevention or containment of infection, sustaining good prevention and infection control practice and the maintenance of a safe environment for patients, visitors and colleagues is a key result area for all their staff and is part of Personal Development Reviews
2. Support the Team Leaders who should ensure that their staff are aware of, understand and adhere to the companys Prevention of Infection Control Policy, Dress Code, Risk Management, and Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and all relevant clinical procedures and guidelines
3. Ensure vehicle and equipment cleanliness is maintained to a high standard to ensure quality of care

Information Management and Planning

1. Maintains accurate management information in accordance with Data Protection and Information Governance Guidelines

2. Decides on action to be taken from a range of possible actions through the use of information management

3. Implement and evaluate own systems to monitor and meet Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

4. Responsible for implementing strategy and plans over with clinical staff for example, new working practices, service redesign, improvements in patient care etc

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Blue light Qualification
• ECA Qualification

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

Bristol Ambulance

Address

Jacwyn House

1 Kings Park Ave

Bristol

BS2 0TZ

Employer's website

http://bristolambulance.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)