Job Purpose

The Emergency Care Assistant will work alongside qualified practitioners to attend cases of accident and sudden illness and respond to urgent, special, and planned patient transfer requests. They use advanced driving skills under blue light to respond to emergency and normal traffic conditions to respond to routine calls as required. They 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. The Emergency Care Assistant also operates Patient Support Vehicles and delivers a low acuity service to patients requiring urgent admission to acute care, or transfer to a higher level of care. They 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.

Statutory Responsibilities

Active engagement, participation and compliance with any other statutory responsibilities applicable to the role, as amended from time to time.

Job Specific Outcomes 1 of 2

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.

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 the States of Jersey Ambulance Service procedure and that the transfer of patients into the care of others is conducted according to that procedure.

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.

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 States of Jersey Ambulance Service procedures. Ensure that vehicles are clean and appropriately stocked and refuelled as required.

5. 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. Also maintain competence in assisting a qualified practitioner in the use of appropriate equipment in line with the scope of practice and associated training.

Job Specific Outcomes 2 of 2

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

7. Comply with basic scene safety checks and the associated basic risk assessments, working with other healthcare or emergency services staff and ensure that required equipment is stored, transported, and cared for so always in good working order. Work with others and use available equipment to ensure the safe manual handling and movement of patients.

8. Support qualified practitioners as directed, in the provision of high-quality care and observe patient vital signs using skills and equipment relevant to scope of practice as directed and reporting any changes to the qualified practitioner/ clinician. 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 and complete appropriate and clear documentation relating to patients attended, work and journeys undertaken in accordance with States of Jersey Ambulance Service procedures.

9. Maintain a working knowledge of and operate all required types of communication equipment (including radio, telephone and any other communications system) in accordance with States of Jersey Ambulance Service procedures to convey accurate information about emergency and routine work and patient information to A&E staff and those from other services as appropriate. Maintain regular communication with ambulance control to register updates regarding cancellation and mobility requirements.

10. To treat everyone they come into contact with, with dignity and respect. Promote Equality & Diversity and a non-discriminatory culture and identify and take action when the conduct and behaviour of others undermines Equality and Diversity.

11. Monitor quality of own work to ensure that the required standards of performance are met. • Always maintain a professional attitude and public image. • Exercise high levels of courtesy and communication with patients and the public to ensure that clear information is conveyed, always maintaining patient confidentiality. • Good working relationships must be maintained with qualified practitioners, Emergency control staff, line managers, other healthcare staff, other emergency services staff, public and patient representatives. Maintain a level of fitness in accordance with role and attend any medical assessments to enable the post holder to safely carry out the duties of the post.

Qualifications

Essential

Full Jersey manual driving licence held for at least one year with no current endorsements. Driving licence must contain C1 category (driving vehicle over 3500kg), valid for manual vehicles In addition: Applicants must hold a Category C1 (Vocational) Driving Licence. If you passed your Category B (car) driving test prior to the 1st January 1997 you must also meet DVLA Group 2 medical standards to drive large goods vehicles. Applicants who have undertaken a vocational test to acquire category C1 would have had their medical fitness assessed during their licence application process by the DVLA .

Qualified in First Response in Emergency Care (FREC) level 4 (NQF Level 4) or equivalent.

In possession of a relevant blue light driving qualification.

Desirable

Advance driving qualification. Clean driving licence. D1 category on driving licence. Institute of Healthcare and Development (IHCD) First Person on Scene Certificate and/or HSE First Aid at Work Certificate. General knowledge of biological sciences.  Safe handling qualification.

Knowledge

Essential

Effective verbal, listening and written communication skills.

Ability to work under pressure.

Able to handle sensitive situations assertively and tactfully.

Demonstrate good Organisational skills and able to produce accurate records.

Good interpersonal skills and ability to interact in a calm and professional manner.

Demonstrate the ability and commitment to providing high quality patient care, appropriate to patient needs.

Always respects and treats patient with dignity, and mindful of confidentiality.

Displays good diplomatic skills, is tactful and discreet.

Understanding of vehicle and road safety issues.

Excellent knowledge of the Jersey Highway Code.

An understanding of equality and diversity issues and can demonstrate their incorporation into personal practice.

Able to complete paperwork with accuracy and good attention to detail.

Demonstrates commitment for personal development and lifelong learning.

Desirable

An up-to-date knowledge of how the Ambulance Service works in practice. Knowledge of legislation, codes of practice in relation to clinical practice and operations. Understanding of major incident procedures.

Technical Work Based Skills

Essential

Ability to undertake manual tasks involving patient safe handling and movement and use of equipment for securing patients for transport.

Desirable

Experience in the use of computers, as well as good keyboard skills. Familiarity with emergency and non emergency medical services and equipment. Experienced and up to date in the technical aspects of the role.

General skills / attributes

Essential

Ability to interact with people from varying cultural backgrounds and social environments.

Ability to develop effective working relationships with colleagues and the public.

Able to promote equality and value diversity. Able to work effectively in difficult and traumatic circumstances.

Confident and assertive but approachable.

Willingness to learn and improve.

Caring attitude and sensitivity to patients and colleagues.

Able to work flexibly and as part of a team.

Able to maintain confidentiality of information.

Flexible approach to working hours and job demands in accordance with the rostering.

Able to pass pre employment medical.

Maintains fitness to be able to carry out, move and handle patients and equipment.

Demonstrate a commitment and recognition to the core values and beliefs of an employee of the Government of Jersey.

Committed to high quality patient care and experience.

Respectful to and able to promote equality in opportunity, employment, and service delivery.

Committed to continuous professional development and personal growth.

Able to ensure care of own health and wellbeing to promote improvements to physical and emotional wellbeing.

Able to work within the States of Jersey Ambulance attendance targets.

Ability to perform the requirements of the post to an acceptable standard in accordance with their training.

Demonstrates a positive and flexible approach in line with the changing nature of the States of Jersey Ambulance service delivery model.

Committed to the values based principles of high quality patient care to include compassion, care, competence, communication, courage, and commitment in all aspects of service delivery.

Experience

Essential

Evidence of continuous professional development and of acquiring new skills/knowledge in the past 2 years.

Desirable

Demonstrate a record of ongoing training and professional development in clinical aspects of the Emergency Care Assistant role.