Specialist

FAQS

Who are emergency care assistants?

Emergency care assistants are ambulance service workers who are typically employed by the NHS. Working alongside paramedics, they assist in care through various tasks such as completing reports accurately, driving ambulance vehicles, and supporting the clinical work of the paramedic.

Emergency care assistants are highly sought after, and they help balance the work within the paramedic team. Emergency care assistants are needed to communicate well with the patient, their family, and other emergency service workers to deliver excellent NHS care alongside their team.

Under the supervision of paramedics, emergency care assistants take an active role in patient care, and perform a vital service.

What’s it really like?

The emergency care assistant role is a really rewarding career opportunity, and can be a great way to further understand how emergency care works. It’s important to remember that the two roles do have different roles and responsibilities.

Emergency care assistants will work under direct supervision of a paramedic, carrying out emergency care such as controlling bleeding, treating wounds, and looking after patients with suspected severe injuries. Emergency care assistants will take relevant information from carers or people at the scene who may be highly distressed or in shock.

What do I need to become part of the paramedic team?

At the moment, there are no set entry requirements to become an emergency care assistant. There are certain things that employers may ask for however, including some experience or qualifications within health and social care, or a good standard of numeracy and literacy. When looking at vacancies, it’s important to check if there are any particular requirements that you may have to fulfill.

Some employes often look for experience dealing with people, such as customer service. Additionally, a full driving licence with a maximum of three penalty points is required, although some employers may ask that applicants hold a C1 driving licence, which allows you to drive larger vehicles.

Typically, Emergency Care Assistants are assessed on personality characteristics and skills as opposed to specific qualifications, making it an accessible role if you are not highly qualified, but have potential in other areas!

Can I get financial support?

When employed by the NHS or a care provider, emergency care assistants will typically work 37.5 hours per week, and will start between £20,000 - £22,000.

What do I need to know?

From April 2022, all applicants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before the start of the course, or provide valid proof of medical exemption. Health and social care professionals are subject to the UK government’s vaccine mandate, meaning that all people working in health and social care settings are required to be vaccinated.

Assist patients as part of the paramedic team

Explore new opportunities within the paramedic team

FAQS