Emergency Care Assistant

**General Summary**

The role of an Emergency Care Assistant (ECA) is to support clinically qualified practitioners in the provision of high quality and effective pre-hospital clinical care to the community, responding to a wide variety of situations including medical emergencies, inter-hospital transfers, urgent hospital admissions and other allocated operational activities commensurate with the role.

The individual will drive a range of vehicles, under both emergency and non-emergency conditions as required. The post holder will work under the direction and/or supervision of a clinically qualified practitioner E.g. Paramedic, Technician, Paramedic Practitioner, Emergency Care Practitioner or Clinical Supervisor.

The individual will be expected to act in accordance with ER Systems policies, procedures, protocols, ECA scope of practice, client guidelines and current legislation.

**Core Responsibilities**
- Under the direction of a clinically qualified practitioner e.g Paramedic, Technician, Paramedic Practitioner, Emergency Care Practitioner or Clinical Supervisor, assist and support in the provision of high quality and effective pre-hospital clinical care to the community, responding as appropriate using emergency driving skills, to a wide range variety of situations including medical emergencies, inter-hospital transfers, urgent hospital admissions and other allocated operational duties commensurate with the ECA Scope of Practice.
- To drive a range of vehicles as provided, under emergency conditions as required, in accordance with IHCD Ambulance Driving manual and guidelines and current legislation.
- Under the direction of a clinically qualified Practitioner e.g. Paramedic, Technician, Paramedic Practitioner, Emergency Care Practitioner or Clinical Supervisor, assist and support in the provision of emergency clinical scene management.
- Ensure that patient report forms (electronic and paper-based) pertaining to this role (i.e for urgent work only) are completed according to client’s policy, procedures, protocols, current legislation and Caldicott guidelines.
- Ensure the safe transfer of patients to and from vehicles, following health and safety and other appropriate protocols and procedures, being mindful of the safety of patients, self, colleagues and others, using appropriate equipment and manual handling techniques.
- Communicate with patients, relatives, colleagues, other health professionals, emergency services and members of public in a calm, caring and professional manner, treating them with dignity and respect at all times.
- To ensure that patient confidentiality is maintained at all times and that personal / clinical information is only disclosed in accordance with ER Systems policy, procedure and protocol and in accordance with Caldicott regulations.
- To undertake a dynamic risk assessment on arrival at the scene of an incident, or to support colleagues in this duty, in accordance with ER Systems policy and professional guidelines, having due regard for the health and safety of self and others and to request additional support appropriate to the circumstances through the Emergency Operations Centre.
- To use/operate all equipment, facilities, vehicles and premises in an efficient, effective and safe manner, reporting faults in the appropriate manner.
- To carry out relevant vehicle and equipment checks at the start of duty, in accordance with client policy and procedures, ensuring that the vehicle is properly kitted, cleaned (paying particular attention to infection control) and stocked, faults and omissions reported and all appropriate recording procedures completed. (In exceptional circumstances, and for operational need these checks could be delayed but must be performed as soon as practicably possible).
- To assist in ensuring the efficient use of medical supplies, maintaining adequate supplies throughout the shift, ensuring single use items are used according to protocols and ensuring that all clinical waste is disposed of according to ER Systems Policy and current legislation.
- To maintain skills and competencies required by the ECA Scope of Practice and participate in annual personal development reviews.
- To undertake all statutory and mandatory training commensurate with this role.
- To maintain timely communications with the Emergency Operations Centre, using appropriate means and ensure that the Emergency Operations Centre is made aware of operational availability at all times. To ensure compliance with ER Systems guidelines, policies, procedures, protocols and the ECA Scope of Practice at all times, ensuring patients receive the highest quality and standard of care and attention.
- To report any incidences of risk, neglect, abuse or endangerment in accordance with ER Systems policy and client policy.
- To assist and support colleagues to ensure station security, cleanliness and the availability of vehicles, equipment and supplies and to assist in other station duties as re