HART Paramedic - Ashford

Job overview

Would you like to use your clinical skills in the most challenging of environments?

HART in SECAmb are seeking candidates for the Ashford Operating Unit, who are either currently operating as Experienced HART Operatives OR HCPC Registered Paramedics in an A+E ambulance setting

HART is a continuing national initiative led by the Department of Health, which enables clinical care to be delivered in areas previously inaccessible to the Ambulance Service. As such HART Operatives respond to potential incidents of a Chemical, Biological, Radiation and Nuclear (CBRN) and Hazardous Material (HAZMAT) nature; structural / trench collapse, major transportation incidents, incidents requiring working at height, confined space and rescue incidents involving complex entrapment.

The team may also be called upon to provide specialist clinical support and knowledge within a Search and Rescue (USAR) environment. All operatives are required to attain Swift Water Rescue Technician (SRT) status which involves working in flooded areas / significant moving water and in difficult environments.

On duty operatives are required to be able to deploy to any location, Nationwide, with no notice for periods of 36hrs or more. All operatives must also be able to deploy as part of an Ambulance Intervention Team. In addition to specific HART related work, Operatives will respond as an operational resource, as required, to meet the needs of the Trust.

Main duties of the job

You must be a qualified paramedic with one of the following qualifications, IHCD Paramedic Award, BTECH Level 4, BSc, DipHE or FdSc to train as a HART Operative.

• Band 6 experienced Paramedic with a minimum of 2 years (24 months) experience at band 6.
• Are available for ALL the Mandated course dates
• Have driving Licence that is valid within the UK, including C1catagory or equivalent.
• UK HCPC registered Paramedic

To apply you must have a good level of physical fitness, weigh under 124KG and over 50KG (in HART PPE approx. 7 KG) and be capable of swimming a minimum of 200 meters. Initial training lasts 11 weeks and consists of mainly residential courses You will also be required to be available to respond, at no notice, to incidents nationwide for up to 48hours.

The selection process will consist of

• Physical Competence Assessment (PCA):
• (HART PCA tests are carried out on both land and in water and have been designed to replicate a number of the physical demands required to operate as a HART Paramedic.)
• Confined space / height confidence assessment
• Clinical assessment
• Swimming assessment (200m swim / 10min tread water / duck dive)
• Specialist Occupational Health Assessment (including eye, hearing, lung function, grip / back strength testing)
• Interview

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Drop in session. Observer shifts can be arranged at the respective HART sites prior to assessment (this is strongly encouraged)

All HART Operatives must maintain specific weight limits for PPE and pass a PCA every six months. They also need to stay updated in HART disciplines through ongoing training. Failing this could mean a return to standard A&E Operations.

To secure a position, candidates must complete various training courses and pass the assessments.

More about HART is available on the Zone or NARU websites.

Current SECAmb employees moving into this role will shift to the new terms and conditions. Payments for unsocial hours will follow the Section 2 agreement. Claims should be made via the monthly timesheet. Further details are in the Agenda for Change handbook.

Please note that we also provide application forms in large print or other formats. Please contact recruitment@secamb.nhs.uk to request.

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.