In the United Kingdom, an emergency care assistant, also known as an emergency care support worker, is a common position. Ambulance service providers and hospitals are the most common employers, and job requirements vary slightly depending on the employer. Driving an ambulance is one of the primary responsibilities of an emergency care assistant, regardless of where he works; as a result, a candidate must learn to drive an emergency vehicle and have a thorough understanding of the laws of the road. A person who wants to work as an emergency care assistant should also have a diverse educational background and a clean criminal record. Although no formal education is required, a new emergency care assistant can expect to go through a multi-week on-the-job training program after being hired.
Employers typically look for a candidate with a basic, well-rounded education who wants to work as an emergency care assistant. For example, the person should complete English and mathematics courses and obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent. Furthermore, many employers prefer to hire candidates who have some first-aid experience and know the basics.
A person interested in working as an emergency care assistant should also have a nearly perfect driving record. An emergency care assistant’s job duties usually include driving an ambulance, and employers will expect him to be up to date on the laws that govern driving on the road. He may also be asked to study and test for a specialized license in some cases.
A person may be asked for references after submitting a resume to a potential employer. In most cases, he must also provide his current and previous employment records, which must span several years. An employer may invite a candidate for an interview if he believes he is qualified. During the interview, the employer will typically ask questions to see if the candidate is detail-oriented and comfortable in a variety of situations, regardless of economic status, race, religion, or other factors.
Following the hiring of a qualified candidate, the next step in becoming an emergency care assistant is to complete a multi-week training program. The new hire will generally learn valuable skills during the training classes, such as basic life support and first aid techniques. In addition, the individual will frequently learn how to transport and transfer patients properly. In the majority of cases, he will also receive ambulance driving training.