Emergency Medical Technician

Remuneration

The salary scale for the post is (as of 01/01/2024):

€33,361 - €35,187 - €36,284 - €37,035 - €37,685 - €38,527 - €39,041 - €39,916 - €40,815 per year

Key Working Relationships

·        Control Manager

·        Assistant Chief Ambulance Officer

·        Ambulance Officer

Purpose of the Post

The Emergency Medical Technician post is designed to provide a comprehensive and dedicated Patient Transport/Intermediate Care Service within the National Ambulance Service.

Emergency Medical Technicians may be tasked occasionally to higher acuity calls. In this role, the primary purpose will be:

·        In advance of an EMS resource as a First Responder

·        Simultaneously, alongside an EMS resource as additional responders/practitioners, e.g. Cardiac Arrest

·        As the primary resource to low acuity calls not appropriate to Paramedic service provision, i.e. Omega Calls

·        In any role deemed appropriate during a Major Emergency.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical/Patient Care Responsibilities

• Maintain PHECC EMT Registration by completing relevant PHECC Requirements.
• Safe transportation of non-ambulance patients to and from Out Patient Departments, Clinics, Day Hospital and any other location as required.
• Work in collaboration with other colleagues and Control staff to effect the safe and dignified transportation of bariatric patients using specialised patient moving and handling equipment.
• Deliver care to patients in an emergency situation while awaiting the arrival of or in support of Paramedics or above up to their level of competence .i.e. Emergency Medical Technician.
• Provide safe and secure transportation of specialist teams including multiple incubator situations using specialised moving and handling equipment.
• Provide the logistical support and transport needs of retrieval and transport medicine teams.
• Transport patient charts, specimens, and other patient/client related material in a safe and confidential manner.
• Assist in patient comfort situations in a professional courteous and compassionate manner.
• Communicate with a broad range of HSE and non HSE professionals as appropriate.
• Adopt a “can do” and flexible approach to every situation not encompassed by procedures.
• Attend to patients in a professional courteous and compassionate manner using best practice including compliance with Clinical Practice Guidelines.
• Act within the principles of Framework for Major Emergency Management during major emergencies if the need arises and to carry such communications equipment as necessary and to be familiar with the Major Emergency Plan.
• Participate in exercises and training sessions designed to improve the ability of the Ambulance Service to respond to a Major Emergency.
• Emergency Medical Technicians in the National Ambulance Service are required to maintain a high standard of dress and appearance as well as conducting themselves in a responsible manner at all times.

Promote Personal Health & Wellbeing

• In the context of delivering high quality Intermediate Care Services, maintaining a level of fitness and personal development appropriate to the role is essential.
• Demonstrate awareness of own stress levels and seek appropriate support.
• To ensure there is no smoking in the vehicle.
• Be proactive in the community to identify risk, to reduce deaths and injuries.
• Deliver appropriate safety messages to those groups most at risk.
• Wear such uniforms and/or protective clothing as deemed necessary for the performance of his/her duties.

Promote Safety, Health & Welfare At Work (Including Driving & Vehicle Checks)

• Identify and report actual or potential hazards/risks in the work environment in accordance with the Health Service Executive Ambulance Service Safety Statement / deal with them appropriately.
• Take immediate action to minimise risks where it is reasonably practicable to do so.
• Drive all relevant vehicles types operated by the NAS in accordance with the Policy for Vehicular Emergency Response, Safe Work Practice Sheet on Driving and the Site Specific Safety Statement.
• To comply with the rules of the road, to observe speed restrictions and to drive in a competent, safe manner and with patient and vehicle safety in mind.
• To ensure all passengers wear their safety belts.
• At the start of each tour of duty, carry out and complete a Daily Vehicle Inspection Form, ensuring that all defects, deficiencies and accident damage are reported on a Vehicle/Equipment Defect Report Form to the relevant Supervisor.
• Check any vehicle prior to use ensuring that it is fully equipped, visually checked for defects and that all equipment is functioning and ready for use in accordance with Service Procedures.
• Carry out maintenance, equipment and drug checks on vehicles as may be in service at any given time.
• Operate equipment in accordance with Standing Operational Procedures and manufacturer’s instructions.
• Maintain the NAS standards of cleanliness for vehicles, equipment, stations and garages i.e. clean Stations, Vehicles and Garages during downtime.
• Be personally responsible for not undertaking any task or action which would knowingly cause risk to self, others, or to the Health Service Executive National Ambulance Service.
• As far as is reasonably practicable attempt to prevent other people from undertaking tasks or actions which would knowingly cause risk to themselves, others, or to the Health Service Executive National Ambulance Service.
• Participate in briefing/training sessions and carry out any agreed control measures and duties as instructed.
• Comply with all Health and Safety guidelines and be familiar with Safety Statements and Site Specific Statements.
• All accidents must be reported immediately in line with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005 and all staff must comply with all safety regulations.
• In line with the Public Health (Tobacco) Acts 2002 & 2004, smoking within buildings and vehicles of the Health Service Executive is not permitted.

Administrative Responsibilities (Including Managing Resources & Information)

• Maintain regular communications with National Emergency Operations Centre to register updates regarding cancellations, additions and mobility requirements.
• Record details and maintain records of patients, journeys, vehicle refuelling and duty hours in accordance with Service procedures.
• Maintain and submit records as required by the Area Operations Manager or a designated Supervisor to include Daily Vehicle Inspection Forms, Vehicle/Equipment Defect Report Forms, Patient Care Report Forms or any other reports as required.
• Co-operate with and be familiar with all management procedures in relation to discipline, industrial relations agreements, rosters, training, leave and grievance.
• Take responsibility for ensuring operational equipment is ready for use.
• Document all patient care and treatment and comply with records management processes.
• Access and record information using computerised systems.
• Undertake paperwork, such as recording routine tests on pieces of equipment.
• Accept responsibility for security of stations, vehicles, equipment and patient’s property where appropriate.
• Maintain confidentiality in relation to personal data held for colleagues and patients, ensuring it is processed lawfully; for no purpose other than for which it was intended; is relevant to that purpose; is retained for no longer than is necessary; is processed in accordance with the rights of the subject to access and accuracy; and is protected from accidental loss or damage in accordance with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1988 and 2003, and records management guidance.
• Maintain confidentiality of patient identifiable personal data using a non-identifiable alternative, where practicable, and limiting access on a strictly need to know basis

Tours of Duty

• Work rosters as assigned, carry out the duties of the Emergency Medical Technician and be available for duty outside of normal hours as and when the need may arise.
• Work in any location as assigned from time to time.
• Foster good working relationships with others.
• To report to a Supervisor as designated by the Area Operations Manager.
• Comply with all present and future Standing Operational Procedures including clinical, operational and control related.
• To provide optimum patient care within the scope of practice of a PHECC Registered EMT.

Development, Education & Training

• Take part in training and development programmes as appropriate.
• Be prepared to undertake continuous professional development opportunities.
• Support the development of colleagues.
• Mentor new Emergency Medical Technicians and foster an atmosphere of learning by example.
• Undergo such training as may be prescribed by the NAS for both organisational and individual development.
• Identify and seek the support of the NAS for relevant professional development opportunities necessary to maintain and improve clinical competence.
• Identify developmental opportunities within the work context and take part in activities, which lead to personal and professional development.
• Further training and updating of skills will be required at the discretion of the Area Operations Manager from time to time.
• Attend supervision and appraisal session with Supervisors and Operations Resource Managers as required.
• Engage in the HSE performance achievement process in conjunction with your line manager and staff as appropriate.

Other Requirements of the Post

• Adequately identifies, assesses, manages and monitors risk within their area of responsibility.
• Have a working knowledge of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc. and comply with associated HSE protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role.
• Other tasks reasonably and normally incidental to the post are set out in Health Service Executive National Ambulance Service Policies, Training, Operational and Health and Safety instructions, Standing Operational Procedures, Code of Conduct and general information circulars.

• To support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service.
• Any other duties which may be assigned from time to time by the Area Operations Manager or designated alternate.
• As a mandated person under the Children First Act 2015 you will have a legal obligation to report child protection concerns at or above a defined threshold to TUSLA & to assist Tusla, if requested, in assessing a concern which has been the subject of a mandated report

The above Job Specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

Eligibility Criteria

Qualifications and/ or experience

Candidates must have at the latest date of application:

1.      Professional Qualifications, Experience, etc.

(a)    Eligible applicants will be those who on the closing date for the competition:

(i) Are currently registered, and maintain registration on the Emergency Medical Technician Division of the Register as held by the Pre Hospital Emergency Care Council.

AND

(ii) Possess the National Qualification in Emergency Medical Technology and the PHECC EMT Practitioner’s licence.

AND

(iii)             Be the holder of a full Class C1 Driving Licence on application (Note UK 101 Restriction, NI 79 (NFHR) Restriction & Irish 78 Restriction is not acceptable).

OR

Be the holder of a provisional Class C1 Driving Licence1 on application.  (Note UK 101 Restriction, NI 79 (NFHR) Restriction & Irish 78 Restriction is not acceptable).

OR

Be eligible to apply1 for a provisional Class C1 Driving Licence on application.  (Note UK 101 Restriction, NI 79 (NFHR) Restriction & Irish 78 Restriction is not acceptable).

AND

b) Candidates must possess the requisite knowledge and ability, (including a high standard of suitability) for the proper discharge of the duties of the office.

Health

A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Character

Each candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character.

Note 1:

Emergency Medical Technicians require a full Class C1 driving licence. Applicants that do not currently hold a full C1 licence will be allowed to participate in the selection process, however these candidates if successful in the selection process will recorded as ‘dormant’ on the panel. This means that they will not receive any expressions of interest from the ICO panel until they inform the National Recruitment Service that they are in receipt of a full C1 driving licence.

PLEASE NOTE:

·        Applicants must at minimum have a full B licence and will be required to submit a copy of their Driving Licence (or Certificate of Competency if you have recently passed your test) with their application form.

·        Candidates who are classed as a Novice Driver i.e. those who obtained their first full driving licence within the last two years and are required to display N plates, will not be considered for employment opportunities. These candidates if successful at interview will be placed on the panel but their status will be recorded as Dormant. This means that they will not receive any expressions of interest until they notify us in writing that they are no longer required to display N Plates, i.e. the two year period since they obtained their first full licence has passed.

·        Appointment to and continuation in posts that require statutory registration is dependent upon the post holder maintaining annual registration in the relevant division of the register maintained by the Pre Hospital Emergency Care Council.

·        Candidates with penalty points on their licence should note that the maximum penalty points allowed by NAS are 5 points. The HSE will not accept candidates who have incurred 6 or more points on their licence. You will be required to submit a Driving Licence printout from your local Authority at a later stage in the recruitment process (i.e. clearance stage). This printout (which must be from a recent date) will state whether or not you currently are in receipt of penalty points and/or endorsements. Candidates who are found to have incurred 6 or more penalty points on their licence will not progress further in the recruitment process.

Post Specific Requirements

Phase one of training involves a special induction/training course designed for Emergency Medical Technicians. This course addresses both clinical and driving competencies. Failure to complete this course satisfactorily within the defined period will result in termination of employment.

Other requirements specific to the post

You will be required to have a mobile telephone or approved item of communications equipment for urgent or necessary calls/contact during and outside of working hours

Skills, competencies and/or knowledge

Team Skills

• Demonstrate effective teamwork, communication and interpersonal skills.

Problem Solving & Decision Making

• Demonstrate initiative, flexibility and problem solving skills especially with regard to working in the changing environment of the National Ambulance Service.

Ability to Cope under Pressure

• Demonstrate time management, planning and organising skills including the ability to deal accurately and effectively with incidents in a time critical situations
• Demonstrate the ability to cope under pressure

Knowledge / Experience relevant to the Role

• Demonstrates sufficient professional/clinical knowledge to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the role.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• Demonstrate effective teamwork, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrate empathy and caring skills especially in relation to providing a quality service to patients/clients.

Campaign Specific Selection Process

Ranking/Shortlisting / Interview

A ranking and or shortlisting exercise may be carried out on the basis of information supplied in your application form. The criteria for ranking and or shortlisting are based on the requirements of the post as outlined in the eligibility criteria and skills, competencies and/or knowledge section of this job specification. Therefore it is very important that you think about your experience in light of those requirements.

Failure to include information regarding these requirements may result in you not being called forward to the next stage of the selection process.

Those successful at the ranking stage of this process (where applied) will be placed on an order of merit and will be called to interview in ‘bands’ depending on the service needs of the organisation.

Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

The HSE is an equal opportunities employer.

Employees of the HSE bring a range of skills, talents, diverse thinking and experience to the organisation. The HSE believes passionately that employing a diverse workforce is central to its success – we aim to develop the workforce of the HSE so that it reflects the diversity of HSE service users and to strengthen it through accommodating and valuing different perspectives. Ultimately this will result in improved service user and employee experience. 

The HSE is committed to creating a positive working environment whereby all employees inclusive of age, civil status, disability, ethnicity and race, family status, gender, membership of the Traveller community, religion and sexual orientation are respected, valued and can reach their full potential. The HSE aims to achieve this through development of an organisational culture where injustice, bias and discrimination are not tolerated.

The HSE welcomes people with diverse backgrounds and offers a range of supports and resources to staff, such as those who require a reasonable accommodation at work because of a disability or long term health condition.

For further information on the HSE commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion, please visit the Diversity, Equality and Inclusion web page at https://www.hse.ie/eng/staff/resources/diversity/

Remuneration

The salary scale for the post is (as of 01/01/2024):

€33,361 - €35,187 - €36,284 - €37,035 - €37,685 - €38,527 - €39,041 - €39,916 - €40,815

New appointees to any grade start at the minimum point of the scale. Incremental credit will be applied for recognised relevant service in Ireland and abroad (Department of Health Circular 2/2011). Incremental credit is normally granted on appointment, in respect of previous experience in the Civil Service, Local Authorities, Health Service and other Public Service Bodies and Statutory Agencies.

The salary for this role reflects the requirements set out in the eligibility criteria and is all inclusive. Hence no other allowances, including qualification allowances, or payments are payable with the exception of premia payments associated with shift working* or unsocial hours.

*Qualification for shift allowance is subject to working a recurring cycle of shifts which involve days, nights and weekend working, i.e. covering a 24/7 period