Fitness

Chairman: Tony Thorne Chief Executive: Paul Sutton

40-42 Friars Walk Lewes

East Sussex BN7 2XW

Tel:01273 897829

Email:[email protected]

12th April 2012 Email: Dear I am writing in response to your recent enquiry under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) reference number FOI/12/03/22. You requested information on the position of Emergency Care Assistant (ECA). I will answer your questions as detailed below: 1. What is the role and responsibility of an ECA? The roles of Emergency Care Assistant (ECA) and Emergency Care Support Worker (ECSW) are effectively the same role. The following answers are all based on the job title of ECSW. Please see the attached job description for ECSW. 2. When interviewing what are you looking for in an ECA? Please see the attached person specification for ECSW. 3. How many ECAs do you currently employ? We do not currently employ any ECAs. However as at 31st March 2012 we employed 211 ECSWs (6 of whom are bank staff and work on an ad- hoc basis). 4. When did you last trawl for ECAS? We last recruited ECSWs from our existing Call Operators in our Emergency Dispatch Centre and this was completed in early January 2012. 5. Do you have any dates for when you will next advertise for ECAs? We have no current plans to recruit additional ECSWs. 6. What is your selection process for ECA?


The selection process for ECSW includes online application and shortlisting, numeracy, literacy, Highway Code, a fitness test and a structured interview. Candidates are also required to pass referencing, occupational health and CRB screening. 7. Can you provide the questions asked at the last ECA interviews? It would be inappropriate to provide questions as these (or similar variations) are likely to be used in the future. The questions are based around team working, taking control, patient care, customer service, professionalism, adult/child protection and equality and diversity. 8. Is it your trusts intention in the future to have ECA/Paramedic crews and phase out Technicians? We no longer recruit IHCD Ambulance Technicians, although this role remains prominent in our operational workforce. 9. Can you please supply the last ECA advert with entry requirements? Please find below the text from our last ECSW advert that was open to the public:-

South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust

Join our innovative and high performing Ambulance Trust to embark on an exciting new career. You will be part of a front line Accident and Emergency/Support Tier Ambulance Service, providing the very best care to the people of the Brighton area. Assisting a Paramedic or Ambulance Technician, you will provide ambulance aid and drive under emergency blue light conditions when required. To succeed in this role you should have a genuine desire to serve the community and be able to demonstrate excellent communication skills, be customer focused with a caring and empathetic nature. You will also need to use your initiative and apply common sense, remaining calm when under pressure. The role of ECSW can be demanding and therefore you will need to satisfy the following requirements for the post. Demonstrate a stable employment and attendance history. Have achieved GCSEs Grade C or above (or equivalent) in Maths and English OR have a strong background in care, ideally with a relevant vocational qualification (these roles would be suited to Care Assistants wishing to move into an ambulance service environment) Full, current driving licence including C1 category, held for at least one year, with no more than 3 penalty points. A good standard of physical fitness and able to pass an occupational specific fitness test and pre-employment medical. A group 2 standard DVLA medical will also be required and there are restrictions for minimum uncorrected eye sight as part of this test, please refer to the DVLA for further guidance. The ability to complete mandatory training and pass examinations and assessments.


Applicants will be required to reside within close vicinity of the Operational Dispatch Area. Our benefits package includes a generous holiday entitlement and membership of the NHS Pension Scheme, free uniform and an excellent support network to include Counselling and Occupational Health Services. Successful applicants will be required to undertake a CRB enhanced disclosure to the satisfaction of the Trust, as the role of ECSW is exempt from the 1974 Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. PLEASE NOTE: As part of the Assessment day, applicants are required to take a Fitness Test 10. If your trust doesn't employ ECA's at the moment are going to in the future? We currently employ ECSWs as part of our operational workforce.

I hope you find this information helpful.

However, should you be dissatisfied with the service you have received, you may write to our Complaints Manager at:

South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust 40-42 Friars Walk Lewes East Sussex BN7 2XW Email:[email protected]

Should you remain unhappy with the outcome of any such complaint, you may request a decision from the Information Commissioner at:

The Information Commissioners Office Wycliffe House Water Lane Wilmslow Cheshire SK9 5AF

If I can be of further assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact me, quoting the above reference number. Yours sincerely Julie Rayner Freedom of Information Coordinator

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Fitness