HART Paramedic

South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust; Ashford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

The South East Coast Ambulance Service is seeking qualified HART Operatives or HCPC Registered Paramedics to work in challenging environments. Successful candidates will respond to a variety of emergencies and must demonstrate physical fitness and relevant clinical qualifications. An initial 11-week training program prepares them for nationwide deployments as part of an Ambulance Intervention Team.

Qualifications

• Paramedic qualification with relevant awards required.
• Must be HCPC registered.
• Experience at Band 6 for at least 2 years.

Responsibilities

• Respond to CBRN and HAZMAT incidents.
• Provide clinical support in search and rescue.
• Undertake physical competence assessments and swimming tests.

Skills

Physical fitness

Swimming ability

Education

IHCD Paramedic Award

BTEC Level 4

BSc

DipHE

FdSc

Job description

Job Overview

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

HART in SECAmb is seeking candidates for both Ashford and Gatwick Operating Units, who are either currently experienced HART Operatives OR HCPC Registered Paramedics in an A+E ambulance setting.

HART is a national initiative led by the Department of Health, enabling clinical care in previously inaccessible areas. HART Operatives respond to incidents involving Chemical, Biological, Radiation, and Nuclear (CBRN), Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT), structural/trench collapses, major transportation incidents, incidents requiring working at height, confined space rescues, and complex entrapments.

The team may also provide specialist clinical support within a Search and Rescue (USAR) environment. All operatives must attain Swift Water Rescue Technician (SRT) status, working in flooded areas and difficult environments.

Operatives must be ready to deploy nationwide with no notice for periods of 36 hours or more and respond as part of an Ambulance Intervention Team. They will also serve as operational resources to meet the Trust's needs.

Main duties of the job

Candidates must be qualified paramedics with IHCD Paramedic Award, BTECH Level 4, BSc, DipHE, or FdSc to train as HART Operatives.

• Band 6 experienced Paramedic with at least 2 years (24 months) experience at band 6.
• Available for all mandated course dates.
• Valid UK driving license, including C1 category or equivalent.
• UK HCPC registered Paramedic.

Applicants should have good physical fitness, weigh between 50kg and 124kg (including PPE), and be capable of swimming 200 meters. Initial training lasts 11 weeks, mainly residential. Responding to incidents nationwide at short notice, up to 48 hours, is required.

Selection process includes:

• Physical Competence Assessment (PCA): land and water tests simulating operational demands.
• Confined space/height confidence assessment.
• ALS Clinical assessment.
• Swimming assessment (200m swim, 10 min tread water, duck dive).
• Occupational Health Assessment (eye, hearing, lung function, strength tests).
• Interview.

Working for our organisation

Shortlisted candidates must attend assessments on Monday, 7th July 2025, in Ashford, including swimming and confidence tests. Successful candidates will be invited for PCA testing and interviews on Thursday, 10th July.

Gatwick has limited spaces without a talent pool; no further dates are available.

Salary aligns with Agenda for Change (AFC) pay scales, starting at the bottom of the band unless relevant NHS experience is demonstrated.

Following legislation revision (Vaccine as a Condition of Deployment), vaccination against COVID-19 is strongly recommended for patient-facing roles unless medically exempt. Successful applicants will be asked about vaccine status.

Positions require a DBS check appropriate to the role, with level outlined in the offer letter. Applicants must declare any unspent convictions and complete a self-declaration form if shortlisted.

SECAmb is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups, including disabled applicants, and providing reasonable adjustments during the process.

Please use your passport name, include contact details for referees, and note that employment is restricted to those over 18. Travel between sites may be required, and suitable car insurance must be held.

For alternative application formats, contact [e-mail]. Include the vacancy reference number.

Due to high application volume, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 10 working days of the closing date. Check your Trac Jobs account regularly.

The Trust may close the vacancy early if sufficient applications are received. Early application is advised.

Follow us on Twitter @SECAmbRecruit, Facebook, and LinkedIn for updates.

Current SECAmb employees applying will transfer to new terms if successful. Unsocial hours are claimed via timesheets, with details in the Agenda for Change handbook and The Zon.