Trainee Aap Technicians

West Midlands Ambulance Service University Nhs Foundation Trust; Dudley Wood; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

West Midlands Ambulance Service University NHS Foundation Trust invites applications for a Trainee AAP Technician through an Associate Ambulance Practitioner Apprenticeship (Level 4). The role focuses on developing skills to work on frontline emergency ambulances, with progression to qualified AAP Technician on successful completion and sign-off.

Salary paid at current band up to top of Band 4, plus unsocial hours where applicable.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above including English and Maths or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Respond to emergency and urgent calls driving under blue light when required.
• Knowledge of current procedures for radio and satellite navigation to promote prompt response.
• Work in internal and external environments in varying weather and lighting conditions.
• Provide care and support to patients with mobility or disability challenges.
• Undertake manual handling safely and assist with patient movement.
• Conduct dynamic risk assessments during incidents to protect colleagues and patients.
• Liaise with other emergency services as needed and support incident management.

Education

GCSEs (5) including English & Maths

Job description

Job summary

Following valuable feedback from colleagues across the Trust and more recently specifically from PTS in C&W, we are delighted to open an exciting internal progression opportunity for those who aspire to move into frontline ambulance operations

We have listened to staff who have told us they wish to continue their careers with the Trust and pursue new development opportunities. In response, we have made available a dedicated pathway into frontline services through the recruitment of Trainee AAP Technicians, to be primarily based within the C&W region.

This role offers a structured development programme via the Associate Ambulance Practitioner Apprenticeship (Level 4) which is designed to equip successful candidates with the knowledge, skills and clinical competencies required to work on frontline emergency and urgent care ambulances. On successful completion of all elements of the programme and final sign off, participants will be qualified and work as an AAP Technician.

Applicants will be paid at their current salary (up to a maximum of top of Band 4) plus the relevant unsocial hours.

Please note, artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience.Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting ideas and experiences of others or generated by AI as your own) applications may be withdrawn.

Main duties of the job

Applicants must havea minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above including English and Maths OR equivalent qualifications.

A Full UK driving licence (to include Full Category C1 prior to commencement), if you don't currently hold this, support from the Trust to obtain this is available however it is now a mandatory requirement for Full C1 to be held at least 4 weeks prior to the apprenticeship start date which is planned in for early April 2027.

A passion to deliver high-quality patient care whilst upholding the Trusts organisational value The vacancy is open to all colleagues in the Trust who wish to move to frontline emergency ambulance duties.

This post involves a regulated activity & will require an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check. The disclosure will, where appropriate to the role, include information against the Independent Safeguarding Authority barred lists for working with children, adults or both.

Where a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check is required for the post, all applicants are required to cover the cost of the check.

The cost of an enhanced check is £55.76 and is payable to our online provider at the time that the DBS application is submitted. Upon receipt of your DBS you will then be required to sign up to the DBS online update service.

About us

West Midlands Ambulance Service University NHS Foundation Trust is committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and accessible workplace for everyone where our colleagues feel empowered to succeed

Each person plays a vital part to ensuring our organisation meets the differing needs of our communities ultimately enabling us to save lives. We acknowledge that a workforce that reflects the communities that it serves provide better patient care and we are therefore looking for self-motivated, enthusiastic people from all backgrounds that care about making a difference to our patients

We are committed to diversity and inclusivity at all levels. We are proud to have maintained Disability Confident Leader status and as part of our commitments to this we guarantee to invite all applicants who meet the essential criteria for a role to attend assessment or interview

The Trust is proud to hold the Silver Award for a Dyslexia Friendly workplace and are committed to supporting our Armed Forces community and have signed up to the Step Into Health initiative. We welcome applications from Armed Forces Veterans and Service leavers

We do endeavour to respond to all candidates on an individual basis. Therefore we do ask for your cooperation and patience whilst the short listing process takes place. After the closing date please ensure you check your emails (including junk mail) regularly as contact is usually made via this method.

Job responsibilities

• The immediate response to emergency and urgent calls driving under Blue Light conditions when required complying with all relevant traffic legislation and driving with consideration for other road users.
• Required to have knowledge of current procedures for Radio and satellite navigation unit to promote a prompt response to emergency calls.
• Required to operate in both internal and external environments during inclement weather conditions with various degrees of light and darkness
• Provision of care, assistance and support as appropriate to patients with impaired mobility or any physical or mental disabilities, some of which may present with severely challenging behavioural problems.
• Provision of care, assistance and support as appropriate to patients with impaired mobility due to medical, traumatic or surgical complaints.
• Responsible for undertaking manual handling operations relating to patients with various medical conditions several times a day. This may include the extraction of patients from difficult and awkward positions and carrying patients and equipment up and down stairs and uneven surfaces.
• Conduct dynamic risk assessments when responding to incidents for protection of yourself your crewmate and the patient, as physical or verbal abuse may be an issue.
• When required liaise with members of the other Emergency Services undertaking an incident management role until the arrival of an Ambulance officer.
• Knowledge of how to deal with situations involving multiple casualties including road traffic accidents and fires involving trapped or injured persons.
• Management of Gynae and Obstetric patients and in the absence of a qualified midwife undertake and assist with Emergency Child Birth treating mother and baby accordingly
• Conduct thorough physical examination of patient using recognised assessment skills to allow diagnosis to be made.
• Exercise clinical judgement to implementing emergency care/treatment plans and when required using Alternative Care Pathways eg. direct admission to a specialist unit such as coronary care or a referral to specialist community teams for treatment at home.
• Communicate with tact, diplomacy with patient, family, colleagues and other health professionals and the public to ascertain extremely sensitive or confidential information to reach a diagnosis.
• When indicated using your own clinical judgment the administration of drugs relevant to the patients needs and appropriate to the skill level of a WMAS Technician i.e. aspirin, salbutamol, adrenaline, atrovent and glucagon. You must ensure that you do not work outside of your scope of practice and elevate clinical concerns or need to an appropriately qualified paramedic or other clinician when required to do so.
• Communicate extremely sensitive issues to patients and relatives such as suicide attempts or unexpected bereavements
• The ability to negotiate and persuade reluctant patients with a defined clinical need to consent to treatment.
• Provide prehospital advice and guidance to patient and relatives to contribute to patient care being aware of religious and language barriers
• Liaise with all levels of medical staff in connection with the on-going treatment of the patient ensuring all relevant information is passed and documentation completed.
• Follow the Confirmation of Death Policy and provide initial support, empathy and counselling to bereaved relatives.
• Accurately complete all WMAS documentation including confidential details as required by the service and on occasions may be expected to give evidence to Her Majestys Coroner or Crown Court.
• Maintain Technician qualification and undertake continual professional development, skill levels and knowledge, carry out procedures in accordance with JRCALC Guidelines e.g. Defibrillation, Intra muscular injections and 12 lead ECGs
• Responsible to supervise and mentor new and lesser-qualified staff and take full Clinical Responsibility. You should do this in liaison with any qualified and assigned mentors the student may have.
• To recognise and report through the appropriate procedures and channels any concerns regarding child welfare under the 1989 Childrens Act and / or vulnerable adults under relevant Safeguarding legislation.
• Adherence to the Prescriptions Only Medication Act 1968,1997 amendments Act 1992
• Presentation of a smart appearance incorporating current regulations relating to the wearing of a service uniform and Infection, Prevention and Control measures
• Adherence to the Code of Conduct, Operational Instructions, Quality Procedures, Data Protection, Caldicott principles and any other verbal or written instructions promulgated by the service currently or in the future.
• Assist Paramedics with the on-going assessment, treatment and transportation of the patients within their care.
• To participate in clinical trials and equipment testing as requested that fall within the scope of practice
• Maintain professional portfolio of evidence of ongoing clinical practice for reflection and future training.
• If you are undertaking additional training whilst in the role of a Technician, for example, to become a Paramedic, you must follow the strict practice placement guidelines or learning agreements you may be required to adhere to. You must not work outside of your scope of practice, which can be found from your education facilitator

Person Specification

Experience (Essential)

• Current WMAS employee and have a passion to deliver high-quality care in accordance with the Trust's values.

Qualifications (Essential)

• 5 GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above to include English & Maths (or equivalent)
• Must be willing to undertake any training deemed necessary for the post
• Required to undertake mandatory training as instructed eg, manual handling & conflict resolution.

Skills and Knowledge (Essential)

• Effective interpersonal skills gained from experience dealing with the public
• Adaptability and flexibility when dealing with others
• Proven ability to handle stressful/sensitive situations effectively, professionally, assertively and tactfully
• Demonstrate ability to work effectively on own initiative
• Ability to work with others or part of a team
• Ability to work unsupervised
• Caring disposition
• Full UK Driving Licence including full or provisional C1 entitlement

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

West Midlands Ambulance Service University NHS Foundation Trust is committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and accessible workplace for everyone where our colleagues feel empowered to succeed