Ambulance Technician or Emergency Care Assistant
Ranked #5,112 in Education, #119,369 overall
Ambulance Technician is now known as Emergency Care Assistant
In the UK, those already qualified and working as an Ambulance Technician can continue to practise in the NHS but no new individuals are being trained for this specific post.
Throughout this page we will use the term "Ambulance Technician" to refer to both this and the new position of Emergency Care Assistant as "Ambulance Technician" is the most commonly understood and used term.
An existing Ambulance Technician may alternatively choose to train up to become an ambulance paramedic or they may transfer to the role of Emergency Care Assistant with no additional training.
Ambulance technicians or ECA's work as support assistants on ambulances or in emergency departments. They generally assist ambulance paramedics responding to emergency calls. They are often responsible for pre and post shift checking of ambulances and tend to drive the ambulance on which they work.
Throughout this page we will use the term "Ambulance Technician" to refer to both this and the new position of Emergency Care Assistant as "Ambulance Technician" is the most commonly understood and used term.
An existing Ambulance Technician may alternatively choose to train up to become an ambulance paramedic or they may transfer to the role of Emergency Care Assistant with no additional training.
Ambulance technicians or ECA's work as support assistants on ambulances or in emergency departments. They generally assist ambulance paramedics responding to emergency calls. They are often responsible for pre and post shift checking of ambulances and tend to drive the ambulance on which they work.
Ambulance Technician / ECA Qualifications
Qualifications & Experience needed to become an ambulance technician or ECA
The qualifications needed to apply as an ambulance technician or ECA are less demanding than for an ambulance paramedic.
You will need at least 3 G.C.S.E.'s at C grade or above, including maths and English and 1 - 2 A levels or equivalent.
In terms of experience, to be seriously considered for a position as a trainee ambulance technician you should obtain some relevant work experience. This would be similar to that detailed under both the paramedic courses (university degrees) page and the paramedic training with an Ambulance Trust page.
Ambulance Technician / ECA - How To Apply
How to find a trainee position and apply to become an ambulance technician or ECA
You need to run a regular and frequent search on this NHS website looking for a vacancy. Search under the term Emergency Care rather than ambulance technician and see what posts are available in your area.
They will be few and far between but don't loose heart - they do show up and you have plenty of preparation to get in order whilst you wait for that golden opportunity to finally show itself. Don't wait until the vacancy comes up - be ready for it.
The application process is some what similar though less rigorous and competitive, to paramedic placements. Read on to find out more.
Ambulance Technician Interviews & Selection Process
Ambulance Technician interviews require preparation to pass successfully
Ambulance technician interviews tend to be based upon the standard panel format. Practise and be prepared to talk not just about yourself but about why you are choosing to be an ambulance paramedic.Discuss the practical value you have gained from your work experience and why you enjoy working with people in medical settings.
Read the other pages the apply to paramedic interviews. Your ambulance technician interview will not be so gruelling but the basic principles still apply.
Ambulance Technician / ECA Summary
Ambulance Technician Opportunities
Ambulance Technician posts do not officially lead to enhanced opportunities for training up to ambulance paramedic but it can be an excellent way to get close to work on the front line of emergency medical service. You are then on hand to be fully aware if a paramedic trainee position becomes available.
Alternatively you may find that life as an ambulance technician or ECA suits you perfectly and provides the level of involvement you enjoy without the responsibility or stress that a full paramedic may have to deal with.
Alternatively you may find that life as an ambulance technician or ECA suits you perfectly and provides the level of involvement you enjoy without the responsibility or stress that a full paramedic may have to deal with.
Helping You Become Am Ambulance Paramedic
Lenses To Help You Become An Ambulance Technician or Ambulance Paramedic
by Become-A-Paramedic
Become a Paramedic!
Being a Paramedic is exciting, challenging and of course rewarding. Paramedic training is available through different avenues and...
more »
- 7 featured lenses
- Top lens » Paramedic Training In The U.K.
Feeling creative?
Create a Lens!
Explore related pages
- How To Become A Paramedic In The U.K. How To Become A Paramedic In The U.K.
- Paramedic Courses At U.K. Universities Paramedic Courses At U.K. Universities
- Paramedic Training In The U.K. Paramedic Training In The U.K.
- Paramedic Degree Courses Paramedic Degree Courses
- What is the Salary for a Paramedic? What is the Salary for a Paramedic?
- Paramedic Qualifications & Introduction to Training Paramedic Qualifications & Introduction to Training
Ex-LAS paramedic who is now an EMC nurse
Interesting perspective on continuing post emergency patient care.
