Scottish Ambulance Service Job Description 1. JOB IDENTIFICATION Job Title: Emergency Driver Department(s): Operation/Vehicle Crew Job Holder Reference: MLPR 243 No of Job Holders: Multi 1
2. JOB PURPOSE This position entails the delivery of high quality care and safe transportation of non-assist, emergency/non-emergency ambulance hospital patients and NHS staff, to and from various hospital locations within the Division and beyond. The position mainly requires driver only duties to Driver 2 grade and may occasionally require driving under emergency conditions in line with current Service policy and procedures. 3. DIMENSIONS Although there are service obligations throughout Scotland, the post holder will generally be required to perform his/her duties within a fixed geographical area and will be assigned to one particular ambulance station. The post holder will deal with the transportation of non-assist, emergency/non-emergency hospital patients from their homes to treatment centres and also NHS staff to and from patient locations and treatment centres. The post holder will interact with local EMDC/Neonatal Services/Paediatric Services and Medic 2, staff in relation to allocated work, and other hospital and clinical staff (e.g. nurses) when dropping off and picking up patients in other areas. 4. ORGANISATIONAL POSITION Organisation chart is not attached. a) Post holder is responsible to the EMDC in Paisley and to the Neonatal Services, Paediatric Services and Medic 2 departments within NHS Glasgow. However, the post holders line manager will be the designated Area Service Manager. b) The post holder has no-one reporting directly to him/her. 2
5. MAIN TASKS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Carry out daily inspection of vehicle(s) and report any damage/defects immediately Ensure that all the equipment for the comfort of patients is safe and in good working order Ensure that First Aid items carried are according to procedure and in good condition Administer First Aid when required, up to level of training received Drive Service vehicles in accordance with the approved methods and techniques of driving Ensure that all patients are delivered into the care of the appropriate staff at the receiving hospital/centre and ensuring that patients are secured using the seat belts/straps provided. Ensure that all patients are delivered/collected according to the time scales in force Deliver when required, a high quality of patient care ensuring that consideration is given to the feelings and needs of the patient in conjunction with NHS staff. Transmit and receive information via radio/telephone in accordance with Service procedures Complete and submit all documentation to comply with Service requirements Undertake residential or in-service training when required Assists line manager(s) as required with risk assessment of tasks carried out and ensures that safe working practices are followed at all times in line with Service Policy and current legislation. Ensure that any accidents, near misses or hazards are reported immediately to line manager using the Health & Safety Accident & Incident Reporting Form, the Vehicle Accident Report Form and/or REPD Incident Report Form as appropriate. Ensure that the vehicle and equipment are kept clean and the vehicle has sufficient fuel at all times Carry out any other reasonable duties when requested by senior staff Induction Standards and Code of Conduct Your performance must comply with the Mandatory Induction Standards for Healthcare Support Workers in Scotland 2009; and with the Code of Conduct for Healthcare Support Workers, both as amended from time to time, which are attached (further copies can be obtained on-line at: www.workinginhealth.com/standards/healthcaresupportworkers or from your Human Resources Department). Failure to adhere to the Standards or to comply with the Code may result in poor performance measures or disciplinary action and could lead to dismissal; or if you are self-employed, such failure will be deemed to be breach of an essential term of your contract, allowing us to terminate with or without notice. 3
6 EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY Ambulance vehicles Medic 2, Neonatal/Paediatric vehicles, AEV and PTV1 as required Radio Service vehicle radio and/or mobile phone 7. SYSTEMS Post holder completes monthly log/activity sheet, and is required to complete accident/incident report forms for any incidents, hazards etc. 8. DECISIONS AND JUDGEMENTS Post holder is required to work mostly on their own due to nature of duties, i.e. being on road for large amounts of time and away from base station. Post holder is required to use a degree of discretion in assessing the most appropriate method of conveying patients, however the post operates within strict Standard Operating Procedures, which will inform any decision made. Any event occurring that is not covered by SOP s will require the post holder to contact their manager or area service office for assistance and advice. Judgement of NHS staff will always take precedence. Post holder plans most appropriate route to uplift/deliver allocated patients. 9. COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS Post holder communicates on a daily basis with EMDC regarding patient routes, planning, appointment times etc and with clinical/nursing staff regarding patient s condition. 4
10. PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB Physical skills requirement to drive Service vehicles in safe and appropriate manner. Full current driving licence with C1/D1. Physical Effort required to drive Service vehicles for periods of time, with interruptions arising when required to stop at treatment centres. Mental demands high level of concentration required at all times during driving duties to ensure safe and comfortable journey. May be required to drive under emergency conditions in line with current Service policy and procedures. Emotional demands occasionally dealing with any difficult patients or relatives. For example a patient who has had to wait for some considerable time for transport to or from treatment centre. Patient may become/already be unwell during journey. NHS staff may become concerned regarding the patients condition. 11. MOST CHALLENGING/DIFFICULT PARTS OF THE JOB Conveying patients to treatment centre on time, in a safe and comfortable manner. Planning route to minimise journey times and ensure punctuality. 5
12. KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO DO THE JOB Essential: No formal qualification required but must pass Service tests Full current UK driving licence with C1/D1 held for minimum of 2 years Max 3 points, must pass Service test Ability to retain knowledge, solve problems and make decisions Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively with people and to work well under pressure. Desirable: 3 standard grades or equivalent, English, numeric and science. Experience of driving a variety of vehicles of varying sizes and of carrying passengers Previous experience working with patients, clients or members of the public Previous experience in a caring/medical environment Training: Residential Driver 2 Training course at SAC. Must have excellent and detailed knowledge of relevant Service SOP s. 13. JOB DESCRIPTION AGREEMENT Job Holder s Signature: Head of Department Signature: Date: Date: 6