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This apprenticeship has been retired

Overview of the role

Providing high quality and compassionate care, responding to the needs of service users and carers across the lifespan.

Details of standard

Occupation summary

This occupation is found in healthcare. Paramedics carry out their work in a wide variety of settings, which may include a front-line ambulance, GP surgery, a minor injury/illness centre, in remote medicine or a varied range of other community environments including patients’ homes. On successful completion of this apprenticeship standard, including the approved qualification, apprentices would be eligible to apply to the Health and Care Professions Council to register as a Paramedic, which is a protected title. Paramedics work shifts and are required to work in traumatic and stressful situations; the role can be physically and mentally demanding and is often outside in all environmental conditions.

 

The broad purpose of the occupation is to respond to 999 critical emergencies and traumatic situations to deliver high quality and effective pre-hospital clinical care and patient transportation in a safe and timely manner. Paramedics are usually the first to arrive at the scene of an accident or emergency before any other healthcare professional and are required to quickly carry out a risk assessment of the scene then decide on how to best treat the patient. This decision usually includes a diagnostic evaluation of the patient’s condition and may include administration of medication before they get to the hospital. Paramedics may also transport patients that are being transferred between hospitals or services. Paramedics use advanced driving skills under emergency and non-emergency driving conditions to respond to and transport emergency and routine calls as required. Paramedics are autonomous practitioners and must meet the ‘Standards of Proficiency – Paramedics’ and the ‘Standards of conduct, performance and ethics’ set by the HCPC. They also act in accordance with the organisation’s policies, procedures and protocols and always adhere to guidelines and current legislation.

 

In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with a wide range of healthcare professionals such as medical and nursing staff as well as with patients, carers, relatives, and members of the public. They will also work alongside other emergency services like the police and fire and rescue services. A paramedic may work alone or as part of a crew with other paramedics, ambulance technicians and ambulance support workers.

 

An employee in this occupation will be responsible for initiating care and effective treatment to patients in both hospital and pre-hospital environment. Paramedics select and apply skills and equipment safely and within their level of training, competency and scope of practice. A paramedic is responsible for making clinical decisions and, if appropriate, providing advice to patients, clinicians and other healthcare professionals. Paramedics use high-tech equipment when attending to emergency situations eg defibrillators and are required to maintain the vehicle and equipment and ensure efficient use of medical supplies. A paramedic can administer medicines, intravenous fluids and oxygen. They normally act independently within the bounds of their knowledge and scope of practice, reporting to a more senior colleague as required. They will mentor other staff and may be required to provide supervision.

 

Typical job titles include:

Paramedic

Entry requirements

Apprentices will have to meet the entry requirements set by the university.  They must also have achieved English and maths prior to starting this apprenticeship. 

Occupation duties

Duty KSBs

Duty 1 Work in line with the Health and Care Professions Council statutory requirements and ethical boundaries

K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K6 K7 K8

S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6

Duty 2 Drive an ambulance or rapid response vehicle under emergency and non-emergency driving conditions

K9

S8

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6

Duty 3 Equip and maintain an ambulance or rapid response vehicle under emergency and non-emergency driving conditions

K10 K11 K12 K13

S9 S10 S11 S12

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6

Duty 4 Communicate effectively with others

K14 K15 K16 K17 K18 K19 K20 K21 K22

S13 S14 S15 S16 S17 S18 S19 S20

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6

Duty 5 Assess, evaluate, diagnose and manage the clinical and personal requirements of patients and situation

K23 K24 K25 K26 K27

S21 S22 S23 S24 S25

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6

Duty 6 Provide effective treatment to patients providing the highest standard of clinical and personal care within the pre-hospital environment under emergency and non-emergency driving conditions

K28 K29 K30 K31

S26 S27 S28 S29

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6

Duty 7 Work effectively as part of a team with other health and social care professionals, other services and agencies

K32 K33 K34 K35 K36 K37

S30 S31 S32 S33

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6

Duty 8 Use, store and securely dispose of medicines in accordance with current protocols and legislation

K38 K39 K40

S34 S35 S36 S37

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6

Duty 9 Oversee the health, wellbeing and safety of patients within the legal and ethical boundaries of a paramedic

K41 K42 K43

S38 S39 S40 S41

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6

Duty 10 Maintain fitness to practice by ensuring own professional and clinical development is sustained

K44 K45 K46 K47 K48 K49

S42 S43 S44 S45 S46 S47 S48

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6


KSBs

Knowledge

K1: The HCPC regulated standards for paramedics: the ‘Standards of Proficiency – Paramedics’ and the HCPC ‘Standards of Conduct, performance and ethics’ Back to Duty

K2: The statutory regulation and legislation that inform paramedic practice Back to Duty

K3: The principles and practice of gaining consent Back to Duty

K4: Data protection and confidentiality in relation to the role of paramedic Back to Duty

K5: The principles and practice of risk management, safeguarding and the duty of candour Back to Duty

K6: The range of theories and concepts that describe paramedic practice within emergency and urgent care Back to Duty

K7: The decision-making processes associated with paramedic practice Back to Duty

K8: The role and responsibilities of paramedics and that of other health and social care professionals including delegation and referral protocols Back to Duty

K9: Road safety legislation, high speed driving techniques and codes of practice Back to Duty

K10: Vehicle safety checks required for ambulances and rapid response vehicles including tyre pressure, oil, water and fuel levels Back to Duty

K11: Cleaning and decontamination protocols and processes used in paramedic practice Back to Duty

K12: The clinical, diagnostic, invasive and therapeutic equipment and resources required for paramedic practice including relevant safety checks Back to Duty

K13: Vehicle, stock and equipment recording and ordering processes and protocols Back to Duty

K14: A range of communication methods, strategies, interventions and media used in paramedic practice Back to Duty

K15: Verbal and non-verbal cues and how communication should be modified to address and take account of factors such as age, capacity, learning and physical ability and the condition of the patient Back to Duty

K16: The protocols and procedures required to ensure timely and efficient contact with the Emergency Operations Centre Back to Duty

K17: Various ways of communicating difficult and complex information in potentially challenging circumstances and how to check that it has been understood Back to Duty

K18: The importance of a person-centred approach, shared decision-making and the active involvement of the patient in their own care Back to Duty

K19: Your own professional accountability to share accurate and timely information with other healthcare professionals and services such as the police, fire service, social care or general practice Back to Duty

K20: Current regulation and protocols for recording patient data and the decisions you have taken regarding their care and transfer Back to Duty

K21: Reporting and escalation processes relevant to paramedic practice Back to Duty

K22: Clinical governance and ways to maintain standards, monitor and improve the quality and cost effectiveness of services provided by your team Back to Duty

K23: Own role and that of others in scene and incident management; continuing to develop knowledge as exposed to new third party roles Back to Duty

K24: The structure and function of the human body relevant to paramedic practice Back to Duty

K25: How paramedic principles are expressed and translated into action through a range of assessment, diagnosis and management approaches Back to Duty

K26: The conditions and care requirements frequently encountered in paramedic practice, covering the physiological, psychological and social needs of patients Back to Duty

K27: Current evidence-based practice decision-making and how working practices can be adapted or modified to meet the changing needs of the patient and/or environment Back to Duty

K28: The relevant course of action, based on a rational decision-making process and clinical safety including critical consideration of personal scope of practice and patient choice Back to Duty

K29: The equipment and procedures required to deliver care packages to resuscitate and stabilise patients Back to Duty

K30: Decision making processes for initiating, modifying or ceasing treatment or procedures according to the changing needs and condition of the patient Back to Duty

K31: Manual handling techniques including consideration of patient and situational needs Back to Duty

K32: Clinical leadership theories and strategies Back to Duty

K33: Coaching, mentoring, training and teamwork theories and strategies Back to Duty

K34: The role of a paramedic and other services in accidents and emergencies, disaster management, major incidents and public health emergencies Back to Duty

K35: Referral and transfer of care processes and protocols Back to Duty

K36: Principles of a ‘duty of care’, what this means for a paramedic and why it is important Back to Duty

K37: Strategies to promote, exchange and evaluate collaborative working within a multi-professional/disciplinary team Back to Duty

K38: Current legislation governing the use of medicines by paramedics Back to Duty

K39: Relevant pharmacology and the administration of therapeutic medications, including pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics Back to Duty

K40: The processes and protocols for medicine management whilst in operation and on the station Back to Duty

K41: Infection prevention and control protocols and procedures Back to Duty

K42: Health and safety regulations relevant to paramedic practice Back to Duty

K43: Security measures relevant to paramedic practice including lone working, vehicle security and safe storage of medication Back to Duty

K44: The importance of an evidence-based approach, how to keep up to date with current best-practice and employ critical thinking when making decisions Back to Duty

K45: The importance of maintaining currency of knowledge and skills through continuing professional development in line with Health and Care Professions Council requirements Back to Duty

K46: The value of critical reflection, research and evidence-based practice and the need to undertake further study to continually improve the service and patient experience through career-long learning Back to Duty

K47: The importance of health, well-being, emotional intelligence and resilience for paramedics Back to Duty

K48: Quality assurance, audit and ways to continually improve your own clinical and operational performance and that of your team Back to Duty

K49: The importance of debriefing and review so that lessons can be addressed ready for future patient safety and management Back to Duty

Skills

S1: Practice autonomously, safely and effectively within the scope of practice and the legal and ethical boundaries of a paramedic Back to Duty

S2: Seek informed consent Back to Duty

S3: Be responsible and accountable for protecting data, maintaining confidentiality and sharing information in line with organisational policy Back to Duty

S4: Keep people safe, minimising risks, raising safeguarding concerns and reporting in line with organisational policy should errors or omissions occur Back to Duty

S5: Work within an unpredictable environment to carry out immediate and emergency care as required by the situation and patient Back to Duty

S6: Take professional accountability for your own practice and the decisions that you make Back to Duty

S7: Recognise the limitations of your own role and when to delegate or refer to others Back to Duty

S8: Use advanced driving skills to respond to emergency and routine calls and to safely transfer patients under emergency and non-emergency driving conditions Back to Duty

S9: Carry out vehicle checks, to ensure that the vehicle is road worthy, clean and stocked Back to Duty

S10: Clean, decontaminate and check equipment and stock to maintain a state of operational readiness Back to Duty

S11: Check and prepare diagnostic, invasive and therapeutic equipment Back to Duty

S12: Maintain accurate vehicle, stock and equipment records Back to Duty

S13: Communicate with patients and others in a professional, compassionate manner using methods, strategies, interventions and media relevant to the intended audience and context Back to Duty

S14: Communicate effectively using both written and verbal cues, modifying communication to address and take account of factors such as age, capacity, learning and physical ability and the condition of the patient Back to Duty

S15: Maintain regular and timely contact with the Emergency Operations Centre Back to Duty

S16: Explain and communicate information that may be complex, emotive or sensitive, maintaining a calm and professional manner to enable patients to make informed decisions and actively engage in their own care where possible Back to Duty

S17: Share relevant information in a timely manner with the wider multi-professional team, liaising with other services and giving your professional opinion as required Back to Duty

S18: Complete prompt, legible and accurate patient records, accurately recording observations, interventions, therapies and decisions taken, protecting data, maintaining confidentiality and sharing accurate information in line with organisational policy Back to Duty

S19: Report and escalate issues, risks and concerns in line with organisational policy Back to Duty

S20: Engage in the quality improvement of the service by sharing data, ideas, patient and colleague feedback in line with organisational policy Back to Duty

S21: Assess the scene, situation and environment and carry out risk management and/or mitigation Back to Duty

S22: Assess the physical and mental health needs of the patient and the criticality of their condition Back to Duty

S23: Diagnose and manage the patient’s condition, gaining consent, maintaining dignity and seeking to enhance well-being Back to Duty

S24: Apply evidence-informed treatment to currently accepted best practice Back to Duty

S25: Use critical problem-solving skills to make clinical decisions, adapting and modifying working practices as required for the patient and/or situation Back to Duty

S26: Provide an immediate course of treatment at the scene, in the patient’s home or on the way to the hospital or another service providing the highest standard of compassionate clinical care and personal care within the pre-hospital environment Back to Duty

S27: Use diagnostic, invasive, therapeutic and surgical equipment and procedures such as ventilation, defibrillation and airway management to resuscitate and stabilise patients Back to Duty

S28: Monitor the patient’s condition Back to Duty

S29: Move and handle patients safely in varied and uncontrolled environments Back to Duty

S30: Provide leadership in paramedic care, supervising and training others and acting as a role model Back to Duty

S31: Work in partnership with other health and social care professionals and agencies as part of the multi-professional, multi-disciplinary team to manage accidents, emergencies, disasters or incidents Back to Duty

S32: Ensure continuous duty of care, monitoring and maintain treatment until the patient is either discharged, referred or transferred to the care of another healthcare professional and agency Back to Duty

S33: Co-ordinate inter-professional and inter-disciplinary care, liaising with other services to secure patient-centred care Back to Duty

S34: Comply with current legislation on medicines management for paramedics Back to Duty

S35: Administer therapeutic medications to patients in the correct way for the patient’s condition and situation, recognising, recording and monitoring the effects Back to Duty

S36: Check supplies, request and dispose of medicines in line with organisational policy Back to Duty

S37: Ensure medicines are always stored securely when in operation and when at the station Back to Duty

S38: Apply infection prevention and control measures in line with organisational policy Back to Duty

S39: Adhere to current best practice for ensuring the health and safety of patients, self and others and relevant to the type of incident and location Back to Duty

S40: Ensure that the vehicle and contents are secure at all times Back to Duty

S41: Secure and keep safe patient’s property and/or belongings during treatment and transfer Back to Duty

S42: Make evidence-based decisions, thinking critically and drawing on experience in all situations Back to Duty

S43: Participate in continuous professional development and maintain a CPD portfolio Back to Duty

S44: Proactively seek and respond to feedback to improve own knowledge and skills and to improve the service and patient experience Back to Duty

S45: Monitor and evaluate the impact of your daily work on your own health, well-being, emotional intelligence and resilience and that of your team showing an awareness of your own responses to external stimulus Back to Duty

S46: Reflect on judgements and decisions taken in routine, complex and challenging situations by yourself and your team seeking to continually improve performance Back to Duty

S47: Objectively consider, evaluate and interpret information, actively monitoring and managing performance continually across a diverse range of situations Back to Duty

S48: Participate in de-briefings and reviews as required by the role, incident and situation Back to Duty

Behaviours

B1: Treat people with dignity Back to Duty

B2: Respect individual's diversity, beliefs, culture, needs, values, privacy and preferences Back to Duty

B3: Show respect and empathy for patients, their families and carers and those you work with Back to Duty

B4: Be adaptable, reliable and consistent Back to Duty

B5: Have the courage to challenge areas of concern Back to Duty

B6: Recognise and act within the limits of own competence seeking advice when needed Back to Duty


Qualifications

English and Maths

Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the End-Point Assessment. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeship’s English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3. A British Sign Language (BSL) qualification is an alternative to the English qualification for those whose primary language is BSL.

Other mandatory qualifications

High Level Qualification

Health and Care Professions Council approved BSc (Hons) Paramedic

Level: 6 (integrated degree)

High Level Qualification

Level 3 Certificate in Emergency Response Ambulance Driving Course. This is an Ofqual qualification and is the only mandated qualification that meets regulatory requirements. Individuals would have to complete the Level 3 Certificate in Emergency Response Ambulance Driving Course unless they have already passed either the legacy Institute of Health Care Development (IHCD) Driver training programme or Chief Ambulance Officer approved internal programmes with high speed driving component where candidates can demonstrate current and relevant driving experience. Previous driver training programmes must meet the criteria set out by the Department for Transport for high speed driving in the Road Safety Act.

Level: 3


Additional details


Regulated standard

This is a regulated occupation.

Regulator body:

Health and Care Professions Council

Training Provider must be approved by regulator body

EPAO must be approved by regulator body

Occupational Level:

6

Duration (months):

36

Review

this apprenticeship will be reviewed in accordance with our change request policy.

Status: Retired
Level: 6
Degree: integrated degree
Reference: ST0567
Version: 1.1
Date updated: 12/07/2022
Route: Health and science
Typical duration to gateway: 36 months (this does not include EPA period)
Maximum funding: £27000
Regulated standard:
This is a regulated occupation
Regulator body:Health and Care Professions Council
Training Provider must be approved by regulator body
EPAO must be approved by regulator body
LARS Code: 318
EQA Provider: Ofqual
Employers involved in creating the standard: West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust, North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust, Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, St John Ambulance, Red Cross

Version log

Version Change detail Earliest start date Latest start date
1.3 Standard, end-point assessment plan and funding band revised. 01/09/2023 Not set
1.2 End-point assessment plan revised. Funding band revision published 19 August 2021. 19/02/2021 31/08/2023
1.1 Standard revised 19/11/2020 18/02/2021
1.0 Approved for delivery 08/08/2018 18/11/2020

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