At a Glance
- Tasks: Transport elderly and vulnerable service users to medical appointments, ensuring their comfort and safety.
- Company: Join EMED Group, the largest Patient Transport and Care Partner to the NHS, dedicated to community health.
- Benefits: Earn £12.21 per hour, enjoy flexible shifts, and access mental health support and financial guidance.
- Other info: Enjoy perks like a Blue Light Card, paid holidays, and recognition for long service.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Must hold a full UK driving licence, be physically fit, and have excellent communication skills.
Do you want a job that genuinely helps people?
We’re looking for kind, reliable and compassionate people to join our Ambulance Care Assistant (ACA) team in Reading. This is a role for someone who wants to make a real difference every day, supporting patients of all ages on their journeys to and from medical facilities.
This is a permanent, full time role which includes evenings and weekends with shifts varying from 0500 to 0100.
An ACA is a hugely rewarding and fulfilling role. Each day, you’ll be helping someone in need, making their lives that little bit easier, and knowing that you make a difference to their day provides you with a real sense of achievement.
You’ll drive patients to and from medical appointments and between healthcare facilities, either working with a colleague or independently, so it is vital to hold a full UK manual driving licence and have a good degree of physical fitness for manual handling.
Other duties include:
- Assisting in the transportation of ‘end of life’ patients, ensuring a high level of empathy is present at all times
- Building rapport by effectively communicating with patients and their relatives/friends
- Responsible for lifting, securing and helping patients in and out of the Ambulance
- Assist with the handing over of patients to appropriate staff on arrival at treatment centres/hospital’s or to family/friends at their homes.
- Transfer patients from beds to stretchers, chairs to chairs or similar both in and out of hospital and medical settings.
- Ensuring that the ambulance is kept safe, clean and tidy
You don’t need previous ambulance experience, we provide full training.
You can view our day in the life video here: Video Portal Explore Insights, Guidance & Information - EMED Group
What benefits can you expect?
- £12.71 per hour
- Life Assurance – providing colleagues and their family financial peace of mind and protection to the value of £5,000.
- Company sick pay covering full salary for 20 days after 2 years’ service.
- 24/7 online/telephone GP Consultation and access to prescriptions.
- 2nd opinion medical support following diagnosis or where a colleague is on a treatment pathway.
- Hospital cash plan benefits with sickness protection scheme.
- Cash-plan benefits, providing colleagues the option of protecting themselves in case of illness and recuperation, including dental, optical, chiropody.
- Access to mental health consultations.
- Access to physiotherapy consultations.
- Access to legal advice on domestic issues e.g. motoring offences, wills and probate, and personal injury.
- Financial guidance re retirement planning, tax savings and state benefits.
- Long Service Recognition Scheme – recognising colleagues for their continued service after 5 years and at 5-year intervals with an increase in annual leave.
- Values-based Internal Recognition Scheme with financial reward, which will lead to an annual recognition event.
- Refer a Friend recruitment incentive scheme with financial rewards.
- The EMED foundation, to provide support to colleagues and our local communities.
- Pension Scheme.
- Blue Light Card.
- Uniform provided.
- EAP (Employee Assistance Programme) to support a range of health and wellbeing requirements.
- Flu vaccination (through an internal campaign in Autumn/Winter).
We'd love to hear from you if:
- You hold a valid UK manual driving licence, (6 points maximum)
- You are able to work flexible shifts between 05:00 - 01:00, Monday to Sunday (with notice)
- You are committed to patient care
- You are an effective communicator and empathetic with others in what can often be emotional circumstances.
- You are physically fit for patient handling and moving.
- You can pass an Enhanced DBS check (company funded).
- You have a natural flair for team working and collaboration
About Us:
The exciting merger of ERS Medical and E-Zec Medical has enabled us to rebrand, therefore as a combined business we are now known as EMED Group. We are the largest Patient Transport and Care Partner to the NHS with circa 4,000 colleagues across 60 depots. Our ambition is to continue developing patient care transport services that improve the health and wellbeing for people across our local communities by providing transport that supports patient care, community support, secure mental health and medical courier services.
EMED Group are committed to providing services for our patients, service users, clients, and community and is supported by employees with an increasing variety of backgrounds. To do this effectively it is essential that we promote equality and embrace diversity and inclusion and treat all of our employees, patients, service users and clients with dignity and respect.
EMED Group is committed to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion among our workforce, and eliminating unlawful discrimination, with our aim being to be truly representative of all sections of society and our clients, and for each employee to feel respected, valued and able to give their best.
EMED Group are committed to providing equal opportunities and we endeavour to provide an inclusive and safe working culture for all.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Ambulance Care Assistant in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local area around Reading. Knowing the quickest routes and potential traffic hotspots can really impress during your interview, showing that you're proactive and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience in patient care or customer service during your conversations. This role is all about empathy and communication, so sharing relevant stories can help you stand out as a candidate who truly understands the importance of these skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss how you handle challenging situations, especially those involving vulnerable individuals. Being able to demonstrate your calmness and consideration in tough scenarios will resonate well with the values of the EMED Group.
✨Tip Number 4
Show your commitment to teamwork by thinking of examples where you've successfully collaborated with others. The ACA role requires a strong team spirit, so illustrating your ability to work well with colleagues will be key in making a positive impression.
We think you need these skills to ace Ambulance Care Assistant in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of an Ambulance Care Assistant. Highlight your relevant experience in patient care and transportation in your application.
Tailor Your CV:Customise your CV to reflect the skills and experiences that align with the job description. Emphasise your communication skills, physical fitness, and any previous experience in healthcare or similar roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for patient care and your ability to work in emotional circumstances. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at EMED Group
✨Show Your Empathy
As an Ambulance Care Assistant, you'll be working with vulnerable individuals. During the interview, demonstrate your ability to empathise and communicate effectively, especially in emotional situations. Share examples from your past experiences where you've shown compassion.
✨Highlight Your Driving Skills
Since a full UK driving licence is essential for this role, be prepared to discuss your driving experience. Mention any relevant qualifications or training, and reassure them of your calmness and reliability behind the wheel.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork
This role often involves working as part of a team. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous jobs. Emphasise your ability to work well under pressure and support your colleagues.
✨Prepare for Regulatory Questions
The interview may include questions about your employment history and regulatory checks. Familiarise yourself with your HMRC record and be honest about your background. This will show your integrity and reliability, which are key values for the company.
