Btec

[rupert]

Anyone know of any training providers ofering the BTEC in Ambulance Care Assistance? Tried the Edexcel websie with no joy.

Thanks

[Paul999]

Hi Rupert,

I can't say I've ever heard of a BTEC based ACA qualification, although thats not to say that it doesn't exist, just that I haven't heard of it.

The only ACA qual that I am aware of is the IHCD (a branch of Edexcel) Ambulance Care Assistant, and I'm not sure what is to be achieved within this industry with that qual as it is a non-emergency based role within the UK ambulance services.

People that are ACA's in the NHS work on the routine patient transport side, not the front line emergency stuff, so if you are looking at gaining the qual to augment the medical area of your skill set I wouldn't recommend it. There would be better courses to spend your cash on.

Hope that helps,
Paul.

[tazape]

Same here havent heard of anything but Try Paragon-cp based out of north wales if they dont they may know someone who does, somethings are not on the website so you have to call for more info. WWW.Paragon-cp.com

[Disco3]

ERS in Hereford run the IHCD and are a good outfit.

[Paul999]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Disco3 ERS in Hereford run the IHCD and are a good outfit.

Hi Mate,

You are right in respect of ERS running IHCD courses, but the term IHCD is not a course itself, but an awarding body. However to the best of my knowledge they don't run the Ambulance Care Assistant course. I can't see that it would be financially viable to run the course as I don't think it would have a great level of student subscription due to it's lack of relevance in this industry.

Here is a bit more information on the role of an ACA, taken from South Western Ambulance Services' website.

Ambulance Care Assistants

Ambulance care assistants (ACAs) work within the Patient Transport Service (PTS). They are mainly concerned with routine non-emergency work, involving patient transportation to day centres, wards, clinics and other hospital departments. Although such work does not involve the drama of emergency duties, it is crucial to the Service and provides opportunities to support and give assistance to those in need. Staff are trained in basic life support skills and first aid.

ACAs ensure that older patients, those who are particularly frail or those who have disabilities are transported safely and comfortably. They are responsible for the welfare of patients, both on the journey and during transfer to and from the the vehicle.

I hope this adds a bit more clarification to the subject. Apologies if I have been teaching people to suck eggs, that isn't the intention.

Regards,
Paul.