Emergency care assistant

An emergency care assistant (ECA) is a member of the ambulance crew in the United Kingdom who works alongside paramedics to respond to emergency incidents.[1] The scope of their duties varies by ambulance service, but typically involves supporting the paramedics both on scene and during transport. ECAs are trained in emergency response driving to reach the scene quickly and safely.[1] They may perform basic clinical tasks under the direct supervision of a paramedic.[2] The College of Paramedics does not expect ECAs to make independent clinical decisions.[3]

This frontline staff role was introduced in 2006 to modernise NHS ambulances and to lower costs. By 2011 there were 2000 people working as ECAs in the United Kingdom.[4]

  1. ^ a b "Careers in the ambulance service: Emergency care assistant". NHS Careers. Retrieved 3 October 2014.
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference NCS was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Andalo, Debbie (20 February 2013). "How to get ahead in … the paramedic service". The Guardian. Guardian Media Group. Retrieved 10 February 2015.
  4. ^ Rainey, Sarah; Adams, Stephen (7 November 2011). "Emergency Care Assistants replace paramedics for 999 calls as cuts hit ambulance trusts". The Daily Telegraph. Telegraph Media Group. Archived from the original on 7 November 2011. Retrieved 15 January 2015.
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