Becoming a qualified Emergency Care Assistant (ECA) can seem like a scary and huge career change for most people. Many will be interested but may not be sure how to become qualified or whether they need to go to university to do so. Good news – university isn’t necessary and we can help!
Here at APG we offer courses that can lead you to becoming a qualified Emergency Care Assistant (ECA) in no time!
What does an Emergency Care Assistant do?
Emergency Care Assistants (ECAs) assess and manage patients during routine patient transfers. ECAs may also support Technicians and Paramedics to assess and manage patients suffering injuries/illnesses (including transfer to other treatment centres).
How do I become qualified?
In order to become a qualified Emergency Care Assistant, you would need to take the following route:
- Earn Level 3 First Response Emergency Care (FREC 3) RQF Qualification
This course takes place over 5 days and covers a full range of skills that are required by the HSE for first aid. This course will provide attendees with the skills and understanding of how to deal with a variety of prehospital emergency care situations such as emergency oxygen, management of trauma patients and more.
Throughout the course, a variety of topics will be covered including the roles and responsibilities of a first responder, external and internal bleeding, minor injuries, incident reporting and so much more!
2. Clock 118 Hours of Contextualised Learning
This is a form of self-directed study and should include additional reading and applied practise (e.g.,) first responder shifts for events and patient transport services.
3. Earn Level 4 First Response Emergency Care (FREC 4) RQF Qualification
This course provides an even wider understanding of pre-hospital care emergencies including major incidents, sick and injured children and more. Over the course, a variety of different topics will be covered including initial patient assessment, managing a patient’s airway, mental health crisis, maternity care and so much more.
This course will build upon what has already been learnt in the FREC 3 course whilst providing the attendee with a higher qualification that can be used for greater job opportunities. This qualification is also ideal for those who work within the military, police or fire service.
In addition to the course, you must complete 3 workbooks within a 12-month period in order to gain the qualification.
4. Conduct 141 Hours of Preparation and Study
This follows a similar suit to the 118 hours of contextualised learning carried out before. This preparation and study can consist of additional research, pre-course reading, work experience, completion of assignments, etc.
5. Earn Level 3 Certificate in Emergency Response Ambulance Driving (CERAD)
The Level 3 Certificate in Emergency Response Ambulance Driving (CERAD) is for those individuals looking to secure their blue lights qualification. This qualification helps meet the requirements of the NHS Ambulance Trusts along with meeting the requirements for ambulance drivers to claim exemptions under the road traffic act and to meet the specifications of the High Speed Driver Training regulations.
…and that’s it!
Once all of this completed you will officially be qualified as an Emergency Care Assistant!
Sounds like something you’d be interested in? Start your journey today by booking onto one of our upcoming FREC 3 courses in 2023!
Click here to learn more about our courses, our prices and to enquire about our course dates!
Alternatively, please email [email protected] or call 01752 717597 to speak to a member of our team.