HART in SECAmb are seeking candidates for both Ashford and Gatwick Operating Units, who are either currently operating as Experienced HART Operatives OR HCPC Registered Paramedics in an A+E ambulance setting
HART is a continuing national initiative led by the Department of Health, which enables clinical care to be delivered in areas previously inaccessible to the Ambulance Service. As such HART Operatives respond to potential incidents of a Chemical, Biological, Radiation and Nuclear (CBRN) and Hazardous Material (HAZMAT) nature; structural / trench collapse, major transportation incidents, incidents requiring working at height, confined space and rescue incidents involving complex entrapment.
The team may also be called upon to provide specialist clinical support and knowledge within a Search and Rescue (USAR) environment. All operatives are required to attain Swift Water Rescue Technician (SRT) status which involves working in flooded areas / significant moving water and in difficult environments.
On duty operatives are required to be able to deploy to any location, Nationwide, with no notice for periods of 36hrs or more. All operatives must also be able to deploy as part of an Ambulance Intervention Team. In addition to specific HART related work, Operatives will respond as an operational resource, as required, to meet the needs of the Trust.
You must be a qualified paramedic with one of the following qualifications, IHCD Paramedic Award, BTECH Level 4, BSc, DipHE or FdSc to train as a HART Operative.
Band 6 experienced Paramedic with a minimum of 2 years (24 months) experience at band 6.
Are available for ALL the Mandated course dates
Have driving Licence that is valid within the UK, including C1catagory or equivalent.
UK HCPC registered Paramedic
To apply you must have a good level of physical fitness, weigh under 124KG and over 50KG (in HART PPE approx. 7 KG) and be capable of swimming a minimum of 200 meters. Initial training lasts 11 weeks and consists of mainly residential courses You will also be required to be available to respond, at no notice, to incidents nationwide for up to 48hours.
The selection process will consist of
Physical Competence Assessment (PCA):
(HART PCA tests are carried out on both land and in water and have been designed to replicate a number of the physical demands required to operate as a HART Paramedic.)
Confined space / height confidence assessment
ALS Clinical assessment
Swimming assessment (200m swim / 10min tread water / duck dive)
Specialist Occupational Health Assessment (including eye, hearing, lung function, grip / back strength testing)
Interview
If you are shortlisted, you must attend an assessment on Monday 7th July 2025 in Ashford for the first stage including Swim Clinical and Confidence assessments
If successful you will be invited to the PCA test and interview on Thursday 10th July.
Please note that whilst we are interviewing for both areas of the trust Gatwick have very minimal spaces available without a talent pool available.
(No further dates available)
Drop in session. Observer shifts can be arranged at the respective HART sites prior to assessment (this is strongly encouraged)
Successful candidates will join a 'talent pool' and attend training for future permanent roles. Some may enter a relief pool, completing full HART training while on existing schedules. They will take on relief duties until a full-time role opens. All HART Operatives must maintain specific weight limits for PPE and pass a PCA every six months. They also need to stay updated in HART disciplines through ongoing training. Failing this could mean a return to standard A&E Operations.
To secure a position, candidates must complete various training courses and pass the assessments.
More about HART is available on the Zone or NARU websites.
Current SECAmb employees moving into this role will shift to the new terms and conditions. Payments for unsocial hours will follow the Section 2 agreement. Claims should be made via the monthly timesheet. Further details are in the Agenda for Change handbook.
Please note that we also provide application forms in large print or other formats. Please contact [email protected] to request.
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