Apprenticeship training course

Paramedic (level 6)

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Information about Paramedic (level 6)

Providing high quality and compassionate care, responding to the needs of service users and carers across the lifespan.

• Knowledge, skills and behaviours:
  View knowledge, skills and behaviours

  Knowledge

  • The importance of continuing professional development throughout own career.
  • The importance of safeguarding, signs of abuse and relevant safeguarding processes.
  • What is required by the Health and Care Professions Council, including but not limited to the Standards of conduct, performance and ethics.
  • The importance of valid consent.
  • The principles and practice of risk management, safeguarding and the duty of candour.
  • The importance of capacity in the context of delivering care and treatment.
  • The scope of a professional duty of care, and how to exercise that duty.
  • Legislation, policies and guidance relevant to own profession and scope of practice.
  • The criteria required for making a self-referral and when to proceed.
  • The importance of own mental and physical health and wellbeing strategies in maintaining fitness to practise.
  • how to take appropriate action if own health may affect own ability to practise safely and effectively, including seeking help and support when necessary.
  • The need for active participation in training, supervision and mentoring in supporting high standards of practice, and personal and professional conduct, and the importance of demonstrating this in practice.
  • Equality legislation and how to apply it to own practice.
  • The duty to make reasonable adjustments in practice and be able to make and support reasonable adjustments in owns and others’ practice.
  • The characteristics and consequences of barriers to inclusion, including for socially isolated groups.
  • How regard to equality, diversity and inclusion needs to be embedded in the application of all HCPC standards and across all areas of practice.
  • When disclosure of confidential information may be required.
  • The principles of information and data governance and the safe and effective use of health, social care and other relevant information.
  • The need to ensure confidentiality is maintained in all situations in which service users rely on additional communication support, such as interpreters or translators.
  • Recognise that the concepts of confidentiality and informed consent extend to all mediums, including illustrative clinical records such as photography, video and audio recordings and digital platforms.
  • The characteristics and consequences of verbal and non-verbal communication and recognise how these can be affected by difference of any kind including, but not limited to, protected characteristics, intersectional experiences and cultural differences.
  • The need to support the communication needs of service users and carers, such as through the use of an appropriate interpreter.
  • The need to provide service users or people acting on own behalf with the information necessary in accessible formats to enable them to make informed decisions.
  • Recognise the principles and practices of other health and care professionals and systems and how they interact with own profession.
  • The need to build and sustain professional relationships as both an autonomous practitioner and collaboratively as a member of a team.
  • The qualities, behaviours and benefits of leadership.
  • Recognise that leadership is a skill all professionals can demonstrate.
  • The need to engage service users and carers in planning and evaluating diagnostics, and therapeutic interventions to meet own needs and goals.
  • The value of reflective practice and the need to record the outcome of such reflection to support continuous improvement.
  • The value of multi-disciplinary reviews, case conferences and other methods of review.
  • The value of gathering and using data for quality assurance and improvement programmes.
  • The structure and function of the human body, together with knowledge of physical and mental health, disease, disorder and dysfunction relevant to the profession.
  • The roles of other professions in health and social care and how they may relate to the role of paramedic.
  • The structure and function of health and social care systems and services in the UK.
  • The theoretical basis of, and the variety of approaches to, assessment and intervention.
  • Human anatomy and physiology and development across the lifespan, sufficient to recognise the nature and effects of injury or illness, and to conduct assessment and observation in order to form a differential diagnosis and establish service user management strategies.
  • The following aspects of biological science:– disease and trauma processes and how to apply this knowledge to develop appropriate treatment plans for the service user’s care– how the application of paramedic practice may cause physiological and behavioural change– human anatomy and physiology, especially the dynamic relationships of human structure and function and the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, urinary, reproductive, integumentary and nervous systems– human growth and development across the lifespan– normal and altered anatomy and physiology throughout the human lifespan– relevant physiological parameters and how to interpret changes from the norm– the factors influencing individual variations in human ability and health function– the main classes of pathogenic microorganisms, the spread of infection and the use of universal precautions– the main sequential stages of normal development, including cognitive, emotional and social measures of maturation through the human lifespan.
  • The following aspects of physical science:– principles and theories of physics, biomechanics, electronics and ergonomics that can be applied to paramedic practice– scientific units of measurement acquired in clinical and healthcare practice and the principles of analysis and interpretation– the means by which the physical sciences can inform the understanding and analysis of information used to determine a diagnosis– the pathophysiological changes to normal homeostatic function and its implications– the principles and application of measurement techniques based on biomechanics and electrophysiology.
  • The following aspects of sociological, health and behavioural science:– how aspects of sociology, health and behavioural sciences are fundamental to the role of the paramedic in developing and maintaining effective relationships – how sociology can inform an understanding of physical and mental health, illness and healthcare in the context of paramedic practice.
  • The following aspects of clinical science:– pathological changes and related clinical features of conditions encountered in emergency and urgent care and primary and community care– physiological, pharmacological, structural, behavioural and functional changes in service user presentation– principles of evaluation and research methodologies which enable the integration of theoretical perspectives and research evidence into the design and implementation of effective paramedic practice– the theoretical basis of assessment, clinical decision making and appropriate treatment plans, along with the scientific evaluation of their effectiveness– the theories supporting problem solving and clinical reasoning.
  • The pharmacological principles applied to healthcare which include pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics and apply to those medicines utilised by paramedics to treat service users.-the role of pain management, its complexity and the importance of robust approaches using both pharmacological and pharmacological strategies-the analysis of polypharmacy, evaluating pharmacological interactions and the impact upon mental wellbeing and healthcare provision.-recognise adverse drug reactions and manage appropriately, including reporting as required.
  • Human development and the main sequential stages of normal development, including cognitive, emotional and social measures of maturation through the human lifespan.– human growth and development including factors influencing individual variations in human ability and health status–how variation influences susceptibility to disease, injury and responses to treatment across the lifespan– the role of nutrition in promoting health and illness across the lifespan– the fundamentals of genetics.
  • The effects of psychological factors on health and illness and the impact of culture on illness –the contribution of behavioural factors in health and illness – basic knowledge of the key theories of behavioural change to include the principles of cognitive behavioural therapy and motivational interviewing.
  • Social determinants of health, including inequality and factors contributing to the needs of different social groups, and the factors that influence an individual in health and illness.– how sociological, health and behavioural sciences are fundamental to the role of the paramedic in developing and maintaining effective relationships –how sociology can inform an understanding of physical and mental health, illness and healthcare in the context of paramedic practice.
  • A range of research methodologies relevant to own role.
  • The value of research to the critical evaluation of practice.
  • The theories and science that underpin the theory and principles of paramedic practice.
  • The indications and contra-indications of using specific paramedic techniques in emergency and urgent care and primary and community care, including their limitations and modifications.
  • How to select or modify approaches to meet the needs of service users, their relatives and carers, when presented in the emergency and urgent care environment.
  • The need to consider the assessment of both the health and psycho-social care needs of service users and carers.
  • The need to maintain the safety of themselves and others, including service users, carers and colleagues.
  • Relevant health and safety legislation and local operational procedures and policies.
  • Appropriate moving and handling techniques.
  • The responsibilities of the paramedic in responding to hazardous or major incidents, including public health emergencies.
  • The use and importance of effective communication in major incidents.
  • The need for business continuity, escalation and resilience plans.
  • The role of the profession in health promotion, health education and preventing ill health.
  • How social, economic and environmental factors, wider determinants of health, can influence a person’s health and well-being.
  • Road safety legislation, high speed driving techniques and codes of practice.
  • Vehicle safety checks required for ambulances and rapid response vehicles including tyre pressure, oil, water and fuel levels.
  • Vehicle, stock and equipment recording and ordering processes and protocols.

  Skills

  • Identify the limits of their practice and when to seek advice or refer to another professional or service.
  • Recognise the need to manage own workload and resources safely and effectively, including managing the emotional burden that comes with working in a pressured environment.
  • Keep own skills and knowledge up to date.
  • Use a range of integrated skills and self-awareness to manage clinical challenges independently and effectively in unfamiliar and unpredictable circumstances or situations.
  • Engage in safeguarding processes where necessary.
  • Work safely in challenging and unpredictable environments, including taking appropriate action to assess and manage risks to themselves and service users and carers.
  • Maintain high standards of personal and professional conduct.
  • Promote and protect the service user’s interests at all times.
  • Respect and uphold the rights, dignity, values, and autonomy of service users, including own role in the assessment, diagnostic, treatment and/or therapeutic process.
  • Recognise that relationships with service users, carers and others should be based on mutual respect and trust, and maintain high standards of care in all circumstances.
  • Obtain valid consent, which is voluntary and informed, has due regard to capacity, is proportionate to the circumstances and is appropriately documented.
  • Apply legislation, policies and guidance relevant to own profession and scope of practice.
  • Recognise the power imbalance which comes with being a health care professional, and ensure it is not for personal gain.
  • Practise in accordance with current legislation governing the use of medicines by paramedics.
  • Identify own anxiety and stress and recognise the potential impact on own practice.
  • Develop and adopt clear strategies for physical and mental self-care and self-awareness, to maintain a high standard of professional effectiveness and a safe working environment.
  • Recognise that they are personally responsible for, and must be able to, justify their decisions and actions.
  • Use own skills, knowledge and experience, and the information available, to make informed decisions and / or take action where necessary.
  • Make reasoned decisions to initiate, continue, modify or cease treatment or the use of techniques or procedures, and record the decisions and reasoning appropriately.
  • Make and receive appropriate referrals, where necessary.
  • Exercise personal initiative.
  • Demonstrate a logical and systematic approach to problem solving.
  • Use research, reasoning and problem-solving skills when determining appropriate actions.
  • Use a range of integrated skills and self-awareness to manage clinical challenges effectively in unfamiliar and unpredictable circumstances or situations.
  • Make decisions about the most appropriate care pathways for service users and refer service users appropriately.
  • Respond appropriately to the needs of all different groups and individuals in practice, recognising this can be affected by difference of any kind including, but not limited to, protected characteristics, intersectional experiences and cultural differences.
  • Recognise the potential impact of own values, beliefs and personal biases, which may be unconscious, on practice and take personal action to ensure all service users and carers are treated appropriately with respect and dignity.
  • Actively challenge barriers to inclusion, supporting the implementation of change wherever possible.
  • Adhere to the professional duty of confidentiality.
  • Respond in a timely manner to situations where it is necessary to share information to safeguard service users, carers and/or the wider public and recognise situations where it is necessary to share information to safeguard service users, carers and/or the wider public.
  • Use effective and appropriate verbal and non-verbal skills to communicate with service users, carers, colleagues and others.
  • Communicate in English to the required standard for the profession.
  • Work with service users and/or own carers to facilitate the service user’s preferred role in decision-making, and provide service users and carers with the information they may need where appropriate.
  • Modify own means of communication to address the individual communication needs and preferences of service users and carers, and remove any barriers to communication where possible.
  • Use information, communication and digital technologies appropriate to own practice.
  • Keep full, clear and accurate records in accordance with applicable legislation, protocols and guidelines.
  • Manage records and all other information in accordance with applicable legislation, protocols and guidelines.
  • Use digital record keeping tools, where required.
  • Work in partnership with service users, carers, colleagues and others.
  • Contribute effectively to work undertaken as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
  • Identify anxiety and stress in service users, carers and colleagues, adapting own practice and providing support where appropriate.
  • Identify own leadership qualities, behaviours and approaches, taking into account the importance of equality, diversity and inclusion.
  • Demonstrate leadership behaviours appropriate to own practice.
  • Act as a role model for others.
  • Promote and engage in the learning of others.
  • Engage in evidence-based practice.
  • Gather and use feedback and information, including qualitative and quantitative data, to evaluate the responses of service users to own care.
  • Monitor and systematically evaluate the quality of practice, and maintain an effective quality management and quality assurance process working towards continual improvement.
  • Participate in quality management, including quality control, quality assurance, clinical governance and the use of appropriate outcome measures.
  • Evaluate care plans or intervention plans using recognised and appropriate outcome measures, in conjunction with the service user where possible, and revise the plans as necessary.
  • Demonstrate awareness of the principles and applications of scientific enquiry, including the evaluation of treatment efficacy and the research process.
  • Change own practice as needed to take account of new developments, technologies and changing contexts.
  • Gather appropriate information.
  • Analyse and critically evaluate the information collected.
  • Select and use appropriate assessment techniques and equipment.
  • Undertake and record a thorough, sensitive, and detailed assessment.
  • Undertake or arrange investigations as appropriate.
  • Conduct appropriate assessment or monitoring procedures, treatment, therapy or other actions safely and effectively.
  • Critically evaluate research and other evidence to inform own practice.
  • Engage service users in research as appropriate.
  • Ensure decision-making is supported by effective safety netting.
  • Modify and adapt practice to meet the clinical needs of service users within the emergency and urgent care environment.
  • Formulate specific and appropriate management plans including the setting of appropriate timescales.
  • Conduct a thorough and detailed physical examination of the service user using appropriate skills to inform clinical reasoning and guide the formulation of a differential diagnosis across all age ranges.
  • Use observation to gather information about the functional abilities of service users, how this affects the management of patients and the appropriate patient care pathways.
  • Work safely, including being able to select appropriate hazard control and risk management, reduction or elimination techniques in a safe manner and in accordance with health and safety legislation.
  • Demonstrate awareness of relevant health and safety legislation and comply with all local operational procedures and policies.
  • Select appropriate personal protective equipment and use it correctly.
  • Establish safe environments for practice, which appropriately manages risk.
  • Apply appropriate moving and handling techniques.
  • Be prepared for the responsibilities of the paramedic in responding to hazardous or major incidents, including public health emergencies.
  • Establish and run a triage system.
  • Empower and enable individuals, including service users and colleagues, to play a part in managing own health.
  • Engage in occupational health, including being aware of immunisation requirements.
  • Use advanced driving skills to respond to emergency and routine calls and to safely transfer patients under emergency and non-emergency driving conditions.
  • Carry out vehicle checks, to ensure that the vehicle is road worthy, clean and stocked.

  Behaviours

  • Treat people with dignity.
  • Respect individual's diversity, beliefs, culture, needs, values, privacy and preferences.
  • Show respect and empathy for patients, their families, carers and those you work with.
  • Be adaptable, reliable and consistent.
  • Have the courage to challenge areas of concern.
  • Recognise and act within the limits of own competence seeking advice when needed.
• Apprenticeship category (sector): Health and science
• Qualification level: 6; Equal to degree
• Course duration: 36 months
• Maximum funding: £25,000 ; Maximum government funding for ; apprenticeship training and assessment costs.
• Job titles include:
  • Paramedic

View more information about Paramedic (level 6) from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.