ECA (Emergency Care Assistant) Interview with South West Ambulance Service
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- čas přidán 6. 08. 2024
- After being successful at my recent ECA interview, I would like to share with you some hints and tips to help prepare for an ECA job in SWAST. What to expect in the interview, physical test, driving and theory. Plus additional information about the training weeks after being successful at the interview.
I am happy to answer any questions I can for those interested. Good luck :)
I have an interview and assessment next Saturday can't wait. I'm going to prepare the questions and nail the driving and fitness. Thanks for the video x
Congrats on the interview and assessment stage Eye. Best of luck with everything. Please do keep in contact with how things are going :)
Hi Freyja, Just had my interview, I think it went really well, your videos, specifically this one helped me out a lot, the questions where fairly easy to answer, thanks Marcus
Sorry for the delay hun, have you had a reply yet from interview? Glad videos helped :)
Hi, Many thanks for creating and sharing this. I was researching for an impending ECA assessment with SWAST and couldn't believe it when your video popped up and answered a load of questions I had about the format of the day and what to expect . My assessment was yesterday and I passed, thanks again for taking the time to share your experience I found it really helpful.
So pleased it helped you. You get a mention in my video :))
You are very welcome :) Let me know how you get on.
Hi Phil. I am in the process of applying for SWAST too. I have passed my Situational test now I need to do a phycometrically driving risk assesment. Do you know what this is? And if I pass what are the next steps? Can you give me some tips? Highway code questions signs? Interviews, assements? 8 week course? Driving? I hope to get there. Might see you around. Best wishes, Iggy
Hi Freyja, I just wanted to thank you for your advice and guidance in these videos. I have my ECA assessment this morning and, whatever the outcome, you have given me a lot more confidence. Thank you so much.
Hey Mark, best of luck with your assessment. Im crossing fingers and toes for you. Please do let me know how you get on. I am so pleased the videos were of some help x
@@paramedstudy Hi again, just to let you know that I passed the assessment.🤩 Just need a local vacancy to come up in Wiltshire. Thanks again! 🙏
@@markwood1040 Mark! thats amazing! Thanks for the update :) It can take a little while to get a place but keep patience and let me know when you start training x
@@markwood1040 Keep in touch x
@@paramedstudy will do, thank you!
Hi Freyja, Thank you for these videos. They are very informative and give you a great insight into what's needed for the role. I am in the process of applying in Somerset and have just passed my SJT test. I am now awaiting an invite to a Drivers SJT and then hopefully all systems go for the interview driving assessment from there. Thanks again.
Congrats! It is so nice to hear that people are getting on well with training, courses and then passing interviews etc :) Please do keep in touch with your progress x
@Aaron Jacobs How did you get on mate?
Hi Freyja
Just wanted to update you to say I did my ECA assessment yesterday and have passed my driving and fitness, I am just waiting to hear about my interview which I hope will be next week to hear. Your videos were very informative in relation to preparing for the SJT, etc. Thank you again for these videos. 👍👌
Hey Rockdog, congratulations on your successes! I am so very proud of you. Just nail the interview and you are in :)))
I am glad that these videos helped you in your journey for this job role. Let me know how you get on in the interview xx
Thanks for this, really helpful video. I’ve applied for Paramedic Science for September 2021!
Hey Ben! that's amazing! Best of luck to you hun. Please keep in touch with your results x
Thanks Freya will do!n
Great video!
My area is covered by SCAS and within the next few years I am hoping to either go in as an apprentice ECA or doing it the even longer way by starting as an ACA on patient transport service. End goal is the student paramedic pathway that the trust provide but it takes a good few years to get on it from what I have been told by other ECAs and paramedics.
My previous jobs and current job are retail so the interviews are not the hardest thing tbh. But going from a retail interview to an NHS one feels really intimidating especially if you are not the best at interviews (which I am not lol). Glad I have watched this since it gives me a bit more of an idea about what the interview will be like.
Hey Jack, thanks so much for your comments. I am super excited for you and your journey. If you are in retail, you will have no problems speaking to patients, as I feel that good communication is the most important part of our job. I think you will find the timing for non ambulance work up to paramedic is a little shorter now, as (as far as I know) you need a little less time as an ECA before applying internally for a student paramedic course. The best thing is to ask your local Trust and what their own timeline is to be sure, then you can plan ahead with confidence. I hope the video helps your interview in a positive way. Let me know how it goes. I'm rooting for you x
Hi Freya, just got off my virtual interview and wanted to say a big thank you for helping me prepare allowing me to do my best. Will see what the result is in a couple of weeks but know I have done my best with your help and valuable time.
Hey Paul, you are very welcome and many thanks for sharing :)
Congrats on the interview and I have my fingers and toes crossed for you for a good result. All you can do is your best and that carries all the way through life, in every part of it. As long as you have done your best, then that is all anyone can expect and should expect from you.
I look forward to hearing the result :)
Keep in touch and keep safe x
@@paramedstudy Hi Freyja, just wanted to let you know that I passed the interview and been given a conditional offer! Wanted to say thanks again as the time you have taken to support others on your channel has been invaluable. Thank you again and hope to keep in touch.
@@paulrussell1756 Woot!!! that's amazing Paul, well done! You are very welcome. Please keep in contact with how you get on as I and others here would love to hear your experience :)
@@paramedstudy thank you! I will be watching your videos to learn from your journey. Also please feel free to contact me if I can help you with anything. If you prefer to private message then just let me know. I am excited about a start date after all my checks, but if I could just ask 2 quick questions 1) is there a publically available textbook or similar (amazon or online) that would help give me an overview of the initial clinical learning? and 2) is there 1 thing you wish you had known before you started training that would have helped save you a lot of time or stress?
@@paulrussell1756 Hi Paul, thanks for your comments and questions. I don't know of any publicly held learning as the training course will give you everything you need. I thought of that too when I first started but to be honest their info is very good.
haha love the second question, hmm, I guess the main thing is that I wish I was less worried at the very beginning of the learning over all and my ability to remember. They really do help you from the very start and if there is any dyslexia or memory issues they are so good to help from the very begining. I think if you can try and learn the basics of the human anatomy like what the names of the main bones are and something about first aid that would help. So proud of you Paul x
I know this is a few years old now but this is so helpful as I have an interview with SWAST via Skype on 14th June having passed both the situational judgement test and driving risk assessment. Thank you
Hi Jacqui, I am so pleased it was of some use. Best of luck to you for your interview. Please do let me know how it goes x
Just had mine aswell with SWAST, hope yours went well
Hi Jacqui. I am in the process of applying for SWAST too. I have passed my Situational test now I need to do a phycometrically driving risk assesment. Do you know what this is? And if I pass what are the next steps? Can you give me some tips? Highway code questions signs? Interviews, assements? 8 week course? Driving? I hope to get there. Might see you around. Best wishes, Iggy
@@gunman261 Hi. I am in the process of applying for SWAST too. I have passed my Situational test now I need to do a phycometrically driving risk assesment. Do you know what this is? And if I pass what are the next steps? Can you give me some tips? Highway code questions signs? Interviews, assements? 8 week course? Driving? I hope to get there. Might see you around. Best wishes, Iggy
Hi Freya,
I've been struggling to find info about the assessment day, but your video has been very informative, so thank you so much!! I have my interview on Tuesday so just doing a few last minute preparations!
:)
ohh exciting! well done for getting to the interview stage. Best of luck and please do let me know how you get on :)
@@paramedstudy thank you. I passed physical and driving, now just waiting to hear back from them!
@@sophiebell5186 Thats Great news Sophie x
Keep me posted when you get a reply and crossing fingers and toes for you :)
@@paramedstudy Will do! :)
@@paramedstudy I passed the interview!! Just waiting for a vacancy now! :D x
Great video. I have my interview tomorrow. I really want the job but I hate interviews. I only passed my test this year and I don’t have my C1 but they accepted my application anyway!
Hey Lauren, thanks for joining us here. Best of luck with the interview. If you get it, C1 is needed later but this is an awesome opportunity for a job to be proud of. Keep in touch x
Selection day was okay! I got to the end - fab to hear about the job, now I think about it the interview wasn’t that intense and I’m kind of sad they didn’t ask more questions. I feel like they didn’t get a grasp of my health care related A-levels or my experience as a first-aides. We shall see what the outcome is!
@@laureni6427 Crossing fingers and toes for you. Keep in touch x
Glad I found your chancel. I have a driving assessment this Saturday for WAST for UCA
Hey Kyle, best of luck with the driving. Always look ahead, use your mirrors and keep an eye on the road signs as you will be questioned while driving I suspect, same as me. Let me know how you get on and fingers cross for you x
@@paramedstudy passed the driving assessment so now onto the interview Wednesday!
@@kyledobin4719 Oh thats amazing! Well done! Keep in contact and I'll cross fingers and toes for you x
Thank you. Your videos helped me gain a better insight. I have been offer the job. I belive this role is more of a patient transfer for patients who need to be transfered on oxygen and entonox, I can't wait to start training and I'll be still watching all your videos
@@kyledobin4719 congrats on the new job! I am so pleased the videos have helped. Keep in contact with how you get on. Yes the role is a LOT more than transfer with O2 or Entenox. :)
Thank you Freyja this is just what i have been looking for. Iv been wanting to apply for years but iv been a full time carer to my autistic son who is now 20. Iv been sitting on the NHS website with the application open for months thinking am I good enough? am I fit enough? I am a qualified first aid instructor and hold a Dip(HE) Health and Social care and just want to do something with meaning (does that make sense?) Anyway I just wanted to say after watching your video Im inspired and planning on getting my application away this weekend. Thank you :)
Hi Sharon, I couldn't find the reply I sent to you on this. Just checking on how you are getting on.
Hi Freya, just wanted to say thank you for posting this video and taking the time to support others, greatly appreciated. I have just been offered a virtual interview for and apprentice EMT role with the East of England Ambulance Service. Bit unsure how this will fit into the overall assessment process in the current climate? I have watched your video and read all your comments but do let me know if any other tips? With thanks and respect Paul
Hey Paul, thanks for watching and you are very welcome. So glad to hear that you have an interview, even a virtual one. This maybe even easier for you as it can be done in the comfort of your own home. Just make sure you don't get disturbed and that you are presented well clothing and facially. It is an interview after all :)
Have a look at the job description you are applying for and have an idea of what an EMT needs to do. Think of the qualities needed like compassion, trust, empathy, teamwork etc. Think of WHY you want to do this job and what it means to you. All these things are possible questions they will ask you, including what you would do in a difficult situation i.e, if someone broke a rule what would you do, or if you didn't understand something would you keep it to yourself etc.
Best of luck with the interview. Please do keep me posted on what happens. Enjoy it, but most of all be yourself and be truthful. Stay safe x
@@paramedstudy Thank you so much! Lets hope I can progress on this journey and can benefit from learning more from you from when you first posted this video. Invaluable! Stay safe Paul
@@paulrussell1756 You are very welcome. Go get 'em :) x
@@paramedstudy Hi Freya, hope its ok to ask another question (if you have time). Interested to know from your experience what you most enjoy about the role? and also what you find most challenging/difficult? Any bullet points appreciated if time! (apologies if I have missed this somewhere else on your channel). With respect Paul
@@paulrussell1756 Hey Paul, thanks again for your question. I see you asked two, but I could only see one. What I enjoy mostly about the role as an ECA is the thought that everyday is different, every couple of hours actually are different. I am free to drive instead of being stuck in an office. Fresh air is important lol. Also I am learning something, no matter how small, every shift. I think that if you go to work and can learn something everyday and not get bored then that is the right job. If you loath to go in, get bored and don't learn or wish to learn anything new then thats the wrong job. Seeing the good (and sadly bad) side of humanity is humbling. Helping someone on their worse day of their lives and making it more bearable is important to me. I also admit (blushing here) that I do love the hugs, handshakes and the odd peak on the cheek from a grandma or grandad figure in thanks. Makes my heart swell :)
Please let me know what the other question was. Thanks again x
Hello your video was so helpful gave me some great confidence. Just a quick question how long did it take them to tell you you were successful and how did they contact you? Thanks
HI Kira, thanks for the feedback and the comments. After I had passed my interview, it was a week. The driving theory was a week and the test was at the end of that day. Then about a week later, maybe a little more, I had an email to confirm that I had a conditional offer of employment. The paperwork came through a week later with all the bits to sign like DBS etc. Ill do another video on that later. Best of luck for your application and keep fighting for the post. If its what you want to do, you would not want to let anything stand in your way :)
Hi Kira, thanks for your comments and I am so glad it was helpful. Took just over a week and it was by email. check out my latest video as I have answered that and more :)
Hi there I just wanted to know a few things regarding patients transportation considering most shifts are about 12 hours
1-how much driving do you do in a 12 hour period
2-How breaks do you get and for how long
3- when waiting for patients do you wait in the hospital or van during their appointment
4- are you mostly paired with someone or you work alone
5- how long is the training for pts
Hi there, thanks for the questions. You have me thinking :) I can only answer for my own trust, so yours may differ.
1 - In a 12 hour period (for emergency ambulance ) you potentially can have a job every 2 hours for example. That means driving to the location, then onto the hospital or leaving at home and waiting for another, or go back to standby. Driving is a big part of the job, Patient Transport service or emergency ambulance.
2- In a 12-hour shift, we are given x2 half hours for actual break. Of course, travel, after a job has finished, will allow you to have snacks, drinks etc.
3 - If on a PTS, generally, you drop them off at the day centre/hospital, then go on to the next job. If in an emergency ambulance, then you can wait in the vehicle, or at a standby place, or back to a station.
4 - As an ECA, you will be paired with another ECA or with a paramedic. If you find yourself on your own, they generally try and find a colleague for you to work with. On a PTS, you would always be with someone if in a large vehicle and multiple patients. If in a car, I think you can go solo. You will need to check.
5 - From memory, I think it was a couple of weeks. It was a long time ago, and things may have changed.
My advice would be to contact the trust you are interested in joining and put these questions to them, so you have the most up-to-date information at your disposal.
Hope it helps, and best of luck with which ever route you take :)
Hi freya my assessment was on friday i passed the practicals just wauting to hear back from my interview...
Fantastic news! well done!!! Hope it is a positive outcome. Let me know :)
do you remember what they ask if you do can you please leave tips x
@@miamaskell9910 the interview is 2 people from swast ask u about yourself and just give u some scenarios how youd react they want to make sure you come across with confidence and can fit into a team. They love buzz words like safeguarding or multicultural etc. Also studying the trust and its mission and what it stands for is a big plus. You dont need to have medical background
@@chellsymons590 thanks very much
Hi Freyja, just wondering what type of van you did your driving assessment in. Was it a long wheel based Sprinter or just the standard wheel base. I want to hire a van nearer my assessment date in October so that I can refresh my van driving skills and want to make sure I hire the right size van. This is a great vlog by the way, you have answered so many of my questions regarding my upcoming assessment day. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences.
Hey Amanda, thanks for asking.
For the driving test, I was given an unmarked long wheel based van. About 3.5 tonne. The test lasted about 10 minutes and it is just to ensure you have the basic and safe driving knowledge to drive a vehicle of that size. There are no blue lights on it and its all normal road speed.
For the ECA blue light driving test, there were a few different vehicles that were available for our large group. Some unmarked RRVs (rapid response vehicles) which are cars, then long wheel based white vans, unmarked except for a few badges and blue lights, we also had the yellow ambulance vehicles.
I was only able to get onto the latter on my last day, as most times for me personally it was the large white vans or the RRVs.
If you try and drive a 3.5 ton van, then you are pretty close to the mark. Remember that fully kitted out ambulances are heavier and they are wider in the middle .
I am so pleased this vlog has helped you. Please do let me know how you get on and keep checking back to my other videos and upcoming snippets :)
Hi Freyja, thanks for getting back to me, your info is very helpful and in invaluable for ECA candidates like me. I will keep you posted with my progress.
You are always welcome :) x
Hi Freya, just to let you know that I passed all my assessments back in October and am now in the holding pool for 4 ambulance stations. I want to get started on some studying so that I can be as prepared as possible, can you recommend some text books to start me off. Many thanks, Amanda.
I have an interview with YAS (Yorkshire Ambulance Service) this Saturday for an Ambulance Support Worker position! Although this video was posted 6 years ago, thank you so much for all the advice and information as I believe most of it is still quite relevant. One question- how soon did you find out that you got the job?
Hello! Thanks so much for your comment and best of luck with your interview. Please keep me posted on how you do.
I found out about 4-6 weeks afterwards I think if I was successful.
@@paramedstudy The interview was good! I got there at 12pm and there was 17 other candidates there... there was a presentation by a senior staff member about what YAS is and what they do. We then had a go at CPR on a dummy and had a walk about around an ambulance. Afterwards I had to wait around 3 hours before my interview actually happened (The joys of having a surname which starts with a W). But I didn't mind!
I am pleased to say that I have been offered the job today !!!!! I am soooo excited!!! Once again, thank you so much for the video!!
@@krycha7120 Oh my gosh! WELL DONE!!! Im so proud of you :) If it helps there are more videos to help with learning how to learn driving later if you are interested. Please do keep in contact :)
@@krycha7120 Hey Kry! I had sent a reply to this already, but once more it has been lost. Massive congrats on the achievement, I am so proud of you. You are finally in the door for something different and to make a difference:) Please do keep in touch with your progress as I'd love to hear about it x
@@paramedstudy Hello Freyja! Thank you so much :-) I shall certainly keep up with your content, it'll be a good inside knowledge for me whilst I go through the training :D I cannot express how excited I am! This is something I've wanted to do for a couple of years now, however I wanted to get some care experience and my C1 license done beforehand and it has paid off!
It will probably be a couple of months still before I start as I am on holiday this summer and they expect a 100% attendance for the initial 10 weeks. But I will give you an update once I know more :)
P.S I can see your previous previous reply, I do apologise sometimes it takes me a while to reply
😅
Hi Freyja,
I'm ment to have my interview and assessment on the 11th May to become an ECA with SWAST. What sort of questions do they ask and is there anything I can do to help prepare ?? ( they have said it might now be a video interview with the current circumstance) thanks
Hi James, first of all congrats for the interview date. Thats a big step forward :)
Questions that you can prepare for will be based on your idea on what an ECA does, about the trust in general, who we work with etc. I went onto their website and looked at stats and the job role plus other things which was relevant to the job which much of it came up in interview. They would probably ask what you would do in a certain situation, not asking you for the medical side, but common sense side. Make lots of notes and questions for them too, as they will be interested that you are interested in the trust and the job and what you wish to achieve later on and most importantly WHY you want to become an ECA.
Good luck and please do keep in touch with the outcome x
Hi Freya
I hope your well. I have ECA assessment tomorrow at wakef ield. I have my Cat C plus E already and D1. I was not aware of a theory test. Is this for people who have not already received cat d? Wow 20 years since I done mine. Fitness I'm a little nervous about and overall interview. But your help and advice is great. I will take this in to consideration.
Best of luck for the assessment! I think the theory is for people who have not got certain categories of driving, a little uncertain as I didn't need to do it. Glad my videos have a helped a little. Let me know how it goes x
@@paramedstudy hi Freya
I got there and had to sit 4 minute maths test 50 questions then 4 minute English and finally a 9 minute English assesment. I passed my first maths and 3rd paper however because I didn't answer all the questions on paper 2 I was told to leave and reapply. I could pick myself honest. I will go back. There where 50 candidates on the morning assessments and a further 30 or so later in the day. 5 of my lot ended up leaving with me. I will keep you posted
@@MarieJohnsMusic Thanks for letting me know. Use that experience as a learning tool and when you re-apply you know what you need to do in order to pass :) Never give up and stay positive. I am a firm believer that if you truly want to do something then there is always an opportunity to try :) Keep me posted and well done so far. Next times the charm :)
Hi Freya
Hope all is going well.
Just had my driving, physical and interview and I am just waiting to hear (everything crossed . I just wondered once you have finnished the course and passed of course , is the position of relief eca full time?
Hi Angie, best of luck with your results and many thanks for your question. An ECA job is a full time job and everyone is placed on relief at first. Some stay on relief as they prefer that whilst others try for a rota. The other way is 'bank' work where you have to apply for a day you want to work as a part time basis, this however is not recommended as you never know when you can work and if there is a place for you as the work places are given to full time staff first of all.
@@paramedstudy Fantastic many thanks for replying. Hopeful that I will be able to become part of the team that does such an amazing job that you do.
@@angiepage3404 Will be looking out for you x
Hi, I hope your well, I wanted to ask for a friend. He has received a conditional offer for the ambulance emergency care assistant role, is he required to present a C1 license straight away, as there was some confusion on the type of license he holds.
Thank you
Zenab
Hi Zenab, thanks for the question. It does depend on the trust your friend wants to join. Im trying to think what was asked of me when I was looking ar an ACA job originally. I think they did ask for it, but I can't be sure if that's the case no-adays. What licence does he have?
Hi Freyja are you able to give me a little insight into the Driver Risk Index online assessment? A little apprehensive about starting it!
Hi Serena, I am trying to remember what this involved. From memory, I had a theory for the initial driving and then the driving assessment. After joining, the blue light driving test is intensive. I am wondering if this 'risk index' is something to do with the C1 driving test which I didn't need to do as already had C1. If this is the case, can anyone else here enlighten Serena?
@@paramedstudy thank you for the information. I did the online test and passed! It was a series of multiple choice questions regarding how you would react in certain situations. Looking forward to my assessment/interview in March. Time to prepare! Thanks again Serena
@@serenasowden6261 That's great news! Well done x
Hi. Congratulations on the job. Hope the training is going well. I'm hoping to get another interview to be an ECA. applied a year ago but struggled with the interview. I just would wondered was the SJT tricky? I didn't have to do that before. And are you employed at a station when you finish training or as relief? Thanks.
Hi Kerry, Thank you for that. Yes training going really well despite the snow :) Best of luck for your interview. Just be yourself and try and do a little homework about the trust before you go in. Not sure what you mean about SJT (brain is a little mush after book work, so please let me know). Currently I am on relief which means I have an 'admin' base station and work out of there and three other stations near by. I am hoping to find a 'line' after 6 months or so, but it depends on availability. Let me know if there is anything I can help with towards your interview. Best of luck again. :)
Hi. I dont have another interview yet, though fingers crossed, I have more experience than I did before. Glad the training is going well. Have you been able to make it in? The roads where I am are really bad. The SJT is the questionnaire the send to you before they give you an interview. I'm sure it will be ok. Thanks for the tips. :-) Kerry
Hi Kerry. Fingers crossed then :) Experience always counts positive so thats good.Thanks for the reminder - the SJT was simple common sense I seem to remember. If a person has life experiences then its easier I believe. Let me know how you get on :)
Hi Freyja, I got my SJT email through today and completed it. now i just need to wait! hopefully not too long!! hope training is going okay still? :-)
Hi Kerry, thats great. Should be about a week then when you hear back. Fingers crossed :))
Hi Freya thankyou for this vlog very useful. I was meant to have an interview last saturday at Taunton but was cancelled due to snow. So its rescheduled for Derreford in 3 weeks. How would the diversity equality questions be best approached?
Hi Chell, great to hear from you. First of all, congrats on getting to the Interview stage. That's a big step to cover. Diversity and Equality are simply a matter of showing that you know there are many different kinds of people out there. It doesn't just cover ethnic, but also religious, cultural, habitual (like drink etc). Equality for all, ie NHS is a free service to all people no matter if they are rich or poor. Also, you can mention that UK and non UK residents are dealt with the same level of curtesy and respect perhaps. Diversity of different cultures and belief systems can make helping them difficult in some cases. Ie, can't show a woman face under its covering in some cultures if there is a man present. Have a think along those lines. :)
By all means please do let me know how you get on and the very best of luck. :)
Freyja Joyner thankyou so much that was very informative thanks for taking the time especially with all you have on regards to training fanily etc. Im excited for the interview but nervous for the driving part.
You are very welcome. Interview was like talking to old friends. They are very approachable. The driving is what I have been worried about, but as many have told me, they want to pass you so will help as much as possible :)
Freyja Joyner i have received my email offering me a position out of dartmouth. Really pleased training starts in may i couldn't commit to April too short notice for me.
Woot! Congratulations on your offer. I am so very proud of you :))))
Let me know how training goes. You are going to love it if you are anything like me. Its hard but well worth it :)
I have an interview saturday morning, praying it goes ok 🤞
Hey Paul! Ohhh, soooo excited for you. Just be yourself and have questions ready for them too. Make ready some answers too, such as why you want to do this job, what it involves, what the Trust covers etc. Please do let me know of your results :)) BEST of LUCK!!
@@paramedstudy Hi Freyja, I don't suppose you know if they will tell me on the day if I have done well enough to move on to the next phase of recruitment or will I have to wait for a letter to arrive? I only ask as I have other job offers on the table and they are asking how long it will take for them to tell me? No worries if you don't know, I just thought I'd take a chance and ask 😁
@@paulmulks Hey Paul, I think it was quite quick, within a week for me, but it will depend on where your interview was in the list of interviewers I expect. May be email HR and ask what time you would expect an answer, or even ask that question at the interview itself. Crossing fingers and toes for you :)
@@paramedstudy Yeah I'll have to ask on Saturday, just didn't want them to think I'm an impatient swine 🤣
@@paulmulks :))) no they won't. I asked on my interview. That means you are interested :))
Hello Freyja, I want a career change and am thinking of applying for ECA in SWAST, but I don't have experience in professional healthcare. Do you think this matters/did they focus on this in the interview? Or was it more focussed on life skills like leadership, teamwork, problem solving in a more general sense? Thank you for your helpful video!! Dot
HI Dot, many thanks for your viewing and comment. It does help a little if you have health care history HOWEVER, it does not matter that much as they employ people from all sorts of life. I have known pub owners, retail assistants and dog walkers lol.
I think the main thing is that you have an interest in helping others and are willing to train on the skills which will allow you to work along side paramedics to save lives. Leadership, teamwork, life skills all have a definite slot in all this too. Again, I have known students fresh out of college who applied who in their young lives have next to no life skills. The assessors will look at YOU :) If you feel passionate enough and show this, then you should go far. Let me know if you need any advice and I will try and help if I know the answer or sign post you to where answers can be found. Good luck, I really hope you achieve your goal as I did :)
Freyja Joyner Thanks for replying! I went online to apply today, but didn’t realise the C1 licence wasn’t included in the driving training, and the applications will close in a few days so sadly I cannot get a licence in time to apply. Thanks again for your helpful video and hopefully I will get another opportunity to join you in SWAST in the future :)
Hi Dot, oh thats a shame. I never had to do the C1 licence as passed it many moons ago. Well there is always the opportunity to apply so grab that licence as soon as you can and try again.Its good to have the licence anyway I think as it opens up travel doorways for you in the future. Have a look at distance perception videos which I think you need to pass for your C1 plus driving theory. Then you will be ready to pass it first time. Let me know how you get on and best of luck! x
Thanks Freya this is really useful, do you have any idea of questions I can ask after interview xx
Hello Rachel, and thanks for the comments and questions. The interview was more like a chat with old friends I found and was really relaxed. I prepared my questions by reading up on what the ambulance service is and more specifically, what an ECA does. Then I asked them questions on areas I was uncertain about. So the questions you ask are what you want to know. If you can research the job and ask further questions on the specifics, it will show them that you are very interested and have done research already, rather than coming in and not having a clue about what you are joining. Hope that makes sense. Keep in touch x
@@paramedstudy thanks so much for replying my interview is today . I was going to ask what their expectations of me are if I’m successful and was going to ask if there anything I can do to prepare for training or any further research . I was also going to ask about progression routes , do you think this is ok xx
@@rachelstubbs7867 I wish you all the best for today! Go smash it :) They are looking for a caring and courteous person who is willing to learn and adapt to changes. Who can communicate well with all walks of life and works well in a team? Prep for training wise, they teach you everything you need to know to be honest, however, you may wish to look into human biology, especially how the heart works, about the demographics of patients, the types of illness people get ie, heart attacks, strokes, diabetes. I think all these questions are good to ask as it shows them you are interested.
@@paramedstudy Thankyou so so much I will let you know how I get and thanks for taking the time for getting back to me i really appreciate it xx
@@rachelstubbs7867 you are welcome. how did you get on?
Hi Freyja, I'm going for an interview for LAS, they do it slightly different than SWAST. I passed the assessment, I have the interview to do and if I pass that, I need to get the C1 provisional and pass the theory (unfortunately I got my licence in 1998 the year they removed the C1 entitlement) What questions was you asked at interview? I hate the "Can you tell me about a time..?" type questions, did you get any of them?
Hi, thanks for your post. Mostly they talked about the service first of all. Then they asked me what I knew about the ambulance service and what I believed the job would entail. Also, things like 'tell us of a time when you had to lead.' or 'tell us of a time when you had to make a difficult decision' What are your strengths and weakness etc. Prepare for questions like that then ask your own based upon data you have found during your read up on your service via internet. For example, I asked about the difference in response times form one division to another. If they know you are interested and have done some homework about what the service does then they are more likely to want you. So my advice is to have an idea of strengths, weakness, bad experience and good experience. Some thing about diversity and equality which is always asked. Good luck and let me know how you get on :)
Thanks for the info Freyja, I just hate those kind of questions, I don't really like talking about myself. Your advice seems quite helpful, so hopefully (fingers crossed) I do enough to pass the interview. I have worked in patient transport as an Ambulance Driver (for a private company) so I do have a bit of an insight into that world. When do you start your training, or have you already started?
I too used to work for a patient transport service before they were taken over by a private company. That means that you have a good understanding of effective communication and general empathy and understanding of the patient needs. It is always difficult to talk about yourself, but if you can think of it this way : ask yourself what makes you a caring person? what do you remember of yourself that you were proud of in your work? What do you want to do in the future and why you want to do it? Then guess what?, you have just explained your background and your inner most wants to a potential employer. When they interview you, its very much like talking with friends. Very easy and non regimented, unlike going for a corporate company interview. The ambulance service NEEDS more paramedics, more ECA and more of everything as population is increasing. They NEED you to pass, so just help them make that choice in you. :)
I am on the course already and really loving it. Its intensive but enjoyable. Good luck and let me know how you get on :)
Yes, I'll let you know, it's coming up very soon.
Great! looking forward to hearing about it :)
Hi Freyja . I have seen 5 week courses you can pay for yourself to become a ECA is this something that may be more favorable if applying if you already done the course . Thanks Carl .
Hi Carl, thanks for your question. To be honest I don't know about that. SWAST or whichever ambulance service, use their own required training course. If you have done the course before, check with HR and ask.They are every good in coming back to you. Then you will know where you stand :)
Thanks for taking the time to get back to me .
Always a pleasure. :)
I have an interview next week on teams and I really don’t think I have the chance of being accepted, I’m not the slimmest and I can’t help but think this would play a factor, I’m training at the moment and physically fit but again not the slimmest x
Hey Chloe, thanks for the follow and your comments. Ok, I will say it right out there - ECAs, Paras, doctors, nurses are ALL sizes, ALL weights! :) There is no difference between a slim gym goer to that of an over weight (like me too) person. It takes communication and dedication to the job. Healthy life styles do help, yes. For climbing those stairs, but it won't stop you from doing the job. x Go for it and see what happens xx
Freya thanks so much for getting back to me! I had the interview today and have been invited to attend the drivers assessment and fitness test in the next couple of weeks (I am so so frightened)
Can I ask, are you aware of any paramedics that went through the ACA route? Is it slightly possible to progress from an ACA (Ambulance Care Assistant) to an ECA > Paramedic? :)
@Chloe Harrison Hey Chloe! Thats amazing! So you passed your Interview?? Drivers assessment is just to see how well you drive in general. They will use a van, so you just need to always check mirrors, look ahead, brake smoothly etc. When you pass, they will know they can teach you how to drive blue light which is a separate course :)
I started as a PTS Ambulance Care Assistant (ACA) and this allowed me to have the experience of driving larger vehicles with BLS knowledge. Great way to start the career in my book. Ohh, I can feel your excitement! Fitness wise just keep it steady and pace yourself. They will explain what to do. I am over weight and was able to do it. Make sure if you wear glasses you take them for the driving test and gym clothing for the fitness. Best of luck !!!x
I need to refresh my driving skills, with a large vehicle. Are their instructors who do that ?
Hi :)
Thats a really good question. I would of thought that perhaps a normal driving instructor could help you, then perhaps you could practice with a 3.5 tone van. un-uncertain where. Best ask a driving school as I don't really know who does this. Anyone out there reading this post knows an answer please do place a kind comment for Shamailah x
What happens if we don’t pass the first time? Would we need to reapply all over again? Is there another chance ?
@@shamailah1 I am uncertain, I would suggest you ask the instructor just in case. I wouldn't want to give you the wrong info here.
Any examples from the sjt just recieved mine via email just want some ECA specific ones
Hey there, not sure what you are asking for. You need something about ECA's? What is SJT? St John Trust? If so, can anyone advise him as I am not in contact with SJT.
@@paramedstudy hi thanks for the reply, it was part of the recruitment process for SWAST to join as an emergency care assistant a Situational Judgement Test basically scenarios with 4 out comes and you have to pick the most “effective” outcome although the word wasn’t effective it was something else 🤦♂️I’ve done it now it was 20 questions and took about 30 mins wasn’t as bad as I thought so hopefully I’ve got them right although most guidance says it’s not pass or fail (you get a referral)
@@theorypractise Hey :) Thanks for the reply. Ah yes I remember now. I did the same on-line. You should hear very shortly on your results. I think they were based on common sense, so no need to have much in the way of medical background to answer them. Best of luck and ill have fingers crossed for you. :) Keep in touch x
@@paramedstudy me again passed the last assessment next on to my phsycometric driver assessment with driver metrics did you do it? any tips??
@@theorypractise Hey that's great news. The next one I (think) is the hazard perception? If it is, try and do as many trial ones as possible which are free online and then go for the test. If its the one Im thinking about then you need to time your clicks really well but not do too many.
I am 32 and work in a care home and don’t have good enough GCSE’s to do ECA😔
Hi Jess, I’m so sorry to hear this. Can you do functional skills GCSEs which would be free if you don’t have any higher education qualifications? This was the way I was able to do it.
@@paramedstudy do you have any advice how I would do this?
@@jessgee1400 Hi Jess, sorry for the delay in replying. I have had a rough couple of weeks. You will need to look online for Functional Skills Maths and English. Then you can contact the company which is doing them. Make sure that it is the free course you can take if you have no GCSE or further education qualifications. It can be taken any time after your school life. Best of luck x