Trainee Care Assistant
This course provides the first part of development towards IHCD Technician standard. Full qualification as an IHCD Ambulance Technician is dependent on satisfactory completion of a one year probationary period which includes regular written and practical assessments.
Duration and Location
The course is residential and is conducted at the Scottish Ambulance College, near Peebles in the Scottish Borders. Technician training takes place over nine weeks, two of which comprise a driving module (see separate section). The remaining seven weeks consist of three modules, all of which require satisfactory completion before progression to the next.
Course Content
Each week of each module adds to the previous week`s learning by introducing associated systems and techniques. This is why progress to the following module requires satisfactory performance in the previous.
Module D (3 weeks)
- Patient assessment
- Respiratory system
- Cardiovascular system
- CPR and defibrillation
- Unconscious patients
- Lifting and moving patients
- Introduction to medical terminology
Module E (2 weeks)
- Nervous system
- Skeletal system
- Musculo-skeletal trauma
- Head and spinal trauma
- Soft tissue trauma
- Extrication
- Dealing with children
Module F
- Digestive system
- Diabetes
- Poisoning
- Hazardous substances
- Management of aggression
- Maternity
- Major Incidents
This is by no means an exhaustive list of the topics covered on the course and, where operational circumstances allow, other training opportunities may arise. Teaching methods include learner-centred classroom sessions, role play and simulated scenarios. Assessment of theoretical knowledge is by written examinations which take place at the end of each module. Assessment of practical performance takes place during the many simulated incidents which students will be expected to deal with and is an ongoing, continuous process throughout each module. As in the medical and nursing professions, students will also learn the skill of conducting `critiques`. This involves observation and constructive criticism of each other`s performance.
An important part of Technician training involves developing the behaviour and attitudes required of a member of a uniformed, disciplined service and this is reflected in the high personal standards expected of students while resident at the Scottish Ambulance College.
Recommended Pre-Course Study Areas
Scottish Ambulance Service Standard Operating Procedures particularly:
- SOP 1 - Adult Basic Life Support
- SOP 2 - Paediatric Basic Life Support
- SOP 4 - The Patient Management Plan
- All Technician drug SOPs
Ambulance Service Basic Training Manual
Familiarity with these areas will allow for the maximum amount of consolidation and practice during the course.
|