IHCD/ Ambulance Technician – High Dependency & Mental Health Transport
Location:Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire
Base:Tricorder Care Services – Regional Bases
Shift Pattern:4 on / 4 off – Nights Only (12-hour shifts)
Pay Rate:£25 per hour
Contract:Full Time
About Tricorder Care Services
Tricorder Care Services is a CQC-registered independent ambulance provider delivering High Dependency Unit (HDU), urgent care, and specialist mental health transport across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire.
Following the recent award of a major NHS and mental health secure transport contract, we are expanding our specialist workforce and are seeking experienced IHCD Ambulance Technicians to join our night operational teams.
We are committed to delivering safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well-led services in accordance with Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulations, NHS England standards, and national mental health transport frameworks.
Tricorder Care Services is an equal opportunities employer.
Role Overview
You will work as part of a two-person HDU crew alongside an Emergency Care Assistant or Technician, delivering safe, professional, and compassionate care to patients requiring high dependency or specialist mental health transport.
This includes the transfer of vulnerable, acutely unwell, or detained mental health patients between hospitals, secure units, and specialist facilities under planned or urgent conditions.
You will operate under CQC standards, NHS commissioning requirements, and Tricorder Care Services clinical governance framework.
No two shifts will be the same. You may be transferring:
* High dependency patients requiring continuous monitoring
* Mental health patients under the Mental Health Act
* Patients requiring secure transport and specialist supervision
* Patients requiring long-distance inter-hospital transfers
* Vulnerable or anxious patients requiring reassurance and support
Your professionalism, clinical competence, and calm approach are essential to ensuring safe and dignified patient care.
Key Responsibilities
* Safely operate High Dependency Unit (HDU) and specialist mental health ambulances
* Provide high-quality patient care in accordance with IHCD and CQC standards
* Safely transfer high dependency and mental health patients between healthcare facilities
* Work within NHS England and Mental Health Act transport guidance
* Maintain patient dignity, safety, and comfort at all times
* Accurately complete electronic and written Patient Care Records (PCRs)
* Conduct daily vehicle checks in accordance with CQC and DVSA requirements
* Ensure vehicles, equipment, and clinical areas remain clean and operational
* Communicate professionally with patients, relatives, NHS staff, and colleagues
* Work safely in accordance with company SOPs, risk assessments, and infection control policies
Mental Health & Secure Transport Requirements
Due to the newly awarded mental health contract, this role requires staff trained and competent in:
* PMVA (Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression)
* RRN-compliant restraint training (Restraint Reduction Network standards)
* Safe and lawful use of approved restraint systems, including handcuffs where authorised and clinically appropriate
* De-escalation techniques and conflict management
* Safeguarding vulnerable adults and children
Full refresher training will be provided in accordance with CQC, NHS England, and RRN standards.
Clinical & Operational Duties
* Patient assessment and monitoring within Technician scope of practice
* Safe use of clinical equipment including stretchers, carry chairs, scoop stretchers, and spinal immobilisation devices
* Safe manual handling in accordance with Manual Handling Regulations
* Maintaining clinical readiness of vehicle and equipment
* Supporting high-dependency and mental health patient care
* Responding safely under normal and urgent driving conditions
Essential Qualifications & Experience
* CERAD Level 3 Emergency Response Driving qualification (essential)
* Minimum 5 years ambulance operational experience (essential)
* Valid full UK manual driving licence (minimum 12 months)
* No more than 6 penalty points
* Experience in mental health transport (preferred but not essential if training provided)
* Excellent communication and patient care skills
Mandatory Compliance Requirements (CQC & NHS)
Successful candidates must meet all CQC and NHS employment standards, including:
* Enhanced DBS clearance (Adult & Child Workforce)
* Right to Work in the UK verification
* Occupational Health clearance
* Professional references
* Full driving licence verification
* Completion of mandatory training, including:
o PMVA
o Safeguarding Adults & Children
o Infection Prevention & Control
o Basic Life Support
o RRN Restraint Training
Personal Attributes
We are looking for individuals who are:
* Professional, calm, and confident
* Compassionate and respectful
* Reliable and trustworthy
* Able to work independently and as part of a team
* Able to manage challenging situations professionally
* Committed to patient safety and high clinical standards
Working Pattern
* 4 on / 4 off rotation
* Nights only
* 12‑hour shifts
* Overtime opportunities available
* £25 per hour
* Full training and uniform provided
* CQC‑compliant clinical training programme
* Mental health and restraint training provided
* Career progression opportunities
* Private Medical Insurance after 12 months
* Free on‑site parking
Recruitment Process
* Online interview
* Clinical and driving verification
* Training and induction at our Thame Training Centre
Apply Now
Due to the expansion of our NHS mental health and HDU services, we are recruiting experienced staff immediately.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing CQC‑registered provider delivering critical services across the region.
Job Types: Full-time, Part‑time, Permanent
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