Overview
HART in SECAmb are seeking candidates for 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 national initiative that enables clinical care to be delivered in areas previously inaccessible to the Ambulance Service. Operatives respond to incidents of a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) and Hazardous Material (HAZMAT) nature; structural/trench collapse; major transportation incidents; incidents requiring working at height; confined space and rescue with complex entrapment. The team may also provide specialist clinical support in a Search and Rescue (USAR) environment. All operatives are required to attain Swift Water Rescue Technician (SRT) status for work in flooded areas and difficult environments. On duty operatives must be able to deploy nationwide with no notice for periods of 36 hours or more and may deploy as part of an Ambulance Intervention Team. In addition to HART work, operatives may respond as an operational resource to meet Trust needs.
Responsibilities
* Respond to potential incidents of CBRN/HAZMAT, structural/trench collapse, major transportation incidents, working at height, confined space and complex entrapment rescues.
* Provide specialist clinical support and knowledge within a USAR environment when required.
* Achieve and maintain Swift Water Rescue Technician (SRT) status for work in flooded/difficult environments.
* Deploy nationwide with no notice for up to 36 hours; may join Ambulance Intervention Team deployments.
* Fulfill operational resource needs of the Trust in addition to HART duties.
Qualifications
* 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.
* Available for all mandated course dates.
* UK driving licence with C1 category or equivalent.
* UK HCPC registered Paramedic.
* Good level of physical fitness; weight between 50 kg and 124 kg (in HART PPE approx. 7 kg).
* Capable of swimming a minimum of 200 metres.
* Initial training lasts 11 weeks and consists mainly of residential courses.
* Must be available to respond to incidents nationwide without notice for up to 48 hours.
Selection Process
* Physical Competence Assessment (PCA): tests on land and water to reflect physical demands of operating as a HART Paramedic.
* Confined space / height confidence assessment.
* ALS Clinical assessment.
* Swimming assessment (200m swim / 10 min treading / duck dive).
* Specialist Occupational Health Assessment (eye, hearing, lung function, grip/back strength).
* Interview.
Assessment and Shortlisting
If shortlisted, you must attend an assessment in Ashford for the first stage, including Swim Clinical and Confidence assessments. If successful you will be invited to the PCA test and interview. Gatwick may have very limited spaces without a talent pool. No further dates available. Drop-in session and observer shifts can be arranged at the respective HART sites prior to assessment (strongly encouraged).
Other Details
All HART Operatives must maintain specific weight limits for PPE and pass a PCA every six months. Ongoing training keeps HART disciplines up to date; 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 follow the Section 2 agreement. Claims should be made via the monthly timesheet. Details are in the Agenda for Change handbook.
Application and Accessibility
We provide application forms in large print or other formats. Please contact recruitment@secamb.nhs.uk to request.
This advert closes on Sunday 2 Nov 2025.
#J-18808-Ljbffr