Initial Assessment and Triage Paramedic

The post holder will rapidly assess and triage adult and paediatric patients attending the Emergency Department, identifying acuity, clinical risk and the most appropriate onward pathway. They will initiate investigations and treatment within their scope of practice, recognise and escalate deteriorating patients, identify opportunities for alternative pathways such as ambulatory or same-day emergency care, and discharge patients directly where appropriate, within professional competence.

Using the National Acuity Scoring system, you will identify clinical priority, recognise deterioration and ensure patients are directed to the most appropriate pathway. This is a highly autonomous role requiring confident clinical decision-making, effective communication and the ability to manage patient flow while delivering direct patient care.

A key element of the role will be supporting safe and effective ambulance flow. The post holder will work closely with ambulance crews, SWAST operational staff and the wider Emergency Department team to prioritise patients awaiting handover, support timely transfer of care and improve ambulance turnaround. The role will combine rapid clinical assessment, autonomous decision-making, patient streaming and flow management with direct hands-on patient care.

Applicants must be HCPC registered Paramedics with a minimum of two years' post-registration experience, with an enthusiasm for developing their practice within the Emergency Department.

UHD are investing, developing and transforming Trust services in line with the New Hospital Programme. As part of this, some services may move site this year or next, either temporarily or permanently. Recruiting Managers will be happy to answer any service-specific questions at interview.

If a role or service relocates as part of a planned move, excess mileage will not be reimbursed. Travel from home to the new work base will be classed as a normal commute. Any other changes will be managed under Trust or national terms and conditions.

UHD has active networks including Women's, BAME, Pride, EU, Pro Ability, and Armed Forces. We support Disability Confident and Armed Forces Covenant interview schemes.

AI tools may be used, but applications must honestly reflect your own skills and experience. Integrity is key to our recruitment process.

Qualifications

Essential: - Paramedic degree or diploma

Desirable: - ALS; - EPLS

Experience

Essential: - 2 years post registration; - Experience in a front line role

Desirable: - Triage experience

Knowledge

Desirable: - ED flow, ambulance handover and alternative pathways.