The assistants are being used as 'first responders' and put in charge of ambulances attending a range of potentially life-threatening situations including heart attacks, chest pains and breathing difficulties.
However, the Emergency Care Assistants (ECAs) only have basic first aid training, unlike paramedics who are trained for three years, and are unable to administer life-saving drugs or give injections.
They were introduced four years ago to ease the burden on paramedics by taking patients into hospital and driving ambulances. Official guidance states that they should be "guided by a qualified clinical practitioner". Their role is similar to that of PCSOs who support police officers.
Full Article on Telegraph
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