Student Ambulance Officer ST JOHN AMBULANCE WA INFORMATION PACK

Student Ambulance Offi cer Information Pack 1 Contents

INTRODUCTION 1

WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A ST JOHN AMBULANCE OFFICER 1

HOW TO BECOME A ST JOHN STUDENT AMBULANCE OFFICER 2

THE ENROLMENT PROCESS 3

The Application Process 3

For General Admission 3

The Application Process for Students with Prior Learning 4

The Selection Process 5

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT 6

REMUNERATION, WORKPLACE AND BENEFITS 8

Student Ambulance Offi cer Information Pack 2 Introduction What it Takes to Become an It takes a special person to become Ambulance Offi cer an Ambulance Offi cer. They are courageous, caring, confi dent and The role of an Ambulance Offi cer and Ambulance Paramedic is to respond to emergency calls patient. They put themselves in the from the public, assisting with pre-hospital care within the State of Western Australia. front-line of medical care everyday, St John Ambulance is the ambulance service provider for Western Australia. We’re a progressive making life changing decisions. community organisation, caring for people across two and a half million square kilometres, the In reading this Information Pack, largest area in the world covered by a single ambulance service. Each year we transport more you’re taking an important fi rst step than 200,000 people across the state and teach over 140, 000 people life saving fi rst aid skills. towards a highly rewarding career. The role of our Ambulance Offi cers and Paramedics can be extremely stressful however it is very You’ll fi nd all the information about rewarding. To be successful you will be required to demonstrate the following traits: this exciting role right here. Discover what’s involved, how best to apply Excellent customer service The ability to commit to shiftwork for a student position and meet the The ability to make critical decisions under required selection criteria which Excellent communication skills both written high pressure situations and time constraints follows your application. and oral The ability to remain calm in Awareness of Occupational Health stressful situations and Safety

Demonstrate leadership abilities Knowledge of the Perth Metropolitan Area

Dedication to maintain procedures and Willingness to contribute to the community adhere to set standards and guidelines If you feel you possess all of the above criteria Effective time management this could be the career for you. The ability to multitask St John Ambulance is an Excellent attention to detail equal opportunity employer

Student Ambulance Offi cer Information Pack 1 How to become a St John Ambulance Student Ambulance Offi cer

Candidates applying for a position with St John Ambulance as a Student Ambulance Offi cer are applying for a place in the Bachelor of Science (Paramedical Science) degree at Edith Cowan University, which will be followed by employment as a Student Ambulance Offi cer.

To be eligible to apply you will need to be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident of Australia who is eligible for full time employment.

To be considered for a place on our Student Ambulance Offi cer program you must also:

Have at least three years life experience Provide copies of a current national police after fi nishing school. clearance and Working with Children Check which can be obtained from the Post Have excellent health and fi tness levels. Offi ce. Plus traffi c infringements and traffi c You must complete a Medical Questionnaire convictions reports, these may be obtained as part of your application and you will be from your local police station. required to attend a fi tness test. Demonstrate eligibility to enter university. Possess a current Apply First Aid Certifi cate You can achieve this eligibility in one of the or equivalent fi rst aid qualifi cation. following ways. Qualifi cations obtained from other training bodies may also be considered. If the Apply – Attain a minimum Tertiary Entrance First Aid Certifi cate is older than 12 months, Ranking (TER) of 55, (updated annually in a Basic Resuscitation Certifi cate needs to August, please check the ECU website be undertaken and evidence of completion for current information) within the last supplied with your application. For course fi ve years. bookings and verifi cation of acceptable OR equivalent certifi cates, contact First Aid Services & Training on (08) 9334-1233. – Sit a STAT Test through TISC with a minimum score of 140 in written English Possess as a minimum, a current WA and 110 for multiple choice. Further ‘C’ Class Driver’s Licence (previously known information regarding STAT can be found as an ‘A’ Class Driver’s Licence) and have at the TISC website www.tisc.edu.au or a good driving history. Probationary Driver’s by calling (08) 9318 8000. Your proof of will not be considered. A loss of licence or STAT results must be provided to St John serious traffi c convictions in the last four Ambulance prior to the offer of a place. years, or an accumulation of seven demerit points or more prior to applying will deem Note: An application for recognition of prior your application as unsuccessful. learning may be submitted when there is previous completion or current study of a Have proof to sit for, or hold a Light Rigid university degree. In addition, a completed (LR) license. This will be required when Certifi cate IV, Diploma or Advanced Diploma commencing employment with SJAA WA, may also be considered as an equivalent. please visit http://www.transport.wa.gov.au/ licensing/20662.asp for more information

Student Ambulance Offi cer Information Pack 2 The Recruitment The Application Process Process As part of your application, you will need to Personal details such as residential address, provide the following: contact telephone numbers, email and The process all applicants undertake residency status Cover Letter is to ensure St John Ambulance WA Academic qualifi cations employs Student Ambulance Offi cers Explain why you would be suitable for the of the highest standard who are the position you are applying for. Previous work experience (in chronological best fi t within the organisation. order from most recent) What has motivated you to apply for this Information Session position at St John Ambulance? Any other achievements/accomplishments which you feel may be relevant to the position. The informal session is designed for Outline any other relevant attributes candidates to come to our Head or information that would support Statement Addressing the Offi ce to fi nd out more about the you application. Selection Criteria position and the recruitment process. Provide personal and contact details. This Statement is your opportunity to The session will involve speakers from demonstrate your experience, knowledge and different areas of the organisation, Application Form and skills as relevant to the position. including Ambulance Operations, Medical Questionnaire College of Pre Hospital Care the The Selection Criteria will be made available Please note you will not be able to Recruitment and ECU. when applications open and the STAR method apply for this position until applications should be used as a guide when completing This session enables applicants to open. Applications are to be completed the selection criteria. gain a better understanding of the role online by visiting our website and make the decision to submit their www.stjohnchangelives.com.au. application for the position of Student Please select the Ambulance Services and The STAR Method explained: Ambulance Offi cer. follow the steps in our online application Situation Give an example of a form. This will also take you through a situation you were involved Medical Questionnaire which must be in that resulted in a completed. This health questionnaire relates positive outcome to the position you are applying for and duties you must be able to do. Task Describe the tasks involved in that situation Resume

Candidates must submit a resume with Action Talk about the various their application which outlines a complete actions involved in the history of their employment and education. situation’s task Resumes should include the following Results What results directly information as a minimum: followed because of your actions.

Student Ambulance Offi cer Information Pack 3 Current Apply First Aid Certifi cate How to Lodge Your Application ECU Requirements

You can organise to sit an Apply First Aid All applications must be submitted online. If you are applying for entry in Semester 1 you course by booking online at Please visit www.stjohnchangelives.com.au will be required to apply through TISC. Please www.stjohnambulance.com.au or by and follow the links to the Student Ambulance visit the TISC website www.tisc.edu.au for phoning (08) 9334 1233, there are many Offi cer page. Please note applications will not future requirements. options available from fl exible learning to be accepted until applications are open. You must upload with your application proof two day courses. Please contact the Recruitment Team via of meeting ECU’s English and Academic National Police Clearance [email protected] or by phoning Requirements. Proof must be in the form of 08 9334 1465 if you need assistance in offi cially certifi ed copies (unless entry is being Police Clearances can be obtained from your lodging your application. met using WA Year 12 results or previous local Post Offi ce, however they can take some ECU studies). time to arrive, therefore it is recommended Your Completed Application will Need that you apply for a Police Clearance prior to to Include: If you are applying for mid-year entry for submitting your application. A receipt of you Semester 2, you will be required to apply Cover Letter applying for a National Police Clearance will be directly to ECU. Please contact ECU student accepted as part of your application. Application Form recruitment for further information.

Current Driver’s License Medical Questionnaire

A current driver’s license must be scanned Resume and attached with your application. Copy of full ‘C’ class Driver’s License Traffi c Infringements and Statement addressing the selection criteria Traffi c Convictions Proof of Australian Citizenship or Permanent Both documents can be obtained from your Residency and rights to work local Police Station. These documents can be no older than three months and must be Proof of eligibility to enter University submitted as part of your initial application. (previous qualifi cations or intentions to sit STAT) Proof of Working Rights

You must provide proof of Australian Two professional Referees Citizenship or Australian Permanent Residency At Interview you will Need to Provide Status with eligibility for employment Copies of: in Australia. Current Apply First Aid Certifi cate or Proof of Eligibility to Enter University equivalent (a receipt or booking confi rmation Previous qualifi cations such as a Degree, is suffi cient for application, but course must Diploma or Cert IV. A STAT results or intentions be completed prior to offer of employment) to sit the STAT test. A current National Police Clearance or Two professional Referees receipt of obtaining Police Clearance

It is your responsibility to advise your referee Traffi c Infringements and Traffi c that they may be contacted for a reference Conviction Reports check and to ensure they will be available. Proof of identity such as a Birth Certifi cate or Passport

Eligibility to enter University

Note: Applications for Student Ambulance Offi cers MUST include all of the above. Applications not addressing the selection criteria or not supplying required documentation may not be considered.

Late applications will not be accepted.

Student Ambulance Offi cer Information Pack 4 Assessment Centre Psychometric Testing Assessment Includes:

The Assessment Centre allows candidates to Designed by psychologists, psychometric Body Mass Index (BMI) or demonstrate aptitude, communication and assessments are used to assess a candidate’s Percentage Body Fat team work skills. The Assessment Centre abilities, personality, motivations, values and A healthy range for BMI or percentage body does not include the testing of knowledge interests. fat will be required. and technical skills which relate to the position Functional Capacity and being applied for. Blood Pressure Medical Assessment Assessment consists of group exercises, Measurement of blood pressure and The Functional Capacity and Medical conducted under the supervision of an cardiac risk screening, readings to be within Assessment Evaluation is the physical assessment panel. If you are invited to an normal limits. component of the recruitment process. Assessment Centre, it is important to be Musculo-skeletal Review yourself and not act in accordance with what Work as a Student Ambulance Offi cer Relevant medical history and any injuries are you think the assessors are looking for. It is with St John Ambulance requires a level of noted -some injuries will not preclude applicants. advisable that you are on time and wear smart physical fi tness. As part of the recruitment but comfortable clothing. process your levels of physical capacity will Fitness be assessed. This information is intended Interview Assessed through a step test with recovery for applicants to judge whether their own heart rates recorded. Fitness to be at a Interviews are also conducted as part of physical capabilities are suffi ciently high to be “good” level. the recruitment process. The interview will considered for the positions or whether further be conducted by a selection panel of two physical preparation may be required. Strength Tests interviewers and may include a St John Upper body Push-ups Ambulance WA Manager and a representative from the Recruitment Team. Lower body Squats (including sustained semi-squat), lunges, sustained The interview will give you the opportunity kneeling, standing forward bend to ask any questions that you may have concerning the position. Core Stability, sit-ups and trunk rotation

Hamstring Flexibility

Demonstrate “average to good” hamstring fl exibility.

Series of Power Lifting Tasks

Demonstrate appropriate manual handling techniques while lifting and carrying a variety of loads up to 30kg. For example: carrying a 20kg crate over a distance before placing item on a high shelf. Tasks can include sideways walking.

Student Ambulance Offi cer Information Pack 5 Training and Development

Successful applicants will undertake an Years two, three and four comprise of a Year Three (Employed) undergraduate Bachelor of Science (Paramedical combination of paid on the job training as Working full-time with a senior Paramedic Science) degree at Edith Cowan University well as university studies at ECU and the whilst completing the required units of the (www.ecu.edu.au), as well as an internship College of Pre Hospital Care. degree program. to become a qualifi ed St John Ambulance Year Two (Employed) Paramedic. The education and training program Year three includes a full-time study block is outlined below. For further course information, Full-time Induction Course held at in the College of Pre Hospital Care and go to: http://www.ecu.edu.au and search for St John Ambulance State Offi ce in Belmont, hospital placements. comprising of university units encompassing ‘Paramedical Science’. Year Four (Employed) mandatory organisational components. This Year One (Pre-employment – Unpaid) course will commence either late January Working full-time with a Senior Paramedic One year full-time study. or early February for the Semester 1 intake whilst completing the required units of the and July/August for the mid year intake. degree program. Many of the units are available externally for those located in remote areas. On successful completion of the Induction Year four includes a full-time study block Course you will commence on road duties in the College of Pre Hospital Care, to be Two week full-time driver training course. as an Ambulance offi cer and continue completed prior to attaining the level of to have support from The College of Ambulance Paramedic. Those successfully Pre Hospital Care, in addition to working completing this year and having successfully with an allocated on road Paramedic tutor. completed and passed all components of the degree, will be eligible to receive the Completing units of the degree program Bachelor of Science (Paramedical Science) and log books. from ECU.

Student Ambulance Offi cer Information Pack 6 Course Outline

Unit Title STUDENT AMBULANCE OFFICER- 1ST YEAR Year 1 Semester 1 SCH1101 Cultural Studies HST1124 Health Communications SCH1134 (OL) Human Structure and Function NST2106 (OL) Mental Health Problems and Disorders Year 1 Semester 2 PSP1106 Clinical Skills for Paramedical Practice SCH1105 Introduction to Pharmacology PST1101 (OL) Introduction to Paramedical Practice SCH1143 (OL) Systems Physiology YEAR TWO- EMPLOYED Year 2 Trimester 1 SCH1104 Introduction to Pathophysiology PST1102 Foundations of Paramedical Practice PST2101 Foundations of Paramedical Practice 2 Year 2 Trimester 2 PSP2102 Paramedic Practicum 1 SCH2204 Pre Hospital Policy, Ethics and Legal Issues PST2106 (OL) Pre-hospital Diagnostic Techniques Year 2 Trimester 3 PSP3102 Hospital Practicum for Paramedics PSP3101 Advanced Paramedical Practice 1 PST3103 Trauma Studies for Paramedics YEAR THREE- EMPLOYED Year 3 Trimester 1 PST3106 (OL) Paediatric Studies for Paramedics PST3107 (OL) Obstetric Studies for Paramedics PSP 3105 Clinical Practicum Year 3 Trimester 2 NST3209 (OL) Evidence based practice in healthcare NNT3204 Primary Health Care Year 3 Trimester 3 PST3104 (OL)Medical Studies for Paramedics PSP3103 Advanced Paramedical Practice 2 A one year internship consisting of on road duties. Must demonstrate appropriate attributes associated with becoming a senior offi cer of an ambulance crew and be mindful of the organisations policies and procedures regarding operational duties.

Student Ambulance Offi cer Information Pack 7 Remuneration, Workplace and Benefi ts

Salary Location

During your fi rst year while studying at ECU As a Student Ambulance Offi cer your training you will be undertaking an unpaid study at the start of your second year is completed component. After completing the fi rst year at The College of Pre Hospital Care. Once of your Paramedical Science Degree you will you are a Student Offi cer, Operations you become a paid St John Ambulance Employee are allocated a roster and a Depot in the metropolitan area. Rates of Pay - Ambulance Offi cer/ Paramedic From 01 July 2011 First phase of three increments (5%)

Classifi cation Weekly Hourly Rate Shift Shift Penalty Total Weekly Total Annually Base Rate Allowance Weekly Weekly Student Offi cer – $842.01 $22.16 $842.01 $43,924.77 College Pre Hospital Care Student Offi cer – Operations $872.64 $22.96 $278.44 $22.96 $1,174.05 $61,246.09 Ambulance Offi cer – Grade 1 $882.84 $23.23 $281.69 $23.23 $1,187.77 $61,962.06 Ambulance Offi cer – Grade 2 $975.75 $25.68 $311.34 $25.68 $1,312.77 $68,482.66

After graduation to a Ambulance Paramedic level you start at AP1 and move up to AP3 with years of service Ambulance Paramedic – AP1

$1,150.32 $30.27 $367.04 $30.27 $1,547.64 $80,735.03

Student Ambulance Offi cer Information Pack 8 Country Posting As well as these roles there is the opportunity to Salary Packaging progress into management roles, from Station Be prepared to accept a posting of up to one An employee may, with the agreement of Managers through to Operational and State year at a country location after becoming a St John Ambulance, enter into a salary Managers at our Head Offi ce. Paramedic. Paid offi cers are currently located packaging arrangement upon completion of in the following locations: Albany, Australind, Leave their probation. This enables employees to Broome, Bunbury, Busselton, Collie, salary package expenses from your pre-tax Whilst attending the Induction course in the Dawsville, Geraldton, Port Hedland, Kalgoorlie, salary up to a predetermined limit each year. College of Pre Hospital care, you will not work Norseman, Northam and Pinjarra. public holidays or weekends. In your fi rst Health and Wellbeing Allowance Vacancies not voluntarily fi lled at any of the above year of employment you will have an annual A Health and Wellbeing Allowance has been set locations will be fi lled by allocating postings to leave entitlement of four weeks which will be up to reimburse employees for expenses relating offi cers for up to two years. Whilst candidates allocated in a block. to gym memberships and fi tness programs. will be asked to number the towns according to In your second year of employment you will Upon completion of your probation you become their preferences St John Ambulance WA cannot have an annual leave entitlement of four weeks eligible for an annual allowance each year. guarantee that the allocated posting will be one of and will work weekends and public holidays the candidate’s top preferences. Free Ambulance Cover as per roster. Hours of Work All employees of St John Ambulance are From the third year the annual leave entitlement entitled to free ambulance cover which The ordinary hours of duty shall be an average is a total of 8 weeks per annum, and will work extends to dependent family members. of 38 hours per week plus reasonable additional weekends and public holidays as per roster hours specifi c to each roster. Ambulance comprising of four weeks Annual Leave and four Paid Parental Leave Offi cers and Paramedics generally work a 2/ 2/ weeks other leave. A leave block is allocated After 12 months of service employees 4 roster which includes 2 days, 2 nights and 4 to all Ambulance Offi cers and Paramedics in are entitled to paid parental leave of up days off on a rotation basis. The day shifts are accordance with the Leave Roster. to 12 weeks at base pay. Parental leave 10 hours and night shifts 14 hours. provisions are included in the relevant Probation Other rosters may include; award or agreement. A probation period of six months applies 4 days on, 4 days off to Student Ambulance Offi cers on commencement of induction school. For furth er information on 4 days on, 3 days off Uniforms th is position please email Please note that these rosters are subject to change. A uniform will be provided by St John Ambulance [email protected] WA that refl ects the professional image of the The information contained within this Career Development organisation. It is designed to ensure a safe, document is correct at the time of There are many opportunities within St John functional and comfortable uniform to meet the publication. Please note that entry, Ambulance WA to gain experience in different needs of an Ambulance Offi cer. prerequisites and conditions of areas of the organisation. Paramedics are able employment may change without notice. to apply for postings in the country and Industrial Paramedic Services. Other opportunities include Team Leaders, Clinical Team Leaders, on road tutors and secondments into the College of Pre Hospital Care or Volunteer Ambulance Studies.

Copyright St John Ambulance WA, 209 Great Eastern Highway, Belmont, WA 6104 Email: [email protected] www.stjohnchangelives.com.au Student Ambulance Offi cer Information Pack 9