Retrieval Care Assistant

About the role

Bristol Ambulance (part of EMED Group) is seeking a qualified driver to join the Paediatric Retrieval Team based at Aztec West, Bristol. The team operates 24/7 across the South West and Wales, transporting neonatal and paediatric intensive‑care patients to specialist units. The role involves long emergency‑response drives and assisting intensive‑care teams with patient access and egress from hospital ICUs. It is suitable for emergency care assistants seeking intensive‑care experience or experienced ECAs looking for a slightly slower pace.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a positive, “can‑do” attitude.
• Ensure vehicles and equipment are thoroughly checked and maintained.
• Provide assistance to intensive‑care teams during patient access and egress.
• Communicate effectively and work well both in a team and independently.
• Assist patients with mobility needs, requiring physical fitness.

Requirements

• C1 driving licence and blue‑light qualification (essential).
• Valid UK manual driving licence held for at least 2 years (maximum 6 penalty points).
• Ability to work a flexible 4‑on, 4‑off shift pattern covering days (08:30‑20:30) and nights (20:30‑08:30).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work well both in a team and independently.
• Physical fitness to assist patients with mobility needs.

Benefits

• Full uniform provision.
• Free parking.
• Staff discount schemes.
• Comprehensive training and development opportunities.
• Overtime at time‑and‑a‑half when working over 40 hours per week.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Opportunities for progression.
• Access to training via the Pre‑Hospital Care Academy.
• Involvement in specialist projects, events, and cohorting shifts.
• Company‑opted pension discount.
• BUPA Employee Assistance Programme.
• Staff benevolent fund (Deano Scheme).

Schedule

The role follows a unique 4‑on, 4‑off pattern with 12‑hour shifts, covering both day and night periods.

About Us

EMED Group is an established healthcare logistics provider with four specialist divisions, employing around 4,000 colleagues across more than 60 UK bases. As one of the largest health‑care partners to the NHS, EMED is dedicated to improving community wellbeing by ensuring access to vital health and social‑care services nationwide.