UK Search and Rescue medics undertaking national qualifications to recognise their capabilities

UK Search and Rescue (SAR) Winch Operators are trained to both assist SAR Paramedics and deliver lifesaving aid to people in the most challenging conditions all across the country, 24/7.

These men and women are trained and assessed to the highest medical standards required for their role, so they can safely and effectively care for patients with life-threatening conditions at the scene or in the air.

Now, following a detailed review of UK Winch Operator training, all of the UK’s SAR Winch Operators – who already work to the same standard as NHS Medical Technicians - are completing a new course which will not only keep their medical skills properly maintained, but will also grant them a nationally recognised qualification, while also offering opportunities to continue developing their medical skills and their careers.

Bristow Head of Clinical Services, Mike ‘H’ Henson, said: “There is an old saying that Paramedic's save lives and Medical Technician's save the Paramedic, meaning that Medical Technicians support the Paramedic, do the basics very well and, quite often, act as a sense checker. Winch Operators, who all operate to Medical Technician standards, are expected to support our Paramedics to deliver the highest standards of medical care in the most challenging conditions. It’s common for them to be faced with critical situations on a remote mountain, the coastline, or support clinical care within the aircraft.

“Until recently their medical training has been custom-designed and tailored to their specific SAR roles, which has been really effective at keeping their skills honed and effective to the exacting requirements the job demands." 

“However, thanks to a detailed project run by Bristow, Qualsafe Awards, and Outreach Rescue, our Winch Operators are now completing a specific ‘bridging’ course, which will see them receive the diploma in First Response Emergency and Urgent Care, a qualification that is nationally recognised and regulated by Ofqual.

“While this serves to demonstrate and maintain their existing capabilities, it also broadens their knowledge and provides them with a new route towards obtaining more advanced, nationally recognised formal qualifications in prehospital emergency medicine, giving them the recognised qualification they deserve for doing the job they do."

“It not only proves they have the skills required to do their demanding jobs, it also formally recognises that they have parity with NHS Medical Technicians across the country.”

UK Search and Rescue (SAR) Winch Operators are trained to both assist SAR Paramedics and deliver lifesaving aid to people in the most challenging conditions all across the country, 24/7.

These men and women are trained and assessed to the highest medical standards required for their role, so they can safely and effectively care for patients with life-threatening conditions at the scene or in the air.

Now, following a detailed review of UK Winch Operator training, all of the UK’s SAR Winch Operators – who already work to the same standard as NHS Medical Technicians - are completing a new course which will not only keep their medical skills properly maintained, but will also grant them a nationally recognised qualification, while also offering opportunities to continue developing their medical skills and their careers.

Bristow Head of Clinical Services, Mike ‘H’ Henson, said: “There is an old saying that Paramedic's save lives and Medical Technician's save the Paramedic, meaning that Medical Technicians support the Paramedic, do the basics very well and, quite often, act as a sense checker. Winch Operators, who all operate to Medical Technician standards, are expected to support our Paramedics to deliver the highest standards of medical care in the most challenging conditions. It’s common for them to be faced with critical situations on a remote mountain, the coastline, or support clinical care within the aircraft.

“Until recently their medical training has been custom-designed and tailored to their specific SAR roles, which has been really effective at keeping their skills honed and effective to the exacting requirements the job demands." 

“However, thanks to a detailed project run by Bristow, Qualsafe Awards, and Outreach Rescue, our Winch Operators are now completing a specific ‘bridging’ course, which will see them receive the diploma in First Response Emergency and Urgent Care, a qualification that is nationally recognised and regulated by Ofqual.

“While this serves to demonstrate and maintain their existing capabilities, it also broadens their knowledge and provides them with a new route towards obtaining more advanced, nationally recognised formal qualifications in prehospital emergency medicine, giving them the recognised qualification they deserve for doing the job they do."

“It not only proves they have the skills required to do their demanding jobs, it also formally recognises that they have parity with NHS Medical Technicians across the country.”