Hiring and Sponsoring Paramedics (SOC Code 2255)

Paramedics, classified under SOC Code 2255, are vital healthcare professionals who provide emergency medical assistance and support in various critical situations. Their primary responsibilities include:

• Responding to Emergencies: Paramedics drive ambulances or accompany drivers to respond swiftly to calls for assistance at accidents, emergencies, and other incidents.
• Assessing Injuries: They assess the nature of injuries sustained by patients, determining the best course of action for treatment.
• Administering First Aid: Paramedics provide immediate first aid treatment using their training and skill set.
• Patient Stabilization: They resuscitate and/or stabilize patients employing relevant techniques, equipment, and medications.
• Patient Transport: Paramedics safely transport patients who require skilled medical attention, ensuring their condition is monitored throughout the journey.
• Handover Communication: Upon arrival at medical facilities, they brief other medical staff about the patient's condition and treatments administered.
• Documentation: Paramedics meticulously complete patient report forms detailing the patient’s condition and any treatment provided.

With the increasing demand for emergency medical services, the role of paramedics is more critical than ever. This guide aims to assist HR professionals in navigating the complexities of hiring and sponsoring paramedics within the UK’s healthcare system.

What is SOC Code 3411 for Paramedics?

SOC Code 2255 refers to Paramedics who provide emergency medical assistance and transportation to individuals in need of urgent care. Their responsibilities can include:

• Driving ambulance or accompanying driver: Responding to emergency calls at accidents, medical emergencies, and various incidents.
• Assessing injuries: Evaluating the nature and severity of patients' injuries to determine the required care.
• Providing first aid treatment: Administering immediate medical assistance and interventions following established protocols.
• Resuscitating and/or stabilizing patients: Utilizing relevant techniques, equipment, and medications to ensure patient safety and wellbeing.
• Transporting patients: Safely conveying individuals who require or may require skilled medical treatment during transit.
• Briefing medical staff: Communicating crucial patient information and treatment details upon handoff to other healthcare professionals.
• Completing patient reports: Documenting patient conditions and the care provided in official report forms.

Paramedics are vital in the healthcare system, delivering critical care in emergencies, saving lives, and ensuring patients receive timely medical attention.

Eligibility to Hire Paramedics (SOC Code 3411)

1. Job Requirements

Paramedics seeking to join our team must demonstrate their medical competencies and meet certain qualifications or experience criteria. These may include:

• Certification: Valid paramedic certification recognized by relevant governing bodies.
• Experience: Prior experience in emergency medical services (EMS), including practical fieldwork.
• Skills: Proficiency in performing advanced life support, critical thinking, and decision-making in high-pressure situations.
• Knowledge: Understanding of anatomy, physiology, and techniques relevant to emergency care and patient stabilization.
• Education: Completion of an accredited paramedic training program; associate degree or higher in a related field may be preferred.
• Communication: Strong communication skills to effectively brief medical staff and accurately document patient reports.

Ensure the job description aligns with SOC Code 2255 and that the paramedic’s experience and qualifications meet the expectations for the role.

1. Salary Thresholds
2. Use the Minimum Salary Calculator to ensure your salary offer meets immigration requirements.

Sponsoring Paramedics: A Step-by-Step Guide for HR Professionals

Once you’ve confirmed that the role and candidate meet the eligibility requirements, follow this step-by-step guide to sponsoring Paramedics under SOC Code 2255.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before hiring non-UK Paramedics, your company or institution must obtain a sponsor licence. This licence enables you to legally sponsor overseas Paramedics under the Skilled Worker Visa program.

• Sponsor Licence Application: Submit documentation proving that your business is legitimate and has a genuine vacancy. Visit the sponsor licence application guide for more information. 
• Sponsor Licence Fees: Small businesses typically pay £574, while larger institutions pay £1,579. For more information, visit the sponsor licence fees guide. 
• Processing Time: Applications typically take up to 8 weeks, but using the Sponsor Licence Priority Service can reduce the processing time to 10 working days.

Once your sponsor licence is approved, you will receive a sponsor licence number, which allows you to assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS).

Step 2: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Once you have your sponsor licence, the next step is to assign a CoS to the Paramedics. This document provides key details about the job and the individual being sponsored.

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: Use a Defined CoS for Paramedics applying from outside the UK, and an Undefined CoS for those already in the UK. Learn more in the Defined & Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship guide. 
• Required Documents: Provide details such as the Paramedics’s portfolio, passport and job offer. Refer to Documents Required for Certificate of Sponsorship for a full list of necessary documents.

Step 3: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

Once the CoS is issued, the Paramedics can apply for the Skilled Worker Visa.

• Visa Fees: Fees vary depending on the role and visa length—use the visa fees calculator to estimate the costs. 
• Immigration Skills Charge: Employers are required to pay this charge as part of sponsoring non-UK workers. This is separate from visa fees.

Conducting a Right to Work Check for Paramedics

Before the Paramedics begins working, you must conduct a right to work check to ensure they are legally allowed to work in the UK.

• Manual Right to Work Check: Verify original documents such as the Paramedics’s passport and visa. 
• Online Right to Work Check: If the Paramedics holds an eVisa, you can use the UK government’s online system to verify their right-to-work status.

For more details on how to perform these checks, see the right to work check guide.

Post-Hiring Responsibilities and Compliance

1. Record-Keeping and Reporting  
2. • Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of the Paramedics’s employment details, salary and contact information. 
   • Reporting Changes: Report any significant changes to the Paramedics’s role—such as promotions or salary increases—via the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
3. Sponsor Licence Duties and Compliance
4. Failure to comply with your sponsor licence duties can result in penalties or sponsor licence revocation, impacting your ability to sponsor future Paramedicss.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Paramedics

Sponsoring Paramedics under SOC Code 2255 can be a complex process, but Borderless can simplify it for you. We offer comprehensive support to help you manage the entire sponsorship process.

End-to-End Sponsorship Support

At Borderless, we assist with:

• Sponsor Licence Application: Guiding you through the application process and ensuring all required documents are submitted correctly. 
• Certificate of Sponsorship Assignment: Streamlining the CoS process to make hiring easier. 
• Compliance Management: Helping you stay compliant with immigration laws to avoid penalties.

If you need assistance with hiring or sponsoring Paramedics, get in touch for personalised support.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring Paramedics under SOC Code 2255 can be a rewarding way to enrich the cultural landscape of your organisation. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully navigate the sponsorship process while ensuring compliance with UK immigration laws.

For further guidance, Borderless is ready to assist you with all your sponsorship needs. Contact us for expert advice.