Need to know
For #TeamEEAST Last updated: 03 May 2024 at 17:30
SORT Training opportunities in 2022
This is an invitation to all Paramedics and Technicians in EEAST to join SORT (Specialist Operations Response Team).
The 2022 training dates have been set and we need your support to fulfil our goal of having 290 fully trained SORT staff by the end of July 2022.
In 2021 SORT and AIT merged into one SORT team, meaning all SORT staff need to be trained in both disciplines to maintain their compliance.
As a member of SORT, you will continue working in your current role, as well as having the opportunity to undergo an initial Occupational Health screening and Physical Competency Assessment (PCA) before choosing dates for a 3-day SORT CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear) course and a 2-day SORT MTA (Marauding Terrorist Attack) course.
Once these are completed you are guaranteed 7 days of funded training per year plus the opportunities to participate in multi-agency exercises.
All courses will be attended on rest days and on overtime, a hotel will be provided if required.
The courses have a full programme which is set at an accessible level to all staff, regardless of previous experiences and set in a relaxed learning environment.
Currently all training is taking place at either Great Notley or Melbourn HART bases, we understand that this can put several people off joining SORT due to long commutes, in the short term this is being resolved by offering staff hotel rooms to stay during courses, soon another location in Peterborough will become available as this will encourage recruitment from further afield.
If you’re interested, you can apply to complete the initial PCA by emailing SORT@eastamb.nhs.uk expressing interest. You will need to book and pass the PCA and a medical assessment before starting the training.
Course Dates for initial applicants
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Initial SORT PCA Dates |
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11th January – Great Notley |
27th May – Great Notley |
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11th February – Melbourn |
10th June - Great Notley |
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15th February – Great Notley |
20th June – Melbourn |
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14th March – Melbourn |
8th July – Great Notley |
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15th March – Great Notley |
29th July – Melbourne |
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1st April – Melbourn |
Further dates to follow. |
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4th April Great Notley |
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20th May – Melbourn |
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SORT CBRN Initial Course Dates |
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22-24th February |
CBRN course to run from Gt Notley 3 days Approx. 08:30-16:30 |
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8-10th March |
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22-24th March |
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19-21st April |
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26-28th April |
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17th-19th May |
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24-26th May |
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7-9th June |
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14-16th June |
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SORT MTA Initial Course Dates |
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12-13th February |
CBRN course to run from Melbourn 2 days Approx. 08:30-16:30 |
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26-27th February |
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Current SORT operatives who have completed all initial courses will need to complete a PCA once a year and refresher training every 6 months approx. to remain competent, the MTA refresher for the first half of the year will be online (updates to follow), with a large 1 day exercise planned for the second half of the year.
CBRN training will be a 2 day course for the first 6 months of the year and a 1 day course towards the end of the year which will refresh students in all the required elements.
If you are already a SORT member, the dates for refresher training are below. To book your place, please email SORT@eastamb.nhs.uk
SORT Refresher Course Dates |
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16-17th February |
Course currently runs from Gt Notley If dates not convenient, empty places on initial course day 2/3 can be filled, please enquire around availability
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16-17th March |
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4-5th May |
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10-11th May |
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28-29th June |
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Further dates to come |
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PCA Refresher Dates |
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18th February – Great Notley |
If dates not convenient, empty places on initials can be filled, please enquire around availability |
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31st March - Melbourn |
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5th April – Great Notley |
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12th May – Melbourn |
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21st June – Great Notley |
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15th July - Melbourn |
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Published 5th December 2022