ASA Work Programmes

The main policy work of the ASA is divided into four Work Programmes. Each Programme Manager is responsible for the development of the various strands of ambulance-related work that relate to his or her programme area.

ASA National Clinical Effectiveness Programme
The ASA National Clinical Effectiveness Programme which has been funded by the Department of Health since 2002 uses education, audit and research to identify and establish current best practice to enhance pre-hospital care for patients and improve clinical outcomes.

Clinical areas covered by the programme include pre-hospital thrombolysis, the clot busting treatment for heart attacks, and the emergency management of Stroke and Transient Ischaemic Attack.

Click here for further information on the ASA Clinical Effectiveness Programme.

ASA Equality and Diversity Programme
The ASA Equality and Diversity Programme has supported ambulance services since 2001 to embed the principles of equality and diversity within their organisation in terms of both employment and service delivery. The support provided by the ASA includes briefing documents advising on legal and best practice issues, practical workshops and seminars, and information on legislation around religion and belief, sexual orientation, disability and age.

The Programme's vision is that ambulance services are recognised as model employers in respect of equality and diversity by ensuring that their staff have equal opportunity to fulfill their potential in a working environment that values diversity in its broadest sense.

Click here for further information on the ASA Equality and Diversity Programme.

ASA Health, Safety and Risk Programme
The ASA Health, Safety and Risk (HSR) Programme is concerned with improving the health and well-being of ambulance personnel and ensuring the safety of staff and patients alike.

Central to the programme is the production of strategy frameworks and guidance to ensure good management of key risks. A number of publications have been issued by the Health, Safety and Risk Committee around issues such as safer handling, management of violence and aggression in the workplace, and infection prevention and control in ambulance services. All ambulance services are encouraged to adopt the strategy frameworks when developing and reviewing their own policies and strategies.

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ASA Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Programme
The ASA Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Programme takes a leading national role on CBRN issues for ambulance services. By continually evaluating new equipment and techniques, encouraging the sharing of best practice between services and through CBRN strategic and tactical command training courses, the Programme is enabling ambulance services to be better equipped to respond to a CBRN incident.

Click here for further information on the ASA CBRN Programme