Passenger Assistant Training Scheme (PATS)
This one day course provides a nationally recognised standard of training to people whose role it is to provide care and assistance to passengers travelling by road.
Following the MiDAS modular format, PATS training is available through Chiltern Driver Training Ltd. Our qualified and registered trainers are able to help people throughout the Bucks/Herts/Beds regions to gain a PATS certificate for the first time or undergo refresher training if required.
MiDAS concentrates on the drivers whilst PATS make a commitment to assess the training needs of staff performing the role of passenger assistant on a vehicle. These people may be paid staff, or volunteers and they may be performing the dual role of driver/carer.
PATS has five modules, an induction module undertaken by all then modules looking at assisting passengers with disabilities (but not wheelchair users), assisting wheelchair users, assisting children and young people and assisting older people.
These are the PATS modules:
- Module A: The Role of the Passenger Assistant-
This is the 'foundation' module because it is a starting point for further training. It covers the role and responsibilities of a passenger assistant, including legal, practical and safety issues. - Module B: Assisting Passengers with Disabilities-
This module includes boarding and alighting from vehicles and safety information concerning wheelchair users. It is very similar to the relevant part of MiDAS - the training available to minibus drivers - Module C1: Supervising Children and Young People with Special Needs-
This includes supervising children and young people with learning difficulties, autism, physical disabilities, sensory restrictions and emotional or behavioural difficulties - Module C2: Working with Adults Who Require Care and Supervision-
This includes adult passengers with learning difficulties, dementia, physical disabilities, sensory restrictions and people in mental or emotional distress
- Module A:- 3 hours
- Module B:- 2 hours 35 mins
- Module C1:- 1 hour 20 mins
- Module C2:- 1 hour 20 mins
These times are approximate and exclude lunch and other breaks. Individual trainers may take slightly less or more time depending on their personal style, practical demonstrations and the size of the group of passenger assistants they are training.
Potential Benefits of PATs - PATs will help passenger assistants:
- Improve their own and their passenger's safety
- Help to improve their passenger's comfort
- Meet their legal and contractual responsibilities
- Understand and meet the needs of their passengers
- Develop additional skills and a wider knowledge of their work
- Increase their confidence at work and reduce any stress involved
- Enhance the image of their organisation
- Gain formal accreditation for the work they do