The Work

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) is the entry-level employment role within the national ambulance service.

EMTs are only authorised to work on non-emergency ambulances. This is because the official requirment for emergency calls is a minimum two-paramedic crew.

Student Paramedics undertake a training programme as well as ongoing training processes thereafter. Once qualified and licensed to practice by the Pre Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC), candidates will be offered positions at the grade of Paramedic at various locations throughout the National Ambulance Service.

The Paramedic Training Programme is a two year full time programme comprising of:

• An initial twelve weeks training in the National Ambulance Service College (NASC). Here students learn both the theory and the skills necessary to function as an operational paramedic.
• An additional four weeks experiential module in various hospital departments such as maternity, coronary care, theatre and the emergency department.
• Five weeks experiential ambulance placements as an observer.
• Two further weeks in the classroom cumulating in the first stage PRE-Hospital Emergency Care council NQEMT Paramedic examination. This consists of both theory and practical examinations.

On successful completion of the training programme, student paramedics  progress to a twelve week undergraduate internship based on an emergency ambulance, working under the supervision of a mentor.

Following this, students return to the NASC for a further two weeks training and consolidation cumulating in the second stage PHECC NQEMT examinations. This consists of both a theory and practical element.

On successful completion of these assessments the student progresses to a Post Graduate Internship; where the Student Paramedic is allocated a position in one of the NAS areas and undertakes working as part of an Emergency Ambulance crew.

Paramedics are more highly qualified than EMTs because they undergo a longer period of training. However, EMTs are a vital part of the voluntary and auxiliary services where an emergency practitioner must be on board any ambulance transporting a patient to hospital.

Paramedics respond to emergency calls, perform certain medical procedures and transport patients to hospital in accordance with protocols and guidelines established by physician medical directors.

Advanced Paramedics  - The PHECC Registered Advanced Paramedic is responsible for the care, treatment and movement of patients and maintaining self, vehicles, equipment and station in a manner fit to respond to that role. Paramedics must have a minimum of two years paramedic registration experience in order to be eligible to apply for this training programme.

Some of the Clinical/Patient Care responsibilities of an Advanced Paramedic include:

• Developing positive working relationships with other staff and stakeholders; internal and external, to ensure seamless delivery of care and to optimise outcomes for their patients
• Attend to cases of accident and sudden illness and respond to AS1, AS2 and AS3 calls in a prompt and timely manner
• Deal with emergencies as directed
• Attend to patients in a professional courteous and compassionate manner using best practice including compliance with Clinical Practice Guidelines

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Administer drugs, orally or by injection, or perform intravenous procedures.
• Administer first aid treatment or life support care to sick or injured persons in prehospital settings.
• Assess nature and extent of illness or injury to establish and prioritise medical procedures.
• Attend training classes to maintain certification licensure, keep abreast of new developments in the field, or maintain existing knowledge.
• Comfort and reassure patients.
• Coordinate with treatment center personnel to obtain patients' vital statistics and medical history, to determine the circumstances of the emergency, and to administer emergency treatment.
• Coordinate work with other emergency medical team members or police or fire department personnel.
• Instruct emergency medical response team about emergency interventions, to ensure correct application of procedures.
• Observe, record, and report to physician the patient's condition or injury, the treatment provided, and reactions to drugs or treatment.
• Operate equipment, such as electrocardiograms (EKGs), external defibrillators, or bag valve mask resuscitators, in advanced life support environments.

Further Information

• Paramedic / Emergency Medical Technician - from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Paramedic / Emergency Medical Technician - from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Paramedic / Emergency Medical Technician - from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Paramedic / Emergency Medical Technician - from: GradIreland
• Paramedic / Emergency Medical Technician - from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

The National Ambulance Service College provides training to Ambulance Personnel, the Irish Coastguard, the Defence Forces, Gardai, Health Care Professionals and members of Voluntary Organisations.

The range of training courses includes patient care programmes, leadership courses, tutor development, major incident planning and preparation and driving.

Student Paramedics gain experience under the guidance of fully qualified Paramedics and the Education and Competency Assurance Officer in that area.

Eligibility Criteria for the Grade of Student Paramedic [October 2016]:

1. (i) Possess a minimum of six passes in the Leaving Certificate Examination Ordinary Level or higher including Mathematics and a Science subject (i.e. Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Agriculture Science)*

*A Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) EMT Certificate is acceptable in lieu of Science subject

Or (ii) an equivalent qualification

Or (iii) A Degree at QQI L7 or above from a recognised Higher or Further Education Institute

2. Be the holder of a full unendorsed Class C1 Driving Licence on application. (Note Irish 78 Restriction is not acceptable)

NOTE:

• The minimum six passes* in the Leaving Certificate Examination must be taken at Ordinary Level or higher. *A pass equals a grade at D3 or above in an ordinary or higher level subject (formally known as pass or honours)
• Mathematics & Science must be two of the six subjects. Science subjects are Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Agricultural Science.
• A Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) EMT Certificate is acceptable in lieu of a Science subject where the applicant already possesses six passes in the Leaving Certificate.
• Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) or Leaving Cert Vocational Programme (LCVP) will not be accepted.
• Subjects taken at Foundation Level or Link Modules will not be accepted.

Bachelor of Paramedic Studies LM103 at UL - Undergraduate Entry via CAO

An alternative route open to all those with an interest in patient care in the Pre-Hospital Field is Paramedic Studies at UL. Students get the opportunity to acquire skills, knowledge and competencies required for a career in professional ambulance services. During your 4 years of study you will be taught the basic medical and clinical sciences and afforded the opportunity to hone and practice your skills in a controlled supervised environment. This will hopefully build you into a rounded and knowledgeable registered health care professional.

BSc Paramedic Studies LM236 at UL - Practitioner Entry (Graduate /Mature Sudent Entry) 

The Paramedic Studies programme at UL is open to experienced paramedics/advanced paramedics who can demonstrate current paramedic practice. It has a highly innovative curriculum which offers students the opportunity to complete an honours degree by predominantly distance learning. During your 1.5 years of study, you will be taught the basic medical and clinical sciences necessary to build into a rounded and knowledgeable healthcare professional.

A list of frequently asked questions about how to become a Paramedic with the HSE and current eligibility criteria are available here.

See also: National Ambulance Service Recruitment Information Pack [October 2016]

The HSE periodically run recruitment campaigns for the position of Student Paramedic within the HSE. The recruitment process involves online application, aptitude testing and interviews.

Successful candidates are then placed on a panel which is used by the HSE to recruit new Student Paramedics as positions become available. When the panel is exhausted, a new recruitment competition is opened.

You can register your interest for specific grades by emailing [email protected]. When a competition for this grade of staff is about to be launched you will receive an email notification, alerting you to the campaign advertisement.

You can also register for alerts on www.publicjobs.ie where all HSE and NAS recruitment campaigns are advertised.

Campaigns are also advertised on the HSE website 

See also: National Ambulance Service

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €27k - €58k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
HSE/ Indeed/ Glassdoor/ Erieri

Last Updated: March, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment growth was strong for this occupation, particularly between 2021 and 2022. Census data shows that employment grew across all roles in this group between 2016 and 2022, with the strongest growth for pharmaceutical technicans.

The number of online job adverts for pharmaceutical technicians grew strongly in 2022 (+14%); skills in demand included, among others pharmaceutical knowledge, the ability to provide customer service & advice, and business skills, such as product sales.

A small number of employment permits were issued in 2022 for cardiac physiologists and paramedics. The available data sources do not signal any issues in relation to supply and demand for health associate professional occupations; however, if employment was to continue to increase, recruitment issues may emerge.

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