SOUTHERN CAPE NEWS - Are you considering a career in pre-hospital emergency care? SA needs skilled, qualified emergency care providers as the profession has grown greatly the last 25 years.
A commitment to patient care, professional integrity and lifelong learning is vital to your success as a paramedic.
Where can I study?
Certain universities offer a four-year Bachelor’s Degree in Emergency Care (BEMS). Graduates of this programme are qualified Advanced Life Support (ALS) practitioners, able to provide the highest level of pre-hospital emergency care.
Contact the university of your choice for further information on cost and entrance requirements.
The Emergency Care Technician (ECT) course is a two-year National Certificate, and available at certain institutions.
Graduates will work under the indirect control of a BTech paramedic. ER24 and Mediclinic offer the ECT course in Cape Town.
Are short courses available?
Basic Ambulance Assistant (BAA) – Basic Life Support Duration: Seven weeks. Please note, the short course route of training is being phased out.
From January 2018 the entry level qualification (BAA) will no longer result in registration. ER24 Training no longer offers it.
Ambulance Emergency Assistant (AEA) – Intermediate Life Support (ILS) Duration: A four-month course that builds on the foundation laid during the BAA course.
The mid-level course is currently still accepting applicants but will be phased out by December 2019. ER24 is still offering this programme in Paulshof, Johannesburg.
What are the requirements?
- Matric certificate
- Current registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a BAA for at least six months
- 1 000 documented, verifiable hours of patient care experience as a BAA
Critical Care Assistant (CCA) – Advanced Life Support
Duration: An 11-month course for ALS paramedics
This is the highest level of short course training. This advanced qualification is no longer offered. Only students now registered for the programmes will complete it in 2017.
Which route should I choose?
This is a personal choice which will depend on factors such as academic performance, finances, location and personal preference.
Many candidates who have recently matriculated, have the required academic record and can afford to attend university full-time for four years.
Short course training has been discontinued in favour of higher education standards as mandated by the Minister of Education. The mid-level AEA course programme continues until 2019.
Consider school subjects carefully as entrance into the programmes requires maths, science and/or biology with a score of 60% or above depending on the institution.
A good level of fitness is required, with most institutions requiring a physical assessment which includes swimming.
What is the biggest demand in emergency medical services?
There are two major employers in the emergency services industry, namely the government and private emergency services. Minimum requirements are typically HPCSA registration as a BAA, a valid driver’s license and a Professional Driving Permit (PDP).
There is currently an oversupply of Basic Life Support (BLS) providers in the country.
BLS practitioners may need perseverance and commitment to secure full-time employment in the industry.
There is a significant demand for ILS and ALS providers. The demand for training in these areas is high.
Please note, the ER24 Training Academy does not facilitate employment.
Completion of one of our courses does not imply automatic employment with the company.
Should you already meet the minimum requirements mentioned above, please register on our careers portal at http://er24.careers
Can I work as a volunteer?
ER24 does not have a volunteer programme. Registered professionals may be employed part-time to fulfil a speci- fic need at a branch.
Please contact the branch manager at your nearest ER24 base should you be interested in part-time work.
The HPCSA governs the standards of all medical training in South Africa.
Their website contains a list of all institutions accredited to run emergency care training. Visit the HPCSA at www.hpcsa.co.za.
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