How do I become an Emergency Medical Technician

The Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) post is designed to provide a comprehensive and dedicated Patient Transport / Intermediate Care Service within the National Ambulance Service (NAS).

In order to gain entry into this profession you must be in possession of a National Qualification in Emergency Medical Technology and also hold a Pre Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) EMT Practitioners licence.

A list of these approved courses is available here

You also must be the holder of a full – unendorsed Class C1 Driving Licence on application

Additional information on the profession can be found on the National Ambulance Service website or you can visit the Careers Portal Website.

Your role with the HSE

Once qualified you will need to register with the Pre Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) who maintains the statutory register.

The role and purpose of the National Ambulance Service (NAS) is to provide a clinically appropriate and timely pre-hospital patient care and transportation service. Pre-hospital emergency care and transportation services are provided as an integral part of a continuum of care for patients / clients, and there is a requirement to work in partnership with other health care providers in both Scheduled and Unscheduled Healthcare Services

The Emergency Medical Technician post is designed to provide a comprehensive and dedicated Patient Transport / Intermediate Care Service within the National Ambulance Service. An Emergency Medical Technician can also be sent to lower grade level emergency calls (Omega, Alpha, Bravo calls).

Further information on the role of an EMT can be found on the NAS website.

Career Progression

There are various promotional opportunities within the NAS, including supervisory and management positions.

Currently, an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) can pursue the following roles:

  • Emergency Medical Technician on an Intermediate Care Vehicle – Providing patient transport and inter-facility transfers.
  • Critical Care Retrieval Services (CCRS) – Assisting in the transfer of critically ill patients under specialist medical teams.
  • Bumbleance – Children’s Ambulance Service – A specialised ambulance service designed to ensure a sick child’s journey is as safe, comfortable, and entertaining as possible.

There are also opportunities available for educational roles (Educational Pathway) across the Health and Social Care Professions.

Male Ambulance staff member

Further Training and Development

The HSCP Office is responsible for Leadership, Education and Continuing Professional Development of Health and Social Care Professionals working in the HSE.

HSeLanD is the HSE portal which offers an array of training and development opportunities delivered either online or in a classroom style setting. Information on Education and Development can be accessed by visiting www.hseland.ie

PHECC also offers guidance on education and training, please visit their website for more information.

Staff Benefits and Testimonials

Working in a rewarding and challenging career is just one of the many benefits you’ll enjoy as a HSE employee. We offer attractive pay and benefits, professional supervision, career support and development opportunities, friendly colleagues, and an excellent quality of life.

See Pay scales – HSE Staff

Staff Testimonials coming soon.