How do I become a Paramedic?

A paramedic is a trained professional who provides emergency medical care to people who are seriously ill or injured, with the primary goal of stabilising the patient before they are transported to a hospital. Paramedics are skilled in assessing and managing various medical emergencies, administering treatment, and providing life-saving interventions on-site.

Entry routes to becoming a Paramedic:

The regulatory body Pre Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) offers guidance on recognised courses and qualifications for those wishing to pursue a career in pre-hospital emergency care. Additional information on the profession can be found by visiting the Careers Portal Website.

If you have qualified as a paramedic in a country outside of Ireland, PHECC provides information on how to have foreign qualifications recognised.

Your role with the HSE

Once qualified you will need to register with the Pre Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC), the Irish regulatory body for emergency care practitioners.

The National Ambulance Service (NAS) aims to deliver clinically appropriate, timely pre-hospital patient care and transportation services. The service is integrated within a broader continuum of care, involving coordination with other healthcare providers.

The PHECC Registered Paramedic provides a full range of pre-hospital emergency and out-of-hospital care services, focusing on the patient’s health and well-being in various scenarios. The role requires paramedics to make complex clinical decisions in dynamic and sometimes unpredictable environments. This includes ensuring patient safety, performing interventions, and offering leadership to other healthcare professionals in the field.

The paramedic works alongside other healthcare providers, contributing to both scheduled and unscheduled healthcare services. Collaboration is vital in delivering effective care.

Career Progression

There are many ways for you to progress in your career:

Career Progression Pathways:

Clinical Pathway

  • Specialist Paramedic

Management Pathway

  • Paramedicine Practice Development Lead

Educational Pathway

  • Paramedicine Tutor
  • Paramedicine Tutor, Principal

This is just an example of the many opportunities within the NAS.

 

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. This office plays a critical role in supporting the development of healthcare professionals in a variety of fields, ensuring that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to provide high-quality care.

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 provides guidance and information on the approved education and training pathways for paramedics and other pre-hospital emergency care professionals. They ensure that all training programs meet the necessary standards to provide high-quality care and support, and ongoing professional development. For more detailed information, please visit the PHECC website.

Staff benefits and testimonials

Working for the HSE, particularly in a paramedic role, is often described as both rewarding and challenging. Paramedics play a vital role in providing emergency care to patients, often in high-pressure situations, which can be both personally and professionally fulfilling.

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.