Student Paramedic

Purpose of the Post

NAS is seeking persons interested in undertaking the Paramedic Training Programme (including Internship) and acquiring Registration as a Paramedic with the Pre Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC).

The intention of this process is to provide a pool of suitably qualified paramedics, licensed to practice by the Pre Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC), who will be offered positions at the grade of Paramedic at various locations throughout the NAS.

The Paramedic (PHECC Registered Paramedic) will be competent to carry out all of the duties of the Paramedic (PHECC Registered Paramedic) and will have a range of abilities which will permit the safe delivery of emergency care and transport within the framework and limits specified by PHECC.

The Paramedic (PHECC Registered Paramedic) will be 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.

The Paramedic Training Programme is operated jointly by the National Ambulance Services College (NASC) and the College of Medicine & Health, University College Cork (UCC). Successful completion of the course will lead to Paramedic Registration with the pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council and award of the BSc (Hons) in Paramedic Studies, UCC. 

The purpose of the post of Student Paramedic is to:

·        Successfully complete the course

·        Achieve the award of the BSc (Hons) in Paramedical Science, UCC

·        Secure Paramedic Registration with the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council

·        Successfully discharge the probationary period as an employee of the HSE

·        Secure enduring employment with the HSE as a PHECC Registered Paramedic

Principal Duties and Responsibilities (PHECC Registered Paramedic)

Clinical Responsibilities

●        Maintain PHECC Registration at the appropriate practitioner level through maintenance of relevant Clinical Professional Competence as prescribed by the PHECC

●        Deliver care to patients in a variety of settings and situations up to their level of competence i.e. Paramedic

●        Attend to cases of accident and sudden illness and respond to AS1, AS2 and AS3 calls in a prompt and timely manner

●        Demonstrate critical decision making when deciding on appropriate care delivery

●        Liaise effectively with medical support including clinical support lines, Trauma Units and Major Trauma Centres, Critical Care and Retrieval Services, Approved Mental Health Centres, Primary Care Teams and specialist teams in the community and acute setting.

●        Interpret clinical findings using both technology driven solutions such as Mobile Data Terminals, Patient Assessment equipment to include multifunction monitors as well as non-technology based tools such as physical examination and history gathering

●        Using structured clinical and environmental assessment tools develop clinical and operational solutions to patient presentations to include the administration of a wide range of medications and interventions in a specialist practitioner context

●        Identify events where own scope of practice is exceeded by the patient’s needs and seek appropriate additional or specialist support

●        Having critically assessed the patient’s clinical needs identify the most appropriate care pathway to include consideration of hospital by-pass to regional speciality centres alternatives to ED attendance, etc.

●        Work in collaboration with other colleagues and NEOC staff to effect the safe and dignified transportation of bariatric patients using specialised patient moving and handling equipment.

●        Act as a Patient advocate and speak up where poor practice is witnessed or identified

●        Provide clinical leadership when multiple practitioners are present

●        Show leadership amongst peers in the completion, audit, evaluation and development of clinical records including electronic Patient Care Report Forms (PCR)

●        Adhere to NAS Medicines Management Policy

●        Assist patient comfort in a professional, courteous and compassionate manner.

●        Communicate with a broad range of HSE and non HSE professionals as appropriate.

●        Adopt a “can do” and flexible approach to every situation.

●        Attend to patients in a professional courteous and compassionate manner using best practice including compliance with Clinical Practice Guidelines.

●        Support and participate in patient cohorting and the work of a Hospital Ambulance Liaison Person where deployed to reduce the impact of arrival to handover delays on patients awaiting a response in the community.

Personal Health & Wellbeing

●        In the context of delivering high quality Emergency Medical Services, maintaining a level of physical fitness and on-going personal professional development appropriate to the role is essential

●        Foster good working relationships with peers, colleagues and external stakeholders and call out poor behaviour where observed

●        Demonstrate awareness of own stress levels and seek appropriate support in order to manage individual responsibility.

●        Where practicable promote and support employee assistance programmes and schemes (e.g. CISM).

●        Ensure attendance for duty free from the effects and smell of prior alcohol consumption

●        Wear such uniforms and/or protective clothing as deemed necessary for the performance of his/her duties in a clean, hygienic and professional manner

Safety, Health & Welfare at Work (Including Driving & Vehicle Checks)

●        Be familiar with the Site Specific Safety Statement and be personally responsible for signing to confirm you have done so.

●        Carry out relevant risk assessments to identify and report actual or potential hazards/risks in the work environment in accordance with the NAS Safety Statement / deal with them appropriately

●        Take immediate action to minimise risks where it is reasonably practicable to do so

●        Ensure there is no smoking in the vehicle or in any areas where smoking is restricted.

●        Demonstrate awareness of own stress levels and seek appropriate support

●        Drive all relevant vehicles types operated by NAS in accordance with the Policy for Vehicular Emergency Response, Safe Work Practice Sheet on Driving and the Site Specific Safety Statement

●        At the start of each tour of duty, carry out and complete a Daily Vehicle Inspection Form, ensuring that all defects, deficiencies and accident damage are reported on a Vehicle/Equipment Defect Report Form to the Fleet and Asset Coordination Centre

●        Check any vehicle prior to use ensuring that it is fully equipped, visually checked for defects and that all equipment is functioning and ready for use in accordance with Service Procedures

●        As part of on-going professional development, ensure an up to date knowledge of equipment required to perform duties.

●        Carry out maintenance, equipment and drug checks on emergency ambulance, intermediate care and specialist vehicles as may be in service at any given time

●        Operate equipment in accordance with Standing Operational Procedures and manufacturer’s instructions

●        Maintain the NAS standards of cleanliness for vehicles, equipment and stations

●        Be personally responsible for not undertaking any task or action which would knowingly cause risk to self, others, or to the NAS

●        As far as is reasonably practicable attempt to prevent other people from undertaking tasks or actions which would knowingly cause risk to themselves, others, or to the NAS

●        Participate in briefing/training sessions and carry out any agreed control measures and duties as instructed

●        Comply with all Health and Safety guidelines, be familiar with Safety Statements and Site Specific Statements and immediately report any accidents in line with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work legislation

Administrative Responsibilities (Including Managing Resources & Information)

●        Ensure all required technology, including ICT and communications is fully maintained and utilised as intended by NAS during working hours to ensure necessary communication at all times.

●        Ensure appropriate details and method of communications are available to NAS to ensure any necessary contact outside of working hours is available and acted upon responsibly by you. Record details and maintain records of patients, journeys, vehicle refuelling and duty hours in accordance with NAS procedures

●        Maintain and submit records as required by the relevant Senior Manager or a designated Manager to include Daily Vehicle Inspection Forms, Vehicle/Equipment Defect Report Forms, electronic Patient Care Reports or any other reports as required

●        Co-operate with and be familiar with all management procedures in relation to discipline, industrial relations agreements, rosters, training, leave and grievance

●        Take responsibility for ensuring operational equipment is ready for use

●        Document all patient care and treatment and comply with records management processes

●        Access and record information using computerised systems

●        Undertake paperwork, such as recording routine tests on pieces of equipment

●        Accept responsibility for security of stations, vehicles and equipment where appropriate

●        Get to know the local community area, including: streets, roads and buildings

●        Be aware of the risks and possible hazards to be found within their operational area

●        Maintain confidentiality in relation to personal data held for colleagues and patients, ensuring it is processed lawfully; for no purpose other than for which it was intended; is relevant to that purpose; is retained for no longer than is necessary; is processed in accordance with the rights of the subject to access and accuracy; and is protected from accidental loss or damage in accordance with the requirements of the Data Protection legislation, and records management guidance

●        Maintain confidentiality of patient identifiable personal data using a non-identifiable alternative, where practicable, and limiting access on a strictly need to know basis

Other Requirements of the Post

·        Adequately identifies, assesses, manages and monitors risk within their area of responsibility.

●        Have an excellent knowledge of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards, etc.and comply with associated HSE protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role.

●        To support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service.

Miscellaneous

●        Other tasks reasonably and normally incidental to the post are set out in Health Service Executive National Ambulance Service Policies, Training, Operational and Health and Safety instructions, Standing Operational Procedures, Code of Conduct and general information circulars.

●        As a mandated person under the Children First Act 2015 you will have a legal obligation to report child protection concerns at or above a defined threshold to TUSLA & to assist Tusla, if requested, in assessing a concern which has been the subject of a mandated report

The above Job Description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

Eligibility Criteria

Qualifications and/ or experience

Eligible applicants must at the closing date for the competition:

1.      Professional Qualifications, Experience, etc.

A.    (i) Be in possession of a Leaving Certificate awarded in 2017 or later with a minimum of six passes1 in the Leaving Certificate Examination Ordinary Level or higher including Mathematics and a Science subject (e.g. Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Agriculture Science)

Or  

(ii) Be in possession of a Leaving Certificate awarded in 2017 or later with a minimum of six passes1 in the Leaving Certificate Examination Ordinary Level or higher including Mathematics and a Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) EMT Certificate   Or

(iii) Be in possession of a Leaving Certificate awarded in 2016 or prior with a minimum of six passes1 in the Leaving Certificate Examination Ordinary Level or higher including Mathematics and a Science subject (e.g. Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Agriculture Science)   Or

(iv) Be in possession of a Leaving Certificate awarded in 2016 or prior with a minimum of six  passes1 in the Leaving Certificate Examination Ordinary Level or higher including Mathematics and a Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) EMT Certificate Or

  (v) Have completed a relevant examination at a comparable standard in any equivalent examination in another jurisdiction3

Or

(vi) Hold a comparable and relevant qualification of at least Level 5 (or above) on the National Qualifications Framework maintained by Qualifications and Quality Ireland, (QQI)

Or

(vii) Have a minimum of two years full time ambulance service experience at EMT level and hold a Pre Hospital Emergency Care Council EMT Certificate.

Or

(viii) Candidates who do not have a Leaving Certificate or Level 5 QQI FE qualification, but are over 21 years of age and have a minimum of 2 years full time (or an aggregate of 2 years) of relevant experience may be deemed suitable, subject to the approval of the University College Cork Course Director and Admissions Office4

And

Or

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

Or

Be eligible to apply5 for a provisional Class C1 Driving Licence on application

And

Health

A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service. =

Character

Each candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character.

Note1: Candidates must have achieved these grades in Ordinary or Higher level papers on the Leaving Certificate Established programme.  The Leaving Certification Applied Programme or the Leaving Certificate Vocational programme does not fulfil the eligibility criteria and cannot be accepted

Note2: The Level 5 QQI FE Awards which are acceptable are Food Science, Laboratory Techniques, Community Health Services, Healthcare Support or Nursing Studies. Candidates with one of the above Level 5 QQI FE Awards must have obtained a distinction in 4 or more modules as part of their qualification which must include at least one of the following: Mathematics, Biology/Microbiology, Chemistry, Physics, or Anatomy/Physiology. No other QQI Level 5 FE Awards can be accepted. 

Note3:

Candidates applying under GCE/GCSE must meet UCCs Admission Policy – Level 8:

6 distinct recognised subjects which must include: 2 subjects at GCE A Level grade C and 4 other subjects at GCSE Level Grade C

Note4:

Relevant experience listed on Appendix 2 of the Additional Campaign Information document

Note5:

Applicants at minimum must hold a full B Licence and be eligible to apply for a C1 Licence. Applicants that do not currently hold a provisional or full C1 licence will be allowed to participate in the selection process, but if successful and placed on the panel, will be recorded as ‘dormant’. This means that they will remain on the panel but will not receive any expressions of interest until they inform the National Recruitment Service (NRS) that they are in receipt of at minimum a provisional Class C1 driving licence. Candidates can request to update their status by emailing the NRS at applysupport@hse.ie

Candidates that start the Student Paramedic programme without a full Class C1 driving licence must obtain such a licence in their own time, at their own expense within six months of commencing the Student Paramedic programme.

Skills, competencies and/or knowledge

·    Demonstrate a good understanding of the requirements of the Paramedic role and the Paramedic Training Programme.

·    Demonstrate basic knowledge of HSE reforms and how they pertain to the National Ambulance Service

·    Demonstrate interest in and/or attainment of relevant training/ education and continuing professional development e.g. CIPD, computer course etc.

Team Player

·    Demonstrate the ability to work independently as well as part of a team

Problem Solving & Decision Making

·    Demonstrate effective problem solving and decision making skills

·    Demonstrate initiative and flexibility especially with regard to working in the changing environment of the Health Services and the National Ambulance Service

Ability to Cope Under Pressure

·    Demonstrate the ability to cope under pressure, including the ability to diffuse difficult situations in a calm and professional manner

·    Demonstrate the ability to plan and organise including multi-tasking and prioritising as appropriate

·    Demonstrate tolerance and compassion especially in relation to providing a quality service in difficult and sometimes harrowing and stressful situations

·    Demonstrate capacity for rapid, intense and sustained effort

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

·    Demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to influence others

Tenure

The post of Student Paramedic is Specified Purpose. Any posts that may be offered, either specified purpose or permanent, full time and pensionable employment as a Registered Paramedic are subject to successful completion of the Paramedic Training Programme, successful discharge of the Paramedic Internship and successful acquisition of registration as a Paramedic with PHECC.

The post is pensionable. A panel may be created from which permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part time duration may be filled. The tenure of these posts will be indicated at “expression of interest” stage.

Appointment as an employee of the Health Service Executive is governed by the Health Act 2004 and the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004 and Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Amendment Act 2013.

Remuneration

The Salary scale as at 01/08/2025 is:

€35,392 - €35,831 - €36,270 - €36,606

Salary Scales are updated periodically and the most up to date versions can be found here: https://healthservice.hse.ie/staff/benefits-services/pay/pay-scales.html

The salary for this role reflects the requirements set out in the eligibility criteria and is all inclusive. Hence no other allowances, including qualification allowances, or payments are payable with the exception of premia payments associated with shift working* or unsocial hours.

*Qualification for shift allowance is subject to working a recurring cycle of shifts which involve days, nights and weekend working, i.e. covering a 24/7 period