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Paramedic Training in Ireland

Paramedics in the Republic of Ireland are specialized medical technicians that work in ambulances and emergency rooms to provide urgent care to patients in acute medical distress. Many paramedics begin in entry-level ambulance assistant positions, but in order to become full paramedics, they must go through an extensive training course and a year-long internship.

  1. Features

    • The paramedic training program primarily consists of a 28-week educational program. Students that successfully complete the program are rewarded a certification as a Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Practitioner. Those that complete training can later go on to the Advanced Paramedic Training level.

    Function

    • The 28-week training program is broken into several segments: theoretical, supernumerary on an ambulance, supernumerary placement at a health care site, rostered placement and a trauma life support course. This mixes class learning with hands-on workshops and real world medical experience. There are also special programs for ambulance drivers, but such courses are slightly less intensive, with only a five-day course for Driver Level One certification.

    Time Frame

    • After the initial training program is passed, paramedic candidates for the National Ambulance Service must complete a year-long internship in clinical practice. Interns are regularly evaluated for professional performance, and must pass review before they can complete their training and become certified as paramedics.

    Considerations

    • Paramedic training is available from many institutions in the Republic of Ireland. An example of such a program can be found through the National Ambulance Service College run in association with the University College of Dublin. Admission to such programs is limited. After completing a training course, applicants must pass the National Qualification in Emergency Medical Technology exam before they can be awarded a diploma.

    Potential

    • Ongoing training for paramedics can eventually lead to higher diplomas, more work opportunities and potentially a chance to train future paramedics or to manage teams of medical technicians. Many applicants find that their chances for being accepted into paramedic training programs are increased by first taking a job or internship through the ambulance service in some other capacity.

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