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Fire and Ambulance Service


Level 5 Certificate

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Fire and Ambulance Service Course

This course is aimed at those who wish to work in either the Fire Service or Ambulance Service. Learners who successfully complete this one year FETAC Level 5 certificate will gain essential knowledge and skills in areas relevant to these careers and it is envisaged that this course will improve graduates chances of recruitment to either the Fire or Ambulance Service.

Course Duration

This is a one year, full time course, running from September to May.

Award

On successful completion of this course, students will obtain a FETAC Level 5 Award in Community & Health Services, DCHSX

Modules on this course include:

Communications
Work Experience
Anatomy & Physiology
Safety & Health at Work
Occupational First Aid
Health Related Fitness
Emergency Department Care Skills
Teamworking

Communications

Students will learn a variety of communication skills including oral presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint, discussion & negotiation skills, internet & e-mail skills as well as structured report writing, document preparation and non-verbal communication techniques.

Work Experience

Each student will develop their job seeking skills to secure work experience either within a hospital environment, or in a pre-hospital setting.  Students will be trained in CV preparation an interview skills, and will be required to research employment legislation as part of their assessments.  They will also be required to undertake a career investigation in their vocational award area.

Anatomy & Physiology

This module is designed to equip learners with knowledge of the structure and function of the human body and to give a clear understanding of the interrelationship between the systems of the body.

Safety & Health at Work

This module is designed to provide the learner with the skills and knowledge to promote and maintain safety and health in the working environment.  Emphasis will be placed on safety within the dynamic environs of a hospital and in the pre-hospital setting.

Occupational First Aid

This module is designed to provide the learner with the knowledge, practical skills and understanding required to provide and coordinate first aid in the workplace in compliance with legislation.  This module will be an essential foundation to those who wish to progress to Emergency First Responder and Emergency Medical Technician levels.

Health Related Fitness

This module is designed to provide learners with the skills and knowledge to develop their personal health-related fitness and to devise safe, effective personal health-related fitness programmes for themselves and others.  This module will prove particularly beneficial for those who plan to work in hospitals, ambulances or in any pre-hosptial environment.

Emergency Department Care Skills

This module is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge to provide effective emergency care assistance in the Emergency Department within a hospital, under the supervision of a registered nurse.

Teamworking

This module is designed for those who may find themselves working in a team environment and aims to encourage learners to value their personal experiences and contributions within a team.

Mathematics - Optional

A minimum of Level 5 Maths is required by the HSE at present to train as a Paramedic.  For those who may not have Leaving Certificate Maths and would like to pursue a career with the HSE as a Paramedic, this module may be studied as an optional extra.  The level of maths covered in this course (FETAC Level 5) is between Leaving Certificate Ordinary and Leaving Certificate Higher Level Maths.  Like all other FETAC modules, 50% is required to pass.

The module is designed to enable the student to extend the mathematical skills that have already been encountered, to a higher level, master selective new mathematics and to extend mathematical problem solving skills.

 

Optional Modules Extra Fees Apply

Emergency First Responder (EFR) Certified by PHECC (PreHospital Emergency Care Council)
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certified by PHECC (PreHospital Emergency Care Council)

Emergency First Responder

This Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) certified course will enable students to build on what they have learned in Occupational First Aid and extend and expand their skills to include splinting as a means of fracture management, correct collar application and use of a spinal board, use of a BVM (Bag Valve Mask) in CPR as well as the use and administration of certain medications including, oxygen, GTN, Glucose Gel and Salbutamol.

Emergency Medical Technician

This Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) certificate course brings all the skills and knowledge learned in the EFR course to a whole new level.  Students must participate in both a didatic and a work placement phase, the latter which can either be in a hospital or on an ambulance.  Students will be trained in the use and administration of 9 different medications, the use ECG machines including the interpretation of a variety of heart rhythms, reaction to major incidents and a vast array of medical and traumatic scenarios.  Successful completion of the course will result in registration with PHECC.  This is the minimum qualification required to work on private ambulances at present.

 

Career Opportunities

Graduates make take up employment in either the public or private sectors through the fire service or private ambulance companies.  Tutoring in a variety of first aid levels is also an option.  EMTs may also use their qualification as a stepping stone to train as a Paramedic through the HSE.  Employment options include:

  • EMT with a Private Ambulance Company
  • EMT with HSE (routine patient transfers) 
  • Career with the Fire Service
  • Education & Training (with a registered training institution or become self-employed)
  • Further studies (train as a Paramedic through the HSE)

Fees
 
Applicants are asked to pay €50 on submission of their Application Form.  Once you have applied you will be called for an interview within a few weeks.  FETAC examination fees cost €50, although Medical Card holders are exempt from paying this fee on production of a valid medical card.  Books and essential class materials may also be required.  A €200 Government levy will apply on acceptance of a place on PLC course, but medical card holders and those in receipt of a maintenance grant will be exempt.  Additional costs will apply to those who pursue PHECC registered courses (EFR and EMT).

 

Westport College of Further Education reserves the right to limit the number of places available, make changes in any course or to withdraw the course. No part of this information shall be deemed to form a contract between Westport College of Further Education and the student, or a third party.