Fire/Ambulance Service, Access Course

tinofapples

Lads,
I'm considering in enrolling in this for Sept:

Fire/Ambulance Service Access Course (This is an evening course programme, it will be run over 2 years, 2 evenings a week) NOTE: The cost of the course is €720 - this can be paid in two installments of €360 per year. Introduction 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 course will gain essential knowledge and skills in areas relevant to these careers and it is envisaged that this course will improve chances of recruitment to either the Fire Service or Ambulance Service. Career Opportunities There are many opportunities for employment in the Fire and Ambulance Services. This award (DCHSX) has many links to courses at third level. The FETAC website has further details.

Course Structure - Anatomy & Physiology, Safety & Health at Work, Occupational First Aid, Health Related Fitness, Teamworking, Computer Applications (Microsoft Office 2007 and Powerpoint) and Communications. Work experience is a mandatory part of the course. Students are required to undertake a minimum of 10 days work experience which offers students the opportunity to further develop their skills and gain an understanding of the workplace.

Optional Certification will incur additional costs: Safe Pass, Manual Handling, Emergency First Response (EFR) incorporating Defibrillator Training, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) Licence (full drivers licence prerequsite), Hazardous Substances Fire Warden (Fire Safety and Fire Extinguisher Training), Breathing Apparatus Fit for Fire (Fitness Assessment Preparation) Support Elements, Aptitude Test Training/Interview Techniques, Applied Maths relevant to working emergency services equipment Study Skills, Time Management, CV Preparation, Job Search Preparation for Fitness Assessment Assessment and Certification This course is certified by FETAC. On successful completion of the course, students are awarded a FETAC Level 5 Award in Community & Health Services (DCHSX).

I'm wondering is there a realistic chance of gaining employment in this field upon completion of the course or would you have to look at adding to this qualification ? I'm thinking out loud trying to get into a career that I might actually enjoy.

Larianne

Hi Tinofapples,

Did you know there is a Emergency Services forum on boards? I'm going to move this thread there as I think you'll get a better response to you query.

tinofapples

Larianne,
I did but it was a toss up between sticking it there or in amongst Education. Sorry bout that and thanks for moving it.

Hooch

O/P I havint hear of this course before, its a new one to me. What part of the country is it without naming the centre? Maybe some of the serving Paramedics or Fire lads will help you.

*I edited your post to make it easier to read*

Elessar

Tinofapples where is this course held? It sounds exactly like the one in *snip* dun laoghaire. I didn't know they are doing it part time.

Anyway I have just finished this course (this was the first year it was run) and if you have any questions please feel free to PM me. I don't know if the mods will allow discussion of specific colleges/courses here. I have also completed the EMT part of it.

I can't say you're guaranteed a job at the end of it but it will definitely help your chances.

timmywex

Is it run over one or two years?! Maybe its me but it says different things in the first two paragraphs!

If im right its based in dublin, or there is a similar one in dublin area at least

It doesnt seem bad, and naturally i would think would help you. Showing interest etc etc.

But for me i would join a voluntary ambulance service and train/pay to train up to emt. Thats only me, its depends how much knowledge/skills/courses etc etc you've done already i suppose!

nice guy always wrote: »

*I edited your post to make it easier to read*

Abuse of mod powers number 1

Hooch

timmywex wrote: »

Abuse of mod powers number 1

Hey!!! Its hurted my eyes:D

Bang Bang

Reading through the Op's first post and description, it does appear to be quite comprehensive in what it teaches you.
But a lot of what it contains will be taught in the classroom of whichever of the services you may gain employment with, and remember that you must pass a somewhat tricky apptitude test for both the Fire and Ambulance Services.
If you choose the fire Service then you are restricted to employment because many County Fire Services operate on a retained basis only.
In Dublin the Dublin Fire Brigade also operate an Ambulance Service, both on a 24 hour basis.
The HSE Ambulance Service operates a 24 hour Accident & Emergency service in all of the Southern 26 counties.

I would look into the work experience part of the course because gaining work experience in the Ambulance Service is currently restricted to Ambulance Service trainees, Gardai who are undertaking EMT/Paramedic training as part of their job and the Defence Forces EMT/Paramedic Trainees.

As pointed out already, getting involved with your local voluntary ambulance corp will indeed help when it comes to interview, as would involvement with the Civil Defence/Auxilary Fire Service.

The best of luck with whichever path you choose.

tinofapples

Thanks for the replies folks. It's a course through the Galway VEC in Galway Community College/Moneenageisha. It's 2 nights a week for 2 years.

Larianne

tinofapples wrote: »

Larianne,
I did but it was a toss up between sticking it there or in amongst Education. Sorry bout that and thanks for moving it.

No worries at all!

nice guy always wrote: »

Hey!!! Its hurted my eyes:D

That's why I moved it here.