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How do i become a paramedic?

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  • 02-03-2012 12:21pm
    #1
    Banjoshane
    Registered Users Posts: 24 ✭


    Hey there,

    I am just posting to ask anyone out there on the best method to becoming a paramedic in Ireland.
    I am a 22 year old male with a science degree completed in NUI Galway. After completing a Occupational First Aid course I wanted to look into a career as a paramedic, but the info online is very confusing!

    I am wondering what is the best way to do it. Is it better to become an EMT first and get experience in that?
    I am in the process of getting my learner permit for the c1 and d1 licences, as I know that is a requirement for the 2 year paramedic (emergency medical sciences) undergraduate course in UCD. What is the best way to apply to this, and how often do they take applicants in? Is this the only training centre for paramedics in Ireland or are there other ones?

    If I do get my licenses and get into the UCD course, does anyone know if I would be legible for a mature student grant if I am 23?
    Also, at the end of the day, is there many job availabilities at the end of it all?
    I'm sorry for so many questions, but it is very hard to find info and the info I do find is contradicting! I was on the PHECC website but I can't find any answers regarding applying for the paramedic course.

    I hope that someone on here will be able to help me, cause it's a career I'd really love to follow!

    Thanks now,
    Shane
    Tagged:


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    #2
    coolmoose
    Registered Users Posts: 923 ✭✭✭coolmoose


    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?threadid=2055986379

    You can only train as a Paramedic by waiting for the HSE to advertise, or DFB. Their courses are run through UCD and RCSI respectively. Have a read of the thread linked above for more info on the entire process.


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    #3
    coolmoose
    Registered Users Posts: 923 ✭✭✭coolmoose


    Also, have a read of the Other Emergency Services Recruitment sub-forum, in the Emergency Services forum here on boards.ie...

    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=1083


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    #4
    Banjoshane
    Registered Users Posts: 24 ✭Banjoshane


    Thanks coolmoose that's a great account of the job, I'd really love to follow that route!

    Just one more question, would you advice me to do an EMT course prior to the paramedic course? There is one in Galway, around 120 hours in duration. I am just wondering what would help me advance in this line of work.

    Thanks again for your reply!

    Shane


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    #5
    coolmoose
    Registered Users Posts: 923 ✭✭✭coolmoose


    Banjoshane wrote: »
    Thanks coolmoose that's a great account of the job, I'd really love to follow that route!

    Just one more question, would you advice me to do an EMT course prior to the paramedic course? There is one in Galway, around 120 hours in duration. I am just wondering what would help me advance in this line of work.

    Thanks again for your reply!

    Shane

    I suppose in reality it would help give you an insight into prehospital care, and may be useful in an interview to have it on the CV. IMO though, the best route is to join a voluntary organisation like Red Cross, St. John Ambulance, Order of Malta, Civil Defence, and get some experience and patient contact through that route. You could always do your EMT too, and actually use it with these organisations.


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    #6
    Banjoshane
    Registered Users Posts: 24 ✭Banjoshane


    Thank you so much for your help, it is so hard to get that kind of info online, and you've given me a much clearer picture of it all now,

    Thanking you again!

    Shane


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    #7
    coolmoose
    Registered Users Posts: 923 ✭✭✭coolmoose


    No problem, like I said have a read of the Emergency Services forum where you'll find many people in the same situation as yourself.

    Glad to have been of help.


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    #8
    First Aid Ireland
    Closed Accounts Posts: 190 ✭✭First Aid Ireland


    coolmoose wrote: »
    I suppose in reality it would help give you an insight into prehospital care, and may be useful in an interview to have it on the CV. IMO though, the best route is to join a voluntary organisation like Red Cross, St. John Ambulance, Order of Malta, Civil Defence, and get some experience and patient contact through that route. You could always do your EMT too, and actually use it with these organisations.


    This is very good advice. In my very humble opinion, I'd rather an experienced first aider who's done lots of duties with the vols than someone who's done an EMT course privately and has minimal clinical experience.

    Plus you can do all kind of courses through the voluntary organisations, which are of very high quality.


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