EMT options in Ireland

Cookie_Monster

I've recently qualified and am working as an EMT and have several years of Patient Transport experience as a First Responder also in NZ but am wondering what future options I may have if we ever decide to move home, both permanently and as a casual. Previously I was a chartered accountant 😲 but sitting at a desk all day got boring to the point of death…

The impression I've gained is that EMT in NZ is one of the higher level EMT qualification worldwide and what I'm allowed do here is pretty broad compared to many countries but then again other than a bit of reading around I've no real life comparative experiences. Some NZ EMT level skills for example: 12 lead ECG acquisition and interpretation (though STEMI confirmation still requires confirmation from Para or phone to clinical help), IM: Ondansetron, Adrenaline, Midazolam (with approval from clinical help line), fentanyl (rural with approval and additional training), IN: Adrenalin, Nebulised: Adrenalin, Salbutamol, Ipratropium. Sagar splint, shoulder and kneecap relocation, valsalva manoeuvre and so on.

Are these comparable to allowed skills in Ireland? Or what can/can't EMTs do in Ireland.

What are the options in Ireland with HSE or otherwise, the HSE EAS site is not the best to try and find useful data. Are all ambulances double crewed, and if so are they paramedic only or Para and EMT? Does the HSE also provide patient transfer services or is this external?

Does the EAS have causal staff or how is it staffed in general? Any info and experience from current staff would be appreciated and any comparitive questions to NZ I'm happy to answer.

GoProGaming

www(dot)phecc(dot)ie will have most of all the info you need.

The education and training standards, a bit out dated now tbh but it's what we have until the new version is published. https://www.phecit.ie/PHECC/Education_and_careers/Education_and_training_standards/PHECC/Education_and_careers/Education_and_Training_Standards/Education_and_Training_Standards.aspx

The current EMT clinical practice guidelines, scroll to the later pages for a medication and skills matrix which summarizes who can perform what skill.

https://www.phecit.ie/PHECC/Clinical_resources/Clinical_practice_guidelines/2021_edition_CPGs/PHECC/Clinical_Resources/Clinical_Practice_Guidelines__CPGs_/2021_edition_CPGs.aspx?hkey=67297d8a-b466-41eb-bc57-fc6bac9d1e02

RiderOnTheStorm

Hi C_M

The skills you describe would be more comparable to a Paramedic in Ireland. There are Irish EMTs but they (or 'we' , as I was one for many years) are primarily Patient Transport (for National Ambulance Service - a wing of the HSE) or for private ambulance service (which are Pt Tx really too). EMTs & Paras are regulated by PHECC (see above).

It is possible for medics such as yourself to transfer to the Irish system by applying to PHECC , who should recognise prior learning & experience, and there is a bridging course / module (and a few hoops to jump through) and you could get your Irish paramedic licence. Then you wait for NAS to recruit existing Para's. I have heard of medics coming from abroad and just applying from scratch to be trained as a PHECC / NAS Paramedic (this recruitment happens more often than recruitment of pre-trained Paras). The upside is they pay you while training . The down side is it takes 3 years (you are on frontline ambulance after year 1 which is mostly college work). The bridge & hoops above is quicker … but could be done while you are abroad (i think) and then you wait (instead of coming to ireland and waiting a year or two for a new recruitment drive).

Cookie_Monster

Wow, the level in Ireland is much lower than I though looking thought the documentation…

Is there any casual aspect to the job at all? Doesn't seem like it, seems like a very sown up gig basically… I might try and see if I can get in touch with someone in PHECC next time I'm home for a chat about it all and future options and what qualification and any experience can carry across and how.

Thanks to you both for the detailed info

GoProGaming

Yeah it's fair to say that to a degree. Well it was for a long time slightly more open now with 3rd level institutions offering paramedic as an option now.

The privates tip away doing their thing (pts and events) and then their is the volunteer services too.

Change is always rumored to be on the horizon, when the education and training standards update this may well come to fruition.

Tec Diver

There is some casual work for EMTs. Codeblue, Medicall and a few others. I do some work for one of them at concerts and festivals, although it is seasonal. The skills that an EMT can use in Ireland are going to change at or before the end of this year, so maybe look into them before you make a big decision.