BFEI Logo
Pre-Paramedic Fire and Ambulance
Home / Courses / Pre-Paramedic Fire and Ambulance

Introduction

Can you see yourself as a Fire Officer, Paramedic, Garda, or Officer in the Defence Forces? Are you calm, work well under pressure and have a desire to help people? Do you want to work in a caring environment? Are you currently a member of the many volunteer organisations and enjoy the experience? Or would you like to progress to study for a degree? Yes? Then an exciting and challenging career in the Emergency Services may be for you. This course will equip you with the knowledge and skills to embark on a career in this field. You will learn Occupational First Aid and Anatomy & Physiology. You will also be offered optional training in Emergency First Responder (EFR) and in Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).

Career Opportunities

There are careers in the public service for fire and ambulance personnel (www.publicjobs.ie).  There are also employment opportunities with private ambulance and event support companies.  The qualifications gained on completion of this course are internationally recognised.

Opportunities also exist in:

  • The Public Sector - HSE Ambulance Service & Dublin Fire Brigade
  • Private Ambulance Services
  • Dublin Airport Fire Service
  • London Ambulance Service NHS
  • Care/Nursing Homes

Companies who have hired BFEI graduates include:

  • Diageo
  • Dublin Airport
  • ECAS
  • ESTI

Course Structure

Core Elements
  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Safety & Health at Work
  • Exercise and Fitness
  • Maths
  • Emergency Department Care Skills and First Aid Responder (FAR)
  • Word Processing
  • Communications
  • Work Experience
  • 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.

  • Course Code

  • PFA

  • Duration

  • 1 year – full time September to May

  • Number of places

  • 120

  • Number of contact hours per week

  • 20

  • Timetable contact

  • 5 days
Testimonial

Having worked in the television and film industry for almost 8 years, I decided to take a career break and focus on something I really enjoyed. I decided to pursue a career in the Fire and Ambulance service. This course provided the tools and key skills to help me achieve this ambition, with the help of their experienced and professional lecturing staff, I felt encouraged and supported throughout the year. I have secured a permanent full time position in the Fire and Ambulance sector and I am currently working for Guinness Fire Brigade as a member of the Emergency Response Unit. Attending the Fire and Ambulance Course proved a very positive step for me in my career, without which I would not be where I am today.

- Peter Collins, Fire & Ambulance Graduate, 2013 -

Support Elements
  • You will be given the opportunity to do some additional optional training certified by external agencies relevant to this field
  • Study Skills
  • Career Advice and CV Preparation
Assessment and certification
  • This course is certified by QQI.
  • Assessment is based on a combination of work submitted during the year and exams.
  • Learners who successfully pass all 8 subjects will be awarded a QQI Level 5 Certificate in Community Health Services (5M4468).
  • Optional training is certified by external training agencies.
  • Pre-hospital care courses are certified by the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) and delivered by PHECC recognised institutes and tutors.
Optional Certification*

These optional certificates will incur additional costs. Training takes place during term breaks.

  • Fire Warden (Fire Safety and Fire Extinguisher Training)
  • Breathing Apparatus
  • Manual Handling
  • Safe Pass
  • Hazardous Substances
Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council  (PHECC) Courses*
  • Emergency First Response (EFR) incorporating Defibrillator Training
  • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

*These optional training courses will incur additional cost and take place during term breaks. EMT training commences in June with final exams in September/October.

More Level 5 Courses at BFEI

Progression

Education/ Training

Graduates who complete this course may apply to the following course in BFEI:

You can progress your studies to degree level such as :

Learners may also apply through the CAO system for entry into Degree Courses in the QQI Higher Education Links Scheme such as:

 
Mature Students (over the age of 23)

Third level Colleges reserve a number of places on degree courses for mature students.  Students have to apply to each College individually.

Entry Requirements
  • Leaving Certificate/LCA

Applicants should have achieved five passes OR five O6/H7s OR a combination of five O6/H7s OR have achieved the LCA with a Merit profile.

  • Other including Mature Students

If you are a mature student (aged 21 or over) and do not hold the Leaving Certificate, then you are welcome to apply. Each application will be assessed individually.

It is recommended that all students become members of one of the many voluntary organisations in this industry such as The Order of Malta, St Johns Ambulance or The Civil Defence.  Students should apply for membership before the beginning of the academic year as some have waiting lists for membership.  Students should also obtain a provisional drivers licence.

Advisory Meeting

Applicants will have an advisory meeting to offer guidance and to ensure course suitability. Places will be offered, on a first come basis, following the outcome of the personal Advisory Meeting, subject to the applicant meeting the entry requirements of the course. Applicants will also be advised on course costs and registration details.

Fees

At course commencement, students are required to pay for books, exams, €200 PLC Government Levy (unless exempt), a Student Services charge and where applicable professional body registration fees.  There are no tuition fees for EU students.

Share
SHARE
APPLY ONLINE

Sign up to mailing list

Please, select one category...

Contact us

BFEI
Main Street
Blackrock
Co Dublin

+353 1 2889717 Get directions

MORNING COURSES

Beauty Therapy, Make Up and Holistic Therapies

Business, Accounting, Marketing & Auctioneering

Community, Emergency and Health Care

Computing, Networks and Digital Design

Design
< Back

DAY COURSES

Beauty Therapy, Make Up and Holistic Therapies

Business, Accounting, Marketing & Auctioneering

Community, Emergency and Health Care

Computing, Networks and Digital Design

Design

Level 5 Courses

Level 6 Courses
< Back

EVENING COURSES

Professional Development

Accounting and Business

Art & Design

Beauty & Holistic Therapies

Hobby Courses

Information Technology

< Back