Overview
Pre-Paramedic Fire and Ambulance Course - Dublin
At BFEI, located in Blackrock village, Co.Dublin we offer a one year QQI Level 5 Pre-Paramedic Fire and Ambulance course.
Can you see yourself as a Firefighter, Paramedic, or working in the emergency services? 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?
Assessment and Certification
- Learners who successfully pass all 8 subjects will be awarded a QQI Level 5 Certificate in Community Health Services (5M4468).
- Assessment is based on a combination of work submitted during the year and exams.
- 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 Awareness
- Manual Patient Handling
- Hazardous Substances Awareness
Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) Courses
- Emergency First Responder (EFR)
- 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
Is This Course For You?
If you want an exciting and challenging practical course that can lead to a career in the emergency services, this course is for you.
Entry Requirements
- You must have achieved 5 passes or 5 O6/ H7s or a combination of 5 O6/H7s or have achieved the LCA with a Merit profile, or have achieved a full relevant QQI Level 4 Award.
- Mature applicants (aged 21 and over) and other applicants without the formal entry requirements will be assessed individually for suitability.
Before starting the course, it is advisable to become a member of one of the voluntary organisations such as The Order of Malta, St. John Ambulance or The Civil Defence. You should work towards obtaining a Driving Licence as this will enhance your employment prospects.
What Will I Study?
Optional Training*
- Fire Warden (Fire Safety and Fire Extinguisher Training)
- Breathing Apparatus
- Hazardous Substances
- Manual Handling
- Safe Pass
Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) Courses*
- Emergency First Response (EFR) incorporating Defibrillator Training
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
* Optional Training Courses are delivered in conjunction with an external provider, currently the Emergency Services Training Institute, and will incur additional costs and take place during term breaks. EMT training starts in June with final exams in September/October.
What Will I Do?
- You will be trained in the use of the new LUCAS Chest Compression Device which is used extensively by the National Ambulance Service.
- You may have the opportunity to participate in training for mass casualty incidents involving the Emergency Services.
- You will gain practical experience using the Oculus Quest 2 VR headsets.
- Career advice and help with CV preparation is provided by the Guidance and Career Service.
Career Opportunities
Graduates are pursuing careers in a range of areas including:
- Dublin Fire Brigade
- HSE Ambulance Service
- Private Ambulance Services
- Dublin Airport Fire Service
- Diageo Fire Service
- Event Medics
- London Ambulance Service NHS
- Care/Nursing Homes
* The HSE last intake of recruites recognised the BFEI Level 5 course as the equivalent of 2 years full-time Ambulance Service experience at EMT Level.
Companies who have hired BFEI graduates include:
Progression
If you want to get a degree, then this course opens up a range of progression routes both in the UK and in Ireland.
- BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science Anglia Ruskin University London (Cambridge and Chelmsford) - www.anglia.ac.uk/fms
- BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science & Out of Hospital Care University of Sunderland - www.sunderland.ac.uk
You may also apply through the CAO system for entry into degree courses in the QQI Higher Education Links Scheme such as:
- BA Applied Social Studies in Social Care Technological University Dublin [Blanchardstown] - www.tudublin.ie
- BA (Hons) in Sports Science & HealthTechnological University Dublin [Tallaght] - www.tudublin.ie
Check out the updated BFEI CAO Progression Pathways Chart with new progression options included for TCD, NUI Maynooth and University of Limerick. CAO data shows that many BFEI graduates from 2020/2021 secured excellent CAO offers.
Fees
At course commencement, students are required to pay for books, exams, a Student Services fee and where applicable professional body registration fees. There are no tuition fees for EU students.
Students will be required to purchase certain items including a uniform and product kits
