Ambulance Services

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are the first ones at the scene of an accident and act in the most quick and efficient way possible to help those injured. Their work entails responding to emergency calls and transporting people to hospital, and depending on the particular situation they may need to treat people at the scene of the accident.

The layman’s term is ‘ambulance drivers’ yet the responsibilities involve much more than merely piloting the vehicle. Extensive training in emergency medical treatment and first aid is necessary, and an ability to react well in pressure situations is a fundamental requirement for this career.

The job of an EMT is not an easy one, yet it promises to challenge and provide a great amount of fulfilment in doing something that directly saves lives. So for those up to the task it is an admirable choice.

EMT Training
EMTs are recruited directly by the HSE (Health Services Executive) and advertisements appear in the national press and on the HSE web site. Candidates are put through a basic selection process, including an aptitude test and an interview. To be successful, you will generally need a good standard of education, such as the Leaving Cert. It is possible to undergo training in first aid and EMT procedures at a private college or recognised training centre beforehand, which puts candidates at an advantage during the recruitment process.

EMT training takes approximately 32 weeks of classroom and on-the-job training, after which you will be qualified to provide emergency medical care at a basic life-support level.

The school-based component lasts for approximately six weeks and involves an introduction to the services and organisation of the ambulance service, health and safety at work, moving and lifting patients, and the management of illness and injury.

The in-service component – which lasts for approximately 26 weeks – involves attachments at various hospital departments, including emergency, coronary care, obstetrics and theatre, as well as an attachment to a working emergency ambulance.

By the end of their training, trainees will be able to cope with patient assessment, medical terminology and anatomy, medical emergencies, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, bleeding and shock, burns, emergency childbirth and incident management.

Options after Qualification
The completion of EMT training isn’t enough on its own. Candidates must also pass the National Qualification in Emergency Medical Technology (NQEMT) examination conducted by the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC). Only then are they are able to work for the HSE and Dublin Fire Brigade, who run the EMT services around the country.

The Work
Emergency Medical Technicians usually work in teams of two and are known as a crew. Their day-to-day duties involve checking the ambulance to make sure it’s in working order, ensuring it’s clean and that the equipment is working correctly.

The main part of the job involves responding quickly to emergency calls. On arrival at the scene of an accident or illness, EMTs assess the situation and administer appropriate treatment to those who need it, before and during the journey to hospital.

At the hospital, the EMT gives medical staff an accurate report of the patient's condition and circumstances of the accident. They also have to write patient reports and complete log sheets on each shift.

EMTs may also be required to carry out inter-hospital transfers, which involves transporting patients to other hospitals that are better equipped to cater for their needs.

Promotion opportunities involve rising to the position of Leading Ambulance Person, where you have responsibility for some administrative work as well as the standard EMT duties.

Personal Qualities & Work Environment
EMTs need to be physically fit and have a desire to help others. A talent for communicating well is of great benefit – especially in the type of highly pressurised situations that are sure to arise. 

EMTs are typically based in either a hospital or a nearby call centre. A full, clean driving licence is required. Shift work is the norm, with some periods of inactivity interspersed with times when you are very busy.

The Money
EMTs start off on a salary of approximately €24,000, which rises with experience. Senior staff may earn up to €50,000.

Jargon
GSW:  abbreviation for gunshot wound
Diplopia: double vision
Coronary: Of or relating to the heart
Defibrillator: An electrical device used to counteract fibrillation of the heart muscle and restore normal heartbeat by applying a brief electric shock
Clear: What you shout before using a defibrillator (at least, you do if starring in ER)

Job Titles
Emergency Medical Technician
Leading Ambulance Person
Paramedic

Further Resources
Dublin Fire Brigade Training Centre
Malahide Road
Marino
Dublin 3
Phone: 01 833 8313
Web: www.dublinfirebrigade.com

Health Service Executive
Central Office
Arden Road
Tullamore
Co. Offaly
Phone:  057 932 1868  
Web: www.hse.ie
Email: info@hse.ie

Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council
Abbey Moat House
Abbey Street
Naas
Co. Kildare
Phone: 045 882 042
Web: www.phecc.ie
Email: info@phecc.ie

The St John Ambulance Brigade
Lumsden House
29 Upper Leeson Street
Dublin 4
Tel: 01 668 8077
Web: www.sja.ie