How to Become a Paramedic

Thank you for considering a career in pre-hospital emergency care. South Africa has a great need for skilled, qualified emergency care providers. The profession has grown enormously over the last 25 years. It can no longer be considered a job, but rather a professional calling. A commitment to patient care, professional integrity and lifelong learning is vital to success in this career.

Employment in Emergency Medical Services

There are two major employers in the emergency services industry, namely the government and private emergency services. Minimum requirements are typically HPCSA registration as a BAA / BLS (Basic Ambulance Assistant), a valid driver’s license and a Professional Driving Permit (PrDP) in Goods and Passengers.

There is currently an oversupply of BLS providers in the country. BLS practitioners may need perseverance and commitment to secure full-time employment in the industry.

NB: Please note that ER24 does not offer any commercial training to members of the public or corporate institutions.

Should you already meet the minimum requirements mentioned above, please register on our careers portal: http://er24.careers

University education

Certain universities offer a four-year Bachelor’s degree in Emergency Care (BEMS). Graduates of this programme are qualified as Emergency Care Practitioners and able to provide the highest level of pre-hospital emergency care available.

Contact the university of your choice for further information on costs as well as entrance requirements.

A two-year Diploma in Emergency Medical Care is available. This qualification is also offered by accredited institutions and graduates will register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa as a Paramedic. Mediclinic offers the Diploma in Emergency Medical Care in Cape Town. Fore more information on the programme, please visit the Mediclinic website.

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