Service Course
Fire/Ambulance Service Access Course
Introduction
This course is aimed at those who wish to work in either the Fire Service or Ambulance Service. Learners who successfully complete this one year FETAC Level 5 certificate course will gain essential knowledge and skills in areas relevant to these careers and it is envisaged that this course will improve graduates chances of recruitment to either the Fire Service or Ambulance Service.
Career Opportunities
There are many opportunities for employment in the Fire and Ambulance Services. This award (DCHSX) has many links to courses at third level. The FETAC website has further details.
Course Structure
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Safety & Health at Work
- Occupational First Aid
- Health Related Fitness
- Emergency Department Care Skills
- Maths
- Applied IT (MS Office 2007)
- 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.
Optional Certification
These optional certificates will incur additional costs:
- Safe Pass
- Manual Handling
- Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) Licence (full drivers licence prerequsite)
- Hazardous Substances
- Fire Warden (Fire Safety and Fire Extinguisher Training)
- Breathing Apparatus
Pre-Hospital Care Courses
- Emergency First Response (EFR) incorporating Defibrillator Training
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
| Course Code |
F&A |
| Duration |
1 year – full time September to May |
| Number of places |
48 |
| Number of contact hours per week |
20 |
| Timetable contact |
5 days |
Support Elements
- Aptitude Test Training/Interview Techniques
- Applied Maths relevant to working emergency services equipment
- Study Skills
- Career Advice and CV Preparation
- Preparation for Fitness Assessment
Assessment and Certification
- This course is certified by FETAC.
- Learners must pass all 8 subjects to be awarded a FETAC Level 5 Award in Community & Health Services (DCHSX).
- External agencies certifiy the optional training offered.
- Pre-hospital care courses are certified by the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) and delivered by PHECC recognised institutes and tutors.
- This course is assessed by assignments and exams.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should have achieved five passes at ordinary level.
-
Leaving Certificate Applied
LCA applicants with suitable levels of achievement will be accepted. Applicants should submit details of achievements.
-
Mature Students (including VTOS and BTEA)
Applicants without these entry requirements will be considered on the basis of age, experience and overall demonstrable ability
All applicants will have an advisory meeting to offer guidance and to ensure course suitability.
Fees
There are no tuition fees for EU students. At course commencement, students are required to pay for books, exams, a College registration fee and where applicable professional body registration fees.