Fire/Ambulance Service Access Course

Introduction

This course is aimed at those who wish to work in either the Fire Service or Ambulance Service. Students 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 careers in the public service for fire and ambulance personnel (www.publicjob.ie).  There are also employment opportunities with private ambulance and event support companies.  The qualifications gained on completion of this course are internationally recognised.

Course Structure

• Anatomy & Physiology
• Safety & Health at Work
• Occupational First Aid
• Health Related Fitness
• Emergency Department Care Skills
• Maths
• 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. Training takes place during term breaks.

• Manual Handling
• Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) Licence (full driving licence prerequisite) offered subject to demand  
• Hazardous Substances
• Fire Warden (Fire Safety and Fire Extinguisher Training)
• Breathing Apparatus
• Introduction to Scuba Diving
• Emergency First Responder (EFR)
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

Pre-Hospital Care Courses

• Emergency First Response (EFR) incorporating Defibrillator Training
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Training commences in June with final exams in September/October.

Support Elements

• Training/Interview Techniques
• Applied Maths relevant to working emergency services equipment
• Study Skills
• Career Advice and CV Preparation

Assessment and Certification

• Assessment is based on a combination of work submitted during the year and exams.
• This course is certified by FETAC. Students must pass all 8 subjects to be awarded a FETAC Level 5 Award in Community & Health Services (DCHSX).
• Emergency Services Training Institute (ESTI) certify the optional trainings offered.
• Pre-hospital care courses are certified by the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) and delivered by PHECC recognised institutes and tutors.

Progression

Students who achieve a minimum number of distinctions may progress to further study at third level, including the following courses:

BA Applied Social Studies in Social Care at the Institute of Technology Blanchardstown

BA Sports Management & Coaching at the Institute of Technology Blanchardstown

BA Community and Social Development at the Institute of Technology Blanchardstown

BA (Hons) in Social Care Practice at the Institute of Technology Tallaght

Entry Requirements

• Leaving Certificate

Applicants should have achieved five passes at ordinary level. Foundation Level Maths is acceptable.

• 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

• Other Requirements

All applicants will have an advisory meeting to offer guidance and to ensure course suitability. Applicants will also be advised on course costs and registration details.

Fees

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