Emergency Services (Pre-Paramedic Fire & Ambulance): Community Health Services
Can you see yourself as a Firefighter, Paramedic, or working in the emergency services? If Yes, then this is the course for you.
| Award Name | Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 5 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
Duration
1 year full-time.
Entry Requirements
Standard minimum entry requirements on all courses
• Applicants must be 17+ years of age on entry to the course.
• Leaving Cert, LCVP, LCA or QQI Level 4 Major Award is essential.
• Mature applicant route available for applicants aged 23+.
• Competent written and spoken English required.
• Non-EU/EEA applicants must have permission to work in Ireland.
Careers / Further progression
Progression to degrees
University College Cork | Paramedic Studies | Level 8
University of Limerick | Paramedic Studies | Level 8 (Mature Entry)
National Ambulance College – Campuses based in Tallaght, Ballinasloe and Tullamore.
Career Opportunities
Application to Fire and Rescue for local recruitment training and career progression.
Further information
PLC Courses begin in September 2026.
Mature applicant route available for applicants aged 23+.
A mature applicant route is available for those who don’t meet the minimum educational requirements. To qualify, you must be aged 23 or over on January 1st of the year the course starts. We look forward to meeting at monthly Mature Student Coffee Meetings.
New Low Course Fees for 2026
All courses now have a low course registration fee of €30. Make sure to confirm your place on a course by paying your registration fee.
PLC MAINTENANCE GRANT (SUSI)
SUSI grants are available to eligible students attending full-time approved courses at OFI. Please visit www.susi.ie for eligibility criteria.
BACK TO EDUCATION ALLOWANCE (BTEA)
BTEA allows qualifying persons getting certain social welfare payments to get a back to education payment while participating in approved full-time courses in further education.
SOLAS FUND FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
FSD provides funding to support students with disabilities, learning difficulties, medical conditions and special needs attending further education courses. To access supports, students are required to declare their disability and provide documentation confirming their additional need. This fund is administered by SOLAS and is disbursed on the basis of applications made by OFI on behalf of qualifying students
Laptop Loan Scheme
All students can apply for the laptop loan scheme. This provides students with the use of a high specification device for the duration of the academic year for a very low refundable deposit. This scheme ensures students have access to a digital device and the opportunity for success.
Sports Scholarships
How to Apply
Students who wish to be considered for a Sports Scholarship for the 2026-2027 academic year must complete an online Application Form in October 2026. Application forms will be available on our of.ie website. For any further information please contact Martin Corey on the email below.
Email: mcorey.ofi@lmetb.ie
Interviews are held in March/ May/August with places offered on a first come basis
Apply online using the 'Application Weblink' above.
Online application process opens on 1st January. Ensure you apply as soon as possible.
Interview - Shortlisting process
Interviews are held in March/May/August with places offered on a first come basis. Places are offered based on interview performance and suitability for the course.
College Place - Secure your place
You will be notified of your offer by email and post. Confirm your place by paying your registration fee of €30.
Course Description
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? If Yes, then this is the course for you.
Certification: QQI Level 5 Community Health Services 5M4468
▪ Anatomy & Physiology
▪ Safety & Health at work
▪ Emergency Department Care Skills
▪ Communications
▪ Work Experience
▪ Infection Prevention & Control
▪ Mathematics
▪ Nursing Theory and Practice Care Skills
▪ Emergency First Responder
▪ People Handling
Additional Training:
▪ PHECC Emergency First Responder (EFR)
▪ PHECC First Aid Responder
▪ Manual Handling/Patient
▪ ROSPA - Fire warden training
▪ Safeguarding of vulnerable people
▪ MAPA Management of actual and potential aggression
OFI can facilitate further training such as EMT training in addition to providing pathways that allows students gain experience with voluntary organisations such as Irish Red Cross, Civil Defence and The Order of MALTA.
5M4468 - Community Health Services
Ó Fiaich Institute of FE
Dublin Road, Dundalk, Co. Louth, A91 WK75
Tel: 042 933 1398
Email: info@ofi.ie