Pre-Paramedic Fire & Ambulance Service
If you want an exciting and challenging practical course that can lead to a career in the emergency services, this course is for you.
| Award Name | Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 5 NFQ |
| Award Name | Emergency First Response |
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | PreHospital Emergency Care Council |
| NFQ Level |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
| Emergency First Response | PreHospital Emergency Care Council |
Duration
1 year full-time. 5 days per week.
Entry Requirements
• You must have achieved 5 passes or 5 O6/ H7s or a combination of 5 O6/H7s or have achieved the LCA with a Merit profile, or have achieved a full relevant QQI Level 4 Award.
• Mature applicants (aged 21 and over) and other applicants without the formal entry requirements will be assessed individually for suitability.
Before starting the course, it is advisable to become a member of one of the voluntary organisations such as The Order of Malta, St. John Ambulance or The Civil Defence. You should work towards obtaining a Driving Licence as this will enhance your employment prospects.
Careers / Further progression
Career Opportunities
Graduates are pursuing careers in a range of areas including:
• Dublin Fire Brigade
• HSE Ambulance Service
• Private Ambulance Services
• Dublin Airport Fire Service
• Diageo Fire Service
• Event Medics
• London Ambulance Service NHS
• Care/Nursing Homes
* The HSE last intake recognised the BFEI Level 5 course as the equivalent of 2 years full-time Ambulance Service experience at EMT Level.
Progression
If you want to get a degree, then this course opens up a range of progression routes both in the UK and in Ireland.
Apply via UCAS for:
• BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science (B780) Anglia Ruskin University (Cambridge and Chelmsford)
• BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science & Out of Hospital Care (B952) University of Sunderland
You may also apply through the CAO system for entry into degree courses in the QQI Higher Education Links Scheme such as:
• Bachelor of Engineering in Fire Safety Engineering (AU340) Atlantic Technological University [Letterkenny] *Leaving Certificate Maths required
• Bachelor of Social Science (DN700) University College Dublin
• BSc (Hons) in Paramedicine (CK708) University College Cork
• BA (Hons) in Sports Science & Health (TU936)Technological University Dublin [Tallaght]
Further information
Start Date: 14/09/2026.
Student Financial Support
The range of schemes and measures available to assist students in Further Education Colleges include the:
Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS)
Back To Education Allowance (BTEA)
Maintenance Grant Scheme
Fund For Students With Disabilities
Other Funding
PLC Bursary for Displaced Persons (Ukraine) Scheme 2023
www.studentfinance.ie provides comprehensive and user-friendly information on the range of financial support schemes and programmes available to full-time further and higher education students.
You can apply online. Click on the “Application Weblink” above. You will need to have your PPS number and an email address to complete the application.
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?
What will I study?
• Emergency Department Care Skills (EDCS) and First Aid Responder (FAR)
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Safety and Health at Work
• Exercise and Fitness
• Statistics
• Word Processing
• Communications
• Work Experience
Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) Courses Training:
• Fire Warden (Fire Safety and Fire Extinguisher Training)
• Breathing Apparatus
• Hazardous Substances
• Manual Handling and Patient Handling
• Emergency First Response (EFR) incorporating Defibrillator Training
Optional Training*:
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Training Courses are delivered in conjunction with an external provider, currently the Emergency Services Training Institute and take place during term breaks. The optional training* EMT course will incur additional costs and starts in June with final exams in September/October.
Assessment and Certification
• Learners who successfully pass all 8 subjects will be awarded a QQI Level 5 Certificate in Community Health Services (5M4468).
• Assessment is based on a combination of work submitted during the year and exams.
• Pre-hospital care courses are certified by the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) and delivered by PHECC recognised institutes and tutors.
• Training Courses are delivered in conjunction with an external provider, currently the Emergency Services Training Institute and take place during term breaks. The optional training courses will incur additional costs for learners and start in May.
5M4468 - Community Health Services.
Dublin College Blackrock,
Main Street,
Blackrock,
Co Dublin,
A94 X383
t: +353 1 2889717
e: office@bfei.ie