Skip to main content

Emergency Care Personnel - Pre-Paramedic Fire & Ambulance

PLC Post Leaving Cert
5M4468

This one year course provides students with skills and professional qualifications to pursue a career in the emergency services.

Award Name Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ)
NFQ Classification Major
Awarding Body QQI
NFQ Level Level 5 NFQ
Award Name First Aid Response
NFQ Classification
Awarding Body PreHospital Emergency Care Council
NFQ Level
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
First Aid Response PreHospital Emergency Care Council
Emergency First Response PreHospital Emergency Care Council
Alternate Provider:
Location:
Drogheda
Attendance Options:
Full time, Daytime
Apply to:
Course provider

Duration

1 year full-time.

Entry Requirements

Course Entry Requirements
Leaving Certificate with 5 passes or equivalent is the standard entry requirement for all Level 5 courses. Leaving Certificate Applied or QQI Level 4 Award are also acceptable on the majority of Level 5 courses. Applicants who do not meet the standard entry requirements (e.g. mature learners etc.) for particular courses may be interviewed.

A QQI Level 5 award or equivalent in a relevant subject area is the standard entry requirement for Level 6 Advanced Certificate courses.

Non-Standard Applicants
Non-Standard Applicants may be required to complete an interview and/or other form of assessment to successfully complete their registration on their chosen programme.

English Language
All courses are delivered through English. In addition to the listed entry requirements, applicants whose first language is not English are required to complete and provide evidence of English language proficiency. Where prospective learners first language is not English, the standard minimum entry requirements for all courses is proficiency at B2 on The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

School Leavers
Whether you have attended school in Ireland, Northern Ireland, the UK or further afield, we have a programme to suit your needs. We have a wide range of suitable programmes with internationally recognised certification that will enhance both your career and further education possibilities.

International Students
DIFE welcomes applications from eligible international students. Help and advice is available for international students at every step of the application process and continues after enrolment onto your chosen programme.

Careers / Further progression

Progression & Career Options:
This course qualifies students to apply for careers in the public service as fire and ambulance personnel. There are also employment opportunities with private ambulance and event support companies. The qualifications gained on successful completion of this course are internationally recognised. In addition, graduates may progress to a range of related courses in universities and technological universities.

Level 7 and 8 Courses to which this course is linked:
Careers in the public service for fire and ambulance personnel, private ambulances.

Eligible to apply to a range of paramedic Degree courses in the UK.
Mature students can apply for the Paramedic degree in UL.

This is not an exhaustive list. Applicants are advised at all times to confirm linked Awards, any additional module requirements, application processes and scoring systems with the Admissions Offices of the participating higher education institutions, or visit www.cao.ie.

QQI FET Links to CAO Courses

Course Web Page

Further information

Course commences: September 2026.

Students should apply online through the college website: www.dife.ie (see "Application Weblink").

Further information of the webpage - https://www.dife.ie/application-procedure/

Anatomy and Physiology
Human Growth and Development
Emergency Department Care Skills
Care Skills
Nursing Theory and Practice
Communications
Work Experience
Mathematics
Word Processing
Understanding Mental Health

5M4468 - Community Health Services

Award: QQI Level 5 Certificate in Community Health Services - 5M4468.

Emergency First Responder (EFR)
People Handling
Safeguarding of Vulnerable Persons Awareness Programme
First Aid Responder (PHECC)
MAPA (Management of Actual & Potential Aggression)
Infection Prevention and Control

DIFE will facilitate further training as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and the organisation of a Fire Training Week.

Contact Admissions Office or Course Co-ordinator,
Drogheda Institute,
Tel: 041 983 7105
Web: www.dife.ie
email: dife@lmetb.ie

Alternate Provider:
Location:
Drogheda
Attendance Options:
Full time, Daytime
Apply to:
Course provider