In order to become a paramedic, we must understand that it must not be seen as a “job” but as a calling. The non-technical skills required are:
- Self-confidence
- sociability
- Physical health
- Being caring
How to become a paramedic in South Africa? The levels
There are different procedures and levels for each paramedic, according to their qualification. These are currently different levels of care which paramedics in South African can perform.
Basic Life Support (short course)
A paramedic that provides Basic Medical Care interventions to patients in Emergencies provides BLS. This will include CPR, stopping of bleeding, helping women in labour and other non-invasive procedures. To become a paramedic with Basic Life Support you need Matric, Code 10 Drivers License and PrDp. To be qualified as a Basic Ambulance Attendant (a one month course) and be registered with the Health Professional Council of South Africa.
Intermediate Life Support (short course)
These practitioners provide Intermediate Medical Intervention including IV therapy (drips) Bronchodilators, Defibrillation (shock) & chest decompression etc. To become a paramedic with an Intermediate Life Support you need 1000 operational hours as BLS, pass the pre-course examination for entry into ILS course, then complete the four-month training course and register as ILS at the HPCSA. Plus all other requirements as for BAA.
Emergency care technician
You require to pass the two-years formal training. Part of the selection criteria for KZN EMS staff to attend the ECT course the staff must be an AEA and pass several other entrance exams, including a test paper and fitness test.
There is then followed with two years for formal training. The scope of practice of an ECT is only slightly less than of the advanced life support paramedics. The vision for is that ECT’s replace the ILS as the mid-level worker in the EMS field.
Advanced Life Support Paramedic
In order to become an ALS paramedic, you need to be skilled in Advanced Airway Management, IV Drug Therapy up schedule 7 drugs, Advanced midwifery, Advanced Resuscitation, Aviation Medicine, Marine Medicine.
South African ALS paramedics are highly requested worldwide due to the nature of training and skills. However, there have been massive changes in the way paramedics are trained.
The courses to become a paramedic in South Africa:
ECA – Emergency Care Assistant
One year course.
Diploma in Emergency Medical Care
This will be a two-year course, or only one year if the ECO has been completed.
Bachelor of health sciences
A four-year course provided at universities. It is level NQF8 and equips the paramedic with all the necessary skills to practice as advanced life support.
There is also some private college that started to provide training for the ECA and Diploma Emergency Medical Care courses and several universities currently offer a Bachelor of health sciences.
How long does it take to become a paramedic in South Africa?
Diploma Emergency Medical Care. This will be a two year course, or only one year if the ECO has been completed. Bachelor of health sciences- this is a four year course provided at universities. It is level NQF8 and equips the paramedic with all the necessary skills to practice as advanced life support.
How much do paramedics earn per month in South Africa?
The average salary for a Paramedic is R 8 824 per month in South Africa. Salary estimates are based on 6 salaries submitted anonymously to Indeed by Paramedic employees, users, and collected from past and present job advertisements on Indeed in the past 36 months. The typical tenure for a Paramedic is 1-3 years.
How much does paramedic course cost in South Africa?
How much are the paramedic courses fees in South Africa? Paramedic colleges in South Africa charge between R8,500 to R9,000 for the BAA courses. If you cannot afford to pay the paramedic course fees, you can apply for EMT scholarships and grants.