1.     Professional Qualifications, Experience, etc.

A.    (i) Be in possession of a Leaving Certificate awarded in 2017 or later⁶ with a minimum of six passes¹ in the Leaving Certificate Examination Ordinary Level or higher including Mathematics and a Science subject (e.g. Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Agriculture Science)
Or
(ii) Be in possession of a Leaving Certificate awarded in 2017 or later with a minimum of six passes¹ in the Leaving Certificate Examination Ordinary Level or higher including Mathematics and a Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) EMT Certificate

Or

(iii) Be in possession of a Leaving Certificate awarded in 2016 or prior with a minimum of six passes¹ in the Leaving Certificate Examination Ordinary Level or higher including Mathematics and a Science subject (e.g. Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Agriculture Science)

Or

(iv) Be in possession of a Leaving Certificate awarded in 2016 or prior with a minimum of six  passes¹ in the Leaving Certificate Examination Ordinary Level or higher including Mathematics and a Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) EMT Certificate

Or

(v) Have completed a relevant examination at a comparable standard in any equivalent examination in another jurisdiction³

Or

(vi) Hold a comparable and relevant qualification of at least Level 5² (or above) on the National Qualifications Framework maintained by Qualifications and Quality Ireland, (QQI)

Or

(vii) Have a minimum of two years full time ambulance service experience at EMT level and hold a Pre Hospital Emergency Care Council EMT Certificate.

Or

(viii)  Candidates who do not have a Leaving Certificate or Level 5 QQI FE qualification, but are over 21 years of age and have a minimum of 2 years full time (or an aggregate of 2 years) of relevant experience may be deemed suitable, subject to the approval of the University College Cork Course Director and Admissions Office

Full notes on education criteria are found in the official candidate information booklet please refer to this for full details of all eligibility criteria.

  And                                                      

B.    Be the holder of a full Class C1 Driving Licence on application.  (Note Irish 78 Restriction is not acceptable)

Or

Be the holder of a provisional Class C1 Driving Licence on application.  (Note Irish 78 Restriction is not acceptable)

Or

Be eligible to apply⁵ for a provisional Class C1 Driving Licence on application

And

C.    Candidates must possess the requisite knowledge and ability, including a high standard of suitability), for the proper discharge of the office.

2. Health

A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

3. Character

Each candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character.

Licence Note;

Candidates that start the Student Paramedic programme on a provisional Class C1 driving licence must obtain their full C1 licence in their own time, at their own expense within six months of commencing the Student Paramedic programme.

Students must be prepared to maintain a reasonable level of fitness, capable of completing the tasks associated with the Paramedic Training Programme and any employment with the National Ambulance Service on an ongoing basis.  Any costs associated with maintaining this level of fitness will be the responsibility of the candidate or future employee.
Any other post specific requirements will be outlined at expression of interest, job offer stage

• Demonstrate the ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Demonstrate the ability to cope under pressure, including the ability to diffuse difficult situations in a calm and professional manner
• Demonstrate the ability to plan and organise including multi-tasking and prioritising as appropriate
• Demonstrate tolerance and compassion especially in relation to providing a quality service in difficult and sometimes harrowing and stressful situations
• Demonstrate effective problem solving and decision making skills
• Demonstrate initiative and flexibility especially with regard to working in the changing environment of the Health Services and the National Ambulance Service
• Demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to influence others
• Demonstrate capacity for rapid, intense and sustained effort
• Demonstrate a good understanding of the requirements of the Paramedic role and the Paramedic Training Programme.
• Demonstrate basic knowledge of HSE reforms and how they pertain to the National Ambulance Service
• Demonstrate interest in and/or attainment of relevant training/ education and continuing professional development e.g. CIPD, computer course etc.