Qualifications

Terminology - “NQEMT” means the National Qualification in Emergency Medical Technology at the level of competence of emergency medical technician, paramedic or advanced paramedic as the case may be, awarded by the Council under Article 4(c) or 4(d) of the Establishment Order and “national qualification” shall be construed accordingly.

There are two routes by which an NQEMT may be awarded, either by examination or recognition of professional qualifications obtained outside Ireland:

• Examination - One of PHECC’s functions is to conduct examinations leading to the award of the NQEMT at the level of competence of emergency medical technician, paramedic or advanced paramedic, as the case may be.

• Recognition - Recognition of professional qualifications in pre-hospital emergency care obtained from institutions other than recognised institutions, both within and outside the State. In this regard, the Council shall comply with its obligations as competent authority for EMTs, paramedics and advanced paramedics under the general system of recognition of professional qualifications provided in Part 2 of the Recognition of Professional Qualifications (Directive2005/36/EC) Regulations 2008 (SI No. 139 of 2008).