Advanced Paramedic

As an Advanced Paramedic you provide the highest level of pre-hospital emergency care in Ireland, responding to life-threatening situations such as cardiac arrest, major trauma, and acute medical emergencies. You assess and treat patients at the scene, performing advanced clinical interventions including endotracheal intubation, intravenous cannulation, drug administration, and cardiac monitoring. You work closely with National Ambulance Service (NAS) colleagues, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), Paramedics, emergency department staff, and occasionally with An Garda Síochána or the fire service in complex incidents. You communicate patient assessments to receiving hospitals and take clinical responsibility for patient care throughout the pre-hospital phase. Accurate documentation and adherence to PHECC clinical practice guidelines are central to your daily responsibilities.

Entry into pre-hospital emergency care typically begins with completing a PHECC-accredited Emergency Medical Technician or Paramedic programme, often at NFQ Level 7 or 8 through institutions such as TU Dublin or the National Ambulance Service Training College. Progression to Advanced Paramedic (AP) requires registration as a Paramedic with PHECC, followed by supervised clinical practice and completion of a PHECC-accredited Advanced Paramedic programme, typically delivered at NFQ Level 9 (postgraduate/master's level). Leaving Certificate subjects that provide a strong foundation include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics. Some practitioners enter via a Bachelor of Science in Paramedic Studies (Level 8) before pursuing the AP pathway. All Advanced Paramedics in Ireland must hold statutory registration with the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) and renew registration through continuing professional development. The AP scope of practice is defined and governed by PHECC under Irish legislation.