How to become a paramedic

The emergency care providers industry has grown tremendously over the past 25 years where more people are studying toward being skilled and qualified paramedics.

There are a number of institutions that offer a bachelor’s degree in emergency care, such as University of Johannesburg, Durban University of Technology and University of Cape Town.

ER24 emergency care practitioner and Johannesburg north branch manager Saul Behrmann, who has been a paramedic for 12 years, said that pupils who want to study toward being a paramedic must study maths, science and biology as subjects in high school and do volunteer work from a young age.

“Being a paramedic is a hands-on profession that involves theoretical and practical work, long working hours and a high-intensity course to study. There is a high drop-out rate for people who do not cope with what the course entails,” said Behrmann.

He advised people to contact the university you want to study at for further information about the costs and entrance requirements of studying toward being a paramedic.

ER24 Training Academy’s accredited health care professional courses offers eight courses for people who want to pursue a career in the Emergency Medical Care Industry and want to become paramedics.

These courses can also be studied by already qualified paramedics who are required to keep up-to-date with life-saving practices by attending continuing professional development courses.

Behrmann added that certain institutions also offer a National Certificate as an emergency care technician course where graduates will work under a BTech paramedic. The highest level of a paramedic qualification is being an emergency care practitioner.

“There are a number a of challenges of being a paramedic. We deal with severe traumatic situations, regularly make life or death decisions, work long hours and often go into hostile environments without the support of the South African Police Service at times. It is important to be compassionate, dedicated and stay calm in

high-stress situations,” concluded Behrmann.

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