VerifiedThe Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responds to emergencies such as accidents, illnesses, and disasters.
Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics are trained to provide life-saving interventions, including administering medications, performing CPR, and transporting patients to hospitals.
Career Opportunities in Emergency Medical Care
If you are passionate about helping others and interested in a challenging and rewarding career, you should consider a role in EMS.
Some common positions include:
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- Paramedic
- Emergency Medical Dispatcher
- EMS Educator
- EMS Manager
Fields of Study
Emergency medical care in South Africa is regulated by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). The current qualifications are the one-year Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care, the two-year Diploma in Emergency Medical Care, and the four-year Bachelor of Emergency Medical Care, which leads to registration as an emergency care practitioner.
The bachelor’s degree is offered at universities such as CPUT, DUT and UJ, while higher certificates and diplomas are offered at public and private emergency care colleges.
Training combines classroom theory, simulation and supervised shifts on ambulances and in emergency departments.
Emergency Medical Care Bursaries
You may apply for any of the following:
- Gauteng Department of Health Bursary
- Mediclinic Bursary
- Mediclinic / ER24 Bursary
- NESP Scholarship
- SIOC Community Development Trust (SIOC-cdt) Bursary
- Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary
Students from low-income households should also apply to NSFAS, and see our nursing bursaries, medicine bursaries and health science bursaries pages.