SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
109254  Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care 
ORIGINATOR
Netcare Education (Pty) Ltd 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Higher Certificate  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Promotive Health and Developmental Services 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2019-03-08  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
This qualification is an entry-level qualification and recognises the key competencies required of Emergency Care Assistants (ECAs) who will work under the guidance of Emergency Care Technicians, Emergency Care Practitioners and Medical Officers in a variety of contexts.

This qualification will be particular useful for:
  • Persons wanting to enter the prehospital emergency care profession.
  • Existing Basic Ambulance Assistants.

    Qualifying learners will operate mainly in and around the ambulance, within wide ranging contexts, including rural, urban, military, coastal, corporate, mass gatherings, homes and workplaces. In general, the ECA will provide a supportive service within the prehospital context.

    The Exit Level Outcomes and assessment criteria must be interpreted and applied within the context of the scope of practice of ECAs as defined by the Health Professional Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

    Rationale:
    This qualification is designed to produce entry-level emergency care providers who are clinical assistants within the emergency medical care and rescue environments, thereby replacing the Basic Ambulance Assistant course as the entry-level qualification in emergency medical services.

    The qualification provides an entry point into the career pathway of emergency medical services, creating access and an opportunity for employment within emergency care. The qualification will develop the necessary foundational knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to form the basis for further study in the field of prehospital emergency medical care and will provide access to qualifications within the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF).

    Qualifying learners will practice basic and intermediate emergency care primarily on ambulances in South Africa in rural and urban contexts that range from sophisticated emergency medical care facilities to remote primary health care settings. The qualification also aims to promote an understanding of the multi-disciplinary approach to effective, efficient patient care. In addition, this qualification aims to produce an emergency care provider who will take cognisance of South Africa with emphasis on equity in health care, social upliftment and reduction of the burden of disease. The qualification is also designed to enable students to pursue further personal and professional development and to promote life-long learning. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    This qualification may be achieved in part through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in accordance with the Netcare Education Faculty of Emergency and Critical Care RPL policy and procedure. Previous clinical experience will be considered for RPL. Short course qualified paramedics with recognised expertise in the emergency care field or persons who have completed a tertiary qualification who do not meet the minimum entry criteria for admission may be considered for admission to the Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care. Applicants applying for RPL may need to undergo assessments to determine current levels of competency.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirements are:
  • A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with Higher Certificate admission.
    Or
  • A NC(V) with Higher Certificate admission with Mathematics or Mathematics Literacy and Physical Sciences or Life Sciences at NQF Level 4.

    Learners must pass a medical and physical fitness evaluation. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 5, totalling 120 Credits.
  • Foundations of Professional Practice, 12 Credits.
  • Mental Health and Wellness, 6 Credits.
  • Basic Sciences - Physics, 6 Credits.
  • Basic Sciences - Chemistry, 6 Credits.
  • Anatomy, 12 Credits.
  • Physiology, 12 Credits.
  • End-User Computing, 6 Credits.
  • Emergency Medical Care Theory, 15 Credits.
  • Emergency Medical Care Practical, 15 Credits.
  • Clinical Practice, 30 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate effective communication and apply the principles of medical ethics, professional behaviour and the legal framework to the context within which Emergency Care Assistants operate while maintaining personal health, wellness and safety.
    2. Demonstrate understanding of the structure and function of Emergency Medical Service (EMS) systems in South Africa and how they relate to the broader health care structures within the country.
    3. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of human and basic sciences underpinning emergency care.
    4. Provide emergency medical care within an emergency medical service environment to all sectors of the community within the Emergency Care Assistant scope of practice. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Communication with patients, colleagues and other service providers is effective, clear, direct, and accurate, with appropriate use of modality including electronic media. Terminology is consistent with profession usage.
  • Interactions promote human dignity and are undertaken with due sensitivity to ethnic, cultural, linguistic, and religious and gender diversity.
  • Ethical principles of beneficence, autonomy and justice, truth telling, promise keeping and confidentiality are correctly applied in all contexts.
  • All clinical interactions and related practices are in line with the provisions and rules of the codes of ethics of the Health Professional Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and professional associations.
  • Accurate and comprehensive explanations are provided of the legal framework within which an emergency service provider and/or Emergency Care Assistant operates.
  • The importance of mental health and wellness on the part of the emergency care provider is comprehensively discussed, highlighting their role and importance, with particular reference to the impact on job effectiveness.
  • Suitable methods for achieving and maintaining operational fitness are identified, demonstrated and described in terms of lifestyle, diet and exercise techniques, highlighting the impact on self and job effectiveness.
  • Methods for maintaining personal safety are identified, demonstrated and applied through appropriate risk assessment, scene assessment, decision making and option taking.
  • Safe and effective lifting, carrying and movement of patients is described and/or demonstrated.
  • Safe and effective use of emergency service vehicles and emergency response driving is described and/or demonstrated.
  • Operational routines are correctly conducted within an Emergency Medical Service (EMS) environment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • EMS is accurately described in terms of structure, role and function, both public and private, within the South African context.
  • Correct explanations are provided of the interdependence and interrelationships occurring between EMS and other Allied Emergency and Health Care structures.
  • The role of the health care team is correctly explained in terms of key responsibilities of each role and the relationships between each role.
  • National legislation as applicable to emergency care and rescue services are correctly identified and explained.
  • Multi-disciplinary approaches to emergency care and rescue scenarios are correctly explained and/or demonstrated.
  • Operational needs are correctly explained.
  • Factors influencing policy and operation of the emergency care and/or rescue services are correctly explained.
  • Problem areas are correctly identified and addressed using problem solving and decision making techniques.
  • Applicable labour legislation and labour practice is correctly explained.
  • Principles of disaster management are correctly explained and demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • The composition, general form, spatial orientation and position of structures within the regions of the human body are accurately described and integrated within a clinical context.
  • The physiological functioning of the human body is correctly explained and integrated into patient care.
  • Key principles of chemistry are correctly explained and applied to emergency medical care.
  • Key principles of physics are correctly explained and applied to emergency medical care.
  • Drugs used within the scope of practice of the Emergency Care Assistant are accurately and comprehensively described in terms of class, schedule, trade name, and generic name, mechanism of action, indications, contra-indications, precautions, side effects, packaging, dosage and administration and route of administration.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Potential hazards within the emergency service environment are correctly identified in terms of their origins, impact and means of management or mitigation. Scene and incident management is carried out in line with best practice and established procedures.
  • Emergency medical care equipment is accurately described in terms of function, storage, maintenance and safe use.
  • Infection control is discussed and implemented in line with established procedures.
  • Integrated patient care and clinical skills/procedures are correctly demonstrated.
  • The principles of primary health care, disease prevention, health promotion and counselling are described and demonstrated.
  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) awareness is promoted in self and among others.
  • The role of an Emergency Care Assistant within the primary health care system is described.
  • Clinical assessment and clinical decision-making is performed in line with the scope of practice of an Emergency Care Assistant, and treatment for minor injuries and minor ailments in specific controlled circumstances is provided.
  • The ability to render emergency care support to the sick or injured individual, groups and the community with due consideration for evidence informed practice is demonstrated.
  • All clinical skills within the Emergency Care Assistant scope of practice is demonstrated.
  • The ability to recognise an emergency care and/or primary health care situation and apply appropriate knowledge and skills concerning the type of situation by using appropriate equipment is demonstrated.
  • Patient hand over is carried out in line with local protocols and procedures.
  • Medical records are constructed which provide sufficient accurate details of patient information and treatment.
  • Self-critique, realistic, accurate and fair reflection of own clinical competence and practice is demonstrated.
  • Ability to offer appropriate clinical advice that will enhance prevention of further injury or ill health is demonstrated.
  • Carry out operational routines and procedures within an Emergency Medical Services environment.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Assessment strategies across related modules and critical cross-field outcomes are applied. Integrated Assessment takes the form of an appropriate variety of assessment methods, for example, written examinations, problem solving assignments, project presentations, case studies, portfolios, log books, clinical reports and objective structured clinical examination, reflective practice journals and simulated medical scenarios.

    Through Netcare Education's policies on assessment and moderation, assessment practices will be open, transparent, fair, valid and reliable to ensure that no student is disadvantaged in any way. All modules for the Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care are assessed as continuous evaluation modules. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: United States of America.
    Institutions: 1. Alabama Fire College.
    Qualification Title: Emergency Medical Technician - Basic (EMT - B).

    EMT-B Well-being is covered in the Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care (H Cert EMC) module Mental Health and Wellness (MH&W). MH&W for the H Cert EMC includes stress and burnout, post-traumatic stress disorder, stress management, grief, death and dying, conflict resolution, substance abuse and alcohol abuse.

    Medical/legal and ethical issues as well as ambulance operations and gaining access are included in the H Cert EMC Foundations of Professional Practice (FPP) module. The FPP module for the H Cert EMC includes South African Healthcare Systems, laws, ethics and professionalism, emergency services vehicles, occupational health and safety in EMS and communication.

    The Human Body content is taught in the Anatomy and Physiology modules of the H Cert EMC. The Anatomy and Physiology modules include the following contents: terminology, cell physiology, tissues, muscle anatomy and physiology, neuro anatomy and physiology, respiratory anatomy and physiology, cardiovascular anatomy and physiology, endocrine anatomy and physiology, urinary system anatomy and physiology, reproductive anatomy and physiology, digestive system anatomy and physiology.

    The emergency care lessons airway, patient assessment, behavioural emergencies, obstetrics/gynaecology, respiratory, cardiac, diabetic, altered mental status, allergies, poisonings/overdoses, environmental, trauma (bleeding and shock, soft tissue injuries, musculoskeletal, head and spine injuries) are included in the H Cert EMC Emergency Medical Care Theory, Practical and Clinical Practice modules. These modules include the following content: patient assessment, airway management, respiration and artificial ventilation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, trauma emergencies, medical emergencies, shock and resuscitation, obstetrics and gynaecology emergencies, neonatal and paediatric emergencies, infectious diseases and primary health care, poisoning, sociology and psychology, domestic violence and crisis intervention, pharmacology and disaster management.

    Country: Canada.
    Institutions:
  • Canadian Red Cross.
  • Justice Institute of British Columbia.
  • St. John Ambulance.
  • Emergency Services Academy.
  • Southern Alberts Institute of Technology.
  • Rescue 7.
  • A-1 Medical Training.
  • College of the Rockies.
  • Portage College.
  • The Western Institute of Emergency Education.
  • Advanced Rescue Consulting.
  • Lethbridge College.
    Qualification title: Emergency Medical Responder (EMR).
    Emergency Health Services system are included in the Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care and Foundations of Professional Practice (FPP) module. This module includes South African Healthcare Systems, laws, ethics and professionalism, emergency services vehicles, occupational health and safety in EMS and communication.

    Fundamental principles of anatomy and physiology are included in the H Cert EMC modules Anatomy and Physiology. The Anatomy and Physiology modules include the following contents: terminology, cell physiology, tissues, muscle anatomy and physiology, neuro anatomy and physiology, respiratory anatomy and physiology, cardiovascular anatomy and physiology, endocrine anatomy and physiology, urinary system anatomy and physiology, reproductive anatomy and physiology, digestive system anatomy and physiology.

    Assess and manage life-threatening traumatic and medical emergencies, secondary assessment, basic airway and breathing management, CPR and AED, spinal injury, ACS, diabetic emergencies, pain management, emergency childbirth, neonatal and paediatric basic life support, basic first aid techniques, calculations and mass casualty taught on the EMT qualification are included in the H Cert EMC qualification in the modules Emergency Medical Care Theory, Emergency Medical Care Practical land Clinical Practice.
    These modules include the following content:
    Patient assessment, airway management, respiration and artificial ventilation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, trauma emergencies, medical emergencies, shock and resuscitation, obstetrics and gynaecology emergencies, neonatal and paediatric emergencies, infectious diseases and primary health care, poisoning, sociology and psychology, domestic violence and crisis intervention, pharmacology and disaster management.

    Country: Australia.
    Institutions:
  • Paramedic Services (Pty) Ltd.
  • Wilson Medic One.
  • Industry Pathways.
  • Australian Paramedical College.
  • Healthguard First Aid.
  • St John.
  • Safety Direct.
  • EMS Education & Training.
  • NPT Heart (Pty) Ltd.
  • O'Halloran Fire & Medical.
    Qualification title: Certificate IV Health Care (HLT41115) or Basic Life Support Emergency Medical Technician.
    A Certificate IV Health Care/Basic Life Support Emergency Medical Technician is the basic life support level, which is recognised as the minimum entry level qualification for emergency work in an ambulance service.

    Identify, assess and treat clinical signs and symptoms of injured or ill patients, advanced assessment techniques and treatment, extrication and transportation, CPR, advanced resuscitation, pharmacology, infection control, transport emergency and non-emergency patients is taught in the H Cert EMC Emergency Medical Care Theory, Emergency Medical Care practical and Clinical Practice modules.
    These modules include the following content:
    Patient assessment, airway management, respiration and artificial ventilation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, trauma emergencies, medical emergencies, shock and resuscitation, obstetrics and gynaecology emergencies, neonatal and paediatric emergencies, infectious diseases and primary health care, poisoning, sociology and psychology, domestic violence and crisis intervention, pharmacology and disaster management.

    Anatomy and physiology content is taught in the Anatomy and Physiology modules of the Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care. The Anatomy and Physiology modules include the following contents: terminology, cell physiology, tissues, muscle anatomy and physiology, neuro anatomy and physiology, respiratory anatomy and physiology, cardiovascular anatomy and physiology, endocrine anatomy and physiology, urinary system anatomy and physiology, reproductive anatomy and physiology, digestive system anatomy and physiology.

    Country: Ireland.
    Institutions:
  • Academy of Emergency Care.
  • Civil Defense Ireland.
  • Dublin Fire Brigade/Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland.
  • Emergency Services Training Institute.
  • Irish Ambulance Training Institute.
  • Irish Red Cross.
  • Medical Ambulance Service.
  • National Ambulance Service College.
  • Order of Malta Ireland.
  • St. John Ambulance Brigade of Ireland.
    Qualification title: Emergency Medical Technician.
    An Emergency First Responder (EFR) is trained in extensive first aid and basic life support (BLS). The EFR is able to assist higher trained practitioners with patient care. The level of training is very basic and does not lead to employment with an emergency service.

    The following are included in the Emergency Medical Theory, Emergency Medical Practical and Clinical Practice modules of the H Cert EMC:
    Primary survey, secondary survey, airway and ventilation, respiratory emergencies, cardiovascular emergencies, general medical emergencies, bleeding, shock and soft tissue injuries, musculoskeletal, head and spinal injuries, childbirth and neonatal resuscitation, paediatrics, health information management, basic patient care, gaining patient access, pharmacology, infection prevention and control, intramuscular injection, hazardous material incident and major emergency. These modules include the following content: patient assessment, airway management, respiration and artificial ventilation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, trauma emergencies, medical emergencies, shock and resuscitation, obstetrics and gynaecology emergencies, neonatal and paediatric emergencies, infectious diseases and primary health care, poisoning, sociology and psychology, domestic violence and crisis intervention, pharmacology and disaster management.

    Health information management, communication, ambulance operations, professional practice and medico-legal issues and radio communications are included in the Higher Certificate Emergency Medical Care Foundations of Professional Practice module. This module includes South African Healthcare Systems, laws, ethics and professionalism, emergency services vehicles, occupational health and safety in EMS and communication.

    The clinical anatomy and physiology content is taught in the Anatomy and Physiology modules of the H Cert EMC. The Anatomy and Physiology modules include the following contents: terminology, cell physiology, tissues, muscle anatomy and physiology, neuro anatomy and physiology, respiratory anatomy and physiology, cardiovascular anatomy and physiology, endocrine anatomy and physiology, urinary system anatomy and physiology, reproductive anatomy and physiology, digestive system anatomy and physiology.

    Country: United Kingdom.
    Institutions:
  • East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust.
  • South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust.
  • South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust.
  • South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust.
  • London Ambulance Service NHS Trust.
  • East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust.
  • West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust.
  • North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust.
  • Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust.
  • North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust.
    Qualification title: Associate Ambulance Practitioner (AAP).

    Communication, end of life care and medicolegal and ethics are included in the Foundations of Professional Practice (FPP) module on the H Cert EMC. This module includes South African Healthcare Systems, laws, ethics and professionalism, emergency services vehicles, occupational health and safety in EMS and communication.

    Conflict resolution and equality and diversity are included in the Mental Health and Wellness module on the H Cert EMC. MH&W for the H Cert EMC includes stress and burnout, post-traumatic stress disorder, stress management, grief, death and dying, conflict resolution, substance abuse and alcohol abuse.

    Respiratory system, cardiovascular and lymphatic system, endocrine system, reproductive and Musculo-skeletal system are included in the H Cert EMC Anatomy and Physiology modules. The following content will be taught during the Anatomy and Physiology modules of the H Cert EMC qualification: terminology, cell physiology, tissues, muscle anatomy and physiology, neuro anatomy and physiology, respiratory anatomy and physiology, cardiovascular anatomy and physiology, endocrine anatomy and physiology, urinary system anatomy and physiology, reproductive anatomy and physiology, digestive system anatomy and physiology.

    Airway management, BLS and defibrillation, ECG recognition, poisons and sepsis, thermal injuries, trauma management, respiratory pathophysiology, cardiovascular pathophysiology, nervous system pathophysiology, focused patient assessment, paramedic skills, pharmacology and medicines management, major incident management, mental health and patient assessment and paediatric BLS/ILS are included in the H Cert EMC Emergency Medical Care Theory, Emergency Medical Care Practical and Clinical Practice modules. These H Cert EMC modules include the following content: patient assessment, airway management, respiration and artificial ventilation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, trauma emergencies, medical emergencies, shock and resuscitation, obstetrics and gynaecology emergencies, neonatal and paediatric emergencies, infectious diseases and primary health care, poisoning, sociology and psychology, domestic violence and crisis intervention, pharmacology and disaster management. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification offers the following horizontal and vertical articulation opportunities.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Higher Certificate: Auxiliary Nursing, Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate: Pharmacy Support, Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate: Clinical Technologist, Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate: Dental Assistant, Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Diploma in Emergency Medical Care, Level 6. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Netcare Education (Pty) Ltd 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.