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
119803	Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care
ORIGINATOR
Durban University of Technology
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			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 0333/25	2025-07-10	2028-07-10
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-07-10		2032-07-10

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 Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care is designed to produce entry-level emergency care providers who are assistants within the field of pre-hospital emergency medical care. This qualification provides an access point into the Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and it recognises the key competencies required of Emergency Care Assistants who will work under the guidance of Emergency Care Technicians, Emergency Care Practitioners and Medical Officers in a variety of contexts. Qualifying learners will operate mainly in and around ambulances, within wide-ranging contexts, including rural, urban, military, coastal, corporate, mass gatherings, homes, and workplaces. The Emergency Care Assistant will provide a supportive service within the pre-hospital emergency medical care environment.

Rationale:
The Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care has been developed in response to the promulgation of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF) as well as in response to the requirements from the National Emergency Care Education and Training Policy.
In response to these national imperatives, the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), which is the statutory body responsible for the professional registration of health care professionals as well as the Professional Board for Emergency Care (PBEC) which is the regulatory body for emergency care providers, reviewed the full range of health care qualifications with a view to ensuring their compliance with latest national requirements.

There are two streams of prospective applicants for this qualification; that is school leavers and employees from the Emergency Medical Services (EMS). The majority of the prospective applicants hold short course EMS qualifications that are not aligned to the NQF and are in the process of being phased out by the Minister of Health. School leavers that meet the minimum entrance requirements for the qualification will be considered in conjunction with the full-time employees from the EMS as part of the recruitment and selection process.

Upon completion of the qualification, the qualifying learner is eligible for registration with the HPCSA as an Emergency Care Assistant (ECA). Qualifying learners can practice basic and intermediate emergency medical care primarily in ambulances within South Africa (SA) in rural and urban contexts that range from sophisticated emergency medical care facilities to remote primary health care settings.

This qualification also aims to promote an understanding of the multi-disciplinary approach to effective and efficient patient care. In addition, this qualification aims to produce a professional practitioner who can take cognisance of South African history and can adapt to the unique circumstances of a changing SA with emphasis on equity in health care, social upliftment, and reduction of the burden of disease.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable with equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

RPL for access:

Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.

To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

RPL for exemption of modules

Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

RPL for credit:

Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.

Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

Entry Requirements:

Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 without endorsement.
Or

National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
Or

National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate studies.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5 totalling 132 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 132 Credits.

Anatomy and Physiology I, Level 5, 16 Credits

Chemistry, Level 5, 8 Credits

Physics, Level 5, 8 Credits

Foundations of Professional Practice, Level 5, 8 Credits

End User Computing, Level 5, 8 Credits

Mental Health & Wellness, Level 5, 8 Credits

Cornerstone 101, Level 5, 12 Credits

Emergency Medical Care I - Theory, Level 5, 16 Credits

Emergency Medical Care I - Practical, Level 5, 16 Credits

Clinical Practice, Level 5, 32 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 an understanding of the structure and function of Emergency Medical Service (EMS) systems in South Africa and how they relate to the broader healthcare 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's scope of practice.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Communicate with patients, colleagues and other service providers is effective, clear, direct, and accurate, with appropriate use of modalities including electronic media.

Promote human dignity and undertake sensitivity to ethnic, cultural, linguistic, religious and gender diversity.

Apply ethical principles of beneficence, autonomy and justice, truth-telling, promise-keeping, and in all contexts.

Apply clinical interactions and related practices in line with the provisions and rules of the codes of ethics of the HPCSA and professional associations.

Provide accurate and comprehensive explanations of the legal framework within which an emergency service provider and/or Emergency Care Assistant operates.

Discuss the importance of mental health and wellness on the part of the emergency care provider comprehensively, highlighting their role and importance, with reference to the impact on job effectiveness.

Identify and describe suitable methods for achieving and maintaining operational fitness in terms of lifestyle, diet, and exercise techniques, highlighting the impact on self and job effectiveness.

Identify and apply methods for maintaining personal safety through appropriate risk assessment, scene assessment, decision making and option taking.

Describe the safe and effective lifting, carrying and movement of patients.

Describe the safe and effective use of emergency service vehicles and emergency response driving.

Conduct operational routines correctly within an EMS environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Describe EMS accurately in terms of structure, role, and function, both public and private, within the South African context.

Provide correct explanations of the interdependence and interrelationships occurring between EMS and other Allied Emergency and Health Care structures.

Explain the role of the health care team in terms of key responsibilities of each role and the relationships between each role.

Identify and explain national legislation as applicable to emergency care and rescue services.

Explain multi-disciplinary approaches to emergency care and rescue scenarios.

Explain factors influencing policy and operation of the emergency care and/or rescue services.

Identify and address problem areas using problem-solving and decision-making techniques.

Explain applicable labour legislation and labour practice.

Explain principles of disaster management.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Describe and integrate the composition, general form, spatial orientation, and position of structures within the regions of the human body accurately within a clinical context.

Explain and integrate the physiological functioning of the human body correctly into patient care.

Apply key principles of chemistry to emergency medical care.

Explain and apply key principles of physics correctly to emergency medical care.

Describe drugs used within the scope of practice of the Emergency Care Assistant accurately and comprehensively.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Identify potential hazards within the emergency service environment in terms of their origins, impact and means of management or mitigation.

Carry out scene and incident management in line with best practices and established procedures.

Describe emergency medical care equipment accurately in terms of function, storage, maintenance, and safe use.

Discuss and implement infection control in line with established procedures.

Apply integrated patient care and clinical skills procedures correctly.

Describe the principles of primary health care, disease prevention, health promotion and counselling.

Perform clinical assessment and clinical decision-making 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.

Render emergency care support to the sick or injured individual, groups, and the community with due consideration.

Construct medical records which provide sufficient accurate details of patient information and treatment.

Ability to offer appropriate clinical advice that will enhance the 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 are applied and assessed in the classroom, in practical venues and in an authentic environment. Integrated assessment takes the form of an appropriate variety of assessment methods, for example: written and oral examinations, problem-solving assignments, project presentations, case studies, portfolios, logbooks, clinical reports and objectively structured clinical examinations, reflective practice journals and simulated medical and rescue scenarios. Through the institution'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 whatsoever.

Formative Assessment:
Learning and assessment are integrated. The scheme of work includes tests and assignments, practical work, and competency evaluation of practical skills. The process is continuous and focuses on smaller sections of the work with a limited number of outcomes.

Summative Assessment:
Summative assessments evaluate the learners' abilities to manage and integrate a larger body of knowledge and to achieve the stated outcomes. The summative assessment also focuses on the student's ability to integrate knowledge and skills in emergency care. Summative assessments include theory and practical assessments.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

Country: United Kingdom
Institution: Southwestern Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SASNFT)
Qualification Title: Emergency Care Assistant (ECA)

Emergency Care Assistants (ECAs) are a new role in the frontline staff on NHS emergency ambulances within the United Kingdom, introduced as part of the modernisation of the NHS ambulance services to cut costs. Having only been created in 2006, the role is evolving rapidly, and has not been standardised over the country, but will usually consist of assisting qualified paramedics and emergency medical technicians with their duties, although this is not always the case in exceptional circumstances.

Similarities:
The Southwestern Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SASNFT) is comparable to the South African (SA) qualification in the following ways:

No set entry requirements for SASNFT qualification. Most employers expect good standards of literacy and numeracy. However, some may ask for qualifications such as a General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) similar to the National Senior Certificate NSC or Senior Certificate (SC) in SA qualification, National Vocational Qualification (NVQs) similar to the National Certificate Vocational (NCV) in SA qualification or equivalent.

Both qualifications are intended for all existing practitioners or aspiring professionals, with no formal entry requirements and school-leaving learners

Differences:
Entry requirements:
There are no set entry requirements to become an ECA whereas the SA qualification requires learners who have completed the National Senior Certificate to access the qualification.

Country: Australia
Institution: Australian Paramedical College (APC).
Qualification Title: Certificate IV in Pre-Hospital Emergency Medical Response.
The qualification is delivered in two stages:
Duration: Six months full time

300 hours of pre-course assessments dependent upon the individual (self-directed).

12 days face-to-face (conducted over 13 days).

Purpose/Rationale:
This qualification incorporates the highest clinical content of any program up to the Diploma level utilising the latest and innovative EMS equipment and the world's best practice techniques. The APC and the SA qualifications are designed for participants wishing to gain a Certificate IV EMT qualification developed by industry for the industry.

Successful graduates of Certificate IV in Pre-Hospital Emergency Medical Response may apply a broad range of specialised knowledge and skills in the provision of pre-hospital care management to patients and casualties as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in environments including aviation, security, tourism, maritime, mines and remote workplaces.

Similarities:
Entry Requirements:
The Australian Paramedical College (APC) qualification recognises Certificate IV as the minimum entry-level qualification for emergency work in an ambulance service which is similar to the National Senior Certificate in the South African (SA) qualification.

Differences:
The Australian Paramedical College is offered over less than a one-year duration whereas the South African qualification takes one year of full-time study. The SA qualification covers a comprehensive qualification structure as it includes applied physics and chemistry; mental health and wellness as well as computer literacy while the APC qualification structure is limited to first aid.

Country: Botswana
Institution: The Institute of Development Management (IDM)
Qualification Title: Certificate in Emergency Medical Care

Purpose:
The IDM qualification is designed to train learners who would be expected to assess and recognise medical, traumatic, emotional, and psychological emergencies and render emergency health care through advanced life support care in a wide variety of environmental conditions.
Duration: One-year full-time running over two semesters.

Similarities:

The duration of both the IDM and SA qualifications is one year full-time and one and half years part-time.

Both the IDM and SA qualifications require the completion of the following secondary school leaving certificates. Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) or equivalent and for SA qualification is National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent, NQF Level 4.
Or
Two years of relevant, current health work experience or a recommendation letter that is similar to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) in the SA qualification.

Both qualifications comprise theory, practical and field attachment over the twelve (12) month period. The IDM and SA qualifications consist of the following compulsory modules.

Differences:
The IDM qualification modules differ from the SA qualification in that IDM has 60 credits whereas the SA qualification has 132 credits.
The IDM qualification consists of the following different compulsory modules:

Communication and Study Skills.

Primary Health Care.

Fundamentals of Health Education and Promotion.

Health Law and Ethics.

Emergency Communications Systems.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both horizontal and vertical articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Higher Certificate in Nursing, NQF Level 5.

Higher Certificate in Dental Assistance, NQF Level 5.

Vertical Articulation:

Diploma in Emergency Care, NQF Level 6.

Diploma in Emergency Medical Care, NQF Level 6.

Bachelor of Nursing, NQF Level 8.

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.

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