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
120401  Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care 
ORIGINATOR
Kwa-Zulu Natal College of Emergency Care 
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  Curative Health 
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 0638/26  2026-02-02  2029-02-02 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2030-02-02   2033-02-02  

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:
The purpose of the Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care is to provide an entry-level qualification into the emergency care profession. The Emergency Care Assistant (ECA) will provide a supportive role and work under the guidance of the Emergency Care Technician, the Advanced Life Support Paramedic, the Emergency Care Practitioners and Medical Officers within the structures of the Emergency Medical Services.

The qualified learner will operate within the scope of practice as determined by the Professional Board for Emergency Care of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). The qualification will allow the qualified learner to work in an ambulance and to perform basic, non-invasive lifesaving and emergency skills in rural, urban, and military environments.

On completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Discuss the structure of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and the role of EMS within the comprehensive healthcare structures of South Africa.
  • Apply medical ethics, professional behaviour and relevant legal frameworks and are demonstrated through effective verbal and non-verbal communication with all Emergency Medical Services stakeholders.
  • Maintain personal mental and physical health and wellness to cope with the stressors of the emergency care environment.
  • Analyse and apply the principle of the basic sciences as it relates to emergency care.
  • Apply the knowledge and understanding of the principle of human anatomy and physiology as it relates to the ECA scope of practice.

    Rationale:
    The profession of emergency medical care is still evolving and growing. Traditionally, most emergency care workers were trained through the short course system at colleges accredited by the HPCSA. These short courses were non-NQF aligned and did not provide career pathways or opportunities for lifelong learning. The qualification was developed to address these problems and to redress past inequalities.
    The qualification will develop a well-rounded and capable practitioner that can provide efficient quality patient care within the Emergency Care Assistant scope of practice.

    Qualified learners will be able to register with the HPCSA under the auspices of the Professional Board for Emergency Care as an Emergency Care Assistant. 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).

    Given the need for, and the scarcity of professionally qualified emergency care workers in South Africa, the offering of this qualification will play a crucial role in the uplifting of standards in the field of emergency medical care nationally. 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 Emergency Care Assistant must be able to adapt to the changing South African environment and provide emergency care without any prejudice or favour and understand that the burdens of social upliftment and disease reduction must be shared by all medical practitioners within the South African health system. 
    		•

    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 applicable to 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 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.

    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:
  • 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.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 without endorsement. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5 totalling 125 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 125 Credits
  • Foundations of Professional Practice, 12 credits.
  • Mental Health and Wellness, 8 credits.
  • End User Computing, 8 credits.
  • Anatomy and Physiology, 16 credits.
  • Physics, 8 credits.
  • Chemistry, 8 credits.
  • Emergency Medical Care: Theory, 15 credits.
  • Emergency Medical Care: Practical, 20 credits.
  • Clinical Practice, 30 credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Understand the structure of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and the role of EMS within the comprehensive healthcare structures of South Africa.
    2. Understand and apply medical ethics, professional behaviour, and relevant legal frameworks, which are demonstrated through effective verbal and non-verbal communication with all Emergency Medical Services stakeholders.
    3. Maintain personal mental and physical health and wellness to cope with the stressors of the emergency care environment.
    4. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principle of the basic sciences as it relates to emergency care.
    5. Apply the knowledge and understanding of the principle of human anatomy and physiology as it relates to the ECA scope of practice.
    6. Demonstrate the necessary clinical assessment, diagnostic skills, and treatment regimes in line with the ECA scope of practice.
    7. Render appropriate emergency medical care to the community without any favour or prejudice. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Define the structures and functions of EMS systems, both public and private, within the South African perspective.
  • Explain the levels of Health Care within South Africa.
  • Describe the role of EMS in relation to the South African healthcare system with emphasis on a team approach to patient care.
  • Explain the importance of adherence to National legislation that applies to EMS.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Apply clear, concise, and effective verbal and non-verbal communication with patients and other EMS stakeholders with the appropriate use of electronic media tools.
  • Use the terminology consistently and professionally.
  • Communicate with patients and colleagues in a sensitive and caring manner to promote human dignity.
  • Apply moral and ethical principles appropriately with due regard for patients' rights.
  • Explain the legal frameworks within the emergency care context.
  • Undertake all clinical interactions in line with the ethical and legal rules and regulations of the HPCSA and the employer.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Identify factors and situations that are personal and vocational stressors.
  • Discuss the features and manifestations of stress and the appropriate steps for urgent remediation.
  • Explain the requirements for operational physical fitness and the processes and activities necessary to meet these requirements, especially in bending, lifting, and carrying heavy objects.
  • Explain and identify potential and actual on-scene hazards.
  • Analyse and apply the methods employed in ensuring and maintaining scene safety.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Examine the general introductory principles of Chemistry and Physics.
  • Discuss the principles of organic and inorganic chemistry.
  • Explain the properties of matter and the concepts of motion and equilibrium.
  • Apply the principles of Chemistry and Physics to emergency medical care.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Explain anatomical planes and positions and gross anatomy.
  • Discuss the components, structure and functioning of the various organs.
  • Explain the concepts and importance of homeostasis.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Explain the concepts of scene safety and scene ergonomics.
  • Describe the pathophysiology, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of medical and trauma emergencies in various body systems.
  • Use current evidence-based best practices for Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other treatment modalities.
  • Describe the patient approach and management of medical and trauma emergencies in the following special circumstances:
  • Obstetrics and neonates.
  • Infants and children.
  • Geriatrics.
  • Patients with special needs.
  • Domestic violence and sexual.
  • Disaster management.
  • Discuss primary and preventative health in both self and others and the role of the ECA in Primary Health Care.
  • Discuss the concepts of pharmacology and pharmacodynamics in relation to the drugs that the ECA is allowed to administer.
  • Discuss the principles of psychology and sociology.
  • Apply all clinical skills within the ECA scope of practice.
  • Describe and apply the systematic and structured approach to patient care.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Conduct clinical assessment and decision-making skills under stress.
  • Analyse and apply the principles of emergency medical care in the pre-hospital environment.
  • Explore and apply the principles of emergency medical care in the in-hospital environment.
  • Perform patient handover and medical record management in line with appropriate protocols and procedures.
  • Use the vehicle and equipment with care.
  • Conduct self-assessment and reflect on personal clinical competence to improve patient care. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    International comparison is a challenge since the terms used for the different levels of Emergency Medical Service (EMS) training differ amongst the different countries. What has emerged globally, however, is the need for emergency care workers with formal education and a system that provides for academic growth and advancement. This has led to the development of the 3-tiered educational framework for EMS in South Africa.

    Most countries have a three- or four-tiered system of training for EMS providers. Most countries have an entry-level qualification that can secure employment within an Emergency Medical Service although the scope of practice is not necessarily the same.

    Country: United States of America
    Institution: Portland Community College
    Qualification Title: Certificate in Emergency Medical Services
    Credits: 54
    Duration: 1-year full time
    Entry Requirements:
  • High school diploma or equivalent.

    Purpose:
    This qualification also serves as an entry-level qualification for employment in the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) field. This qualification is designed to instruct learners at the level of Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). The EMT serves as a vital member of the healthcare team. EMTs learn skills that can save lives and limit debilitating injuries in emergencies. On successful completion of the qualification, learners are eligible to apply to sit for the NREMT certification exams. After passing those, learners can apply for an Oregon EMT license. This qualification is for those with an Oregon EMT license who want to take the NREMT Paramedic exam.

    Learners are not certified until they complete all requirements of the Oregon Health Authority and National Registry of EMTs.
    The qualification is intended for learners wanting to continue their emergency services education following completion of the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) courses EMS 105 and EMS 106.
    Upon successful completion of the qualification, learners will be able to:

    Apply emergency medical technician industry standards in the areas of emergency medical services operations, trauma, general medical emergencies, airway management, and cardiac care.
    Use medical communication effectively.
    Develop professional client relationships.
    Practice ethical and professional medical standards.
    Perform basic life support safely in diverse conditions.

    Qualification structure:
  • Introduction to Emergency Medical Services, 2 Credits.
  • EMT Part I, 6 Credits.
  • Medical Terminology, 4 Credits.
  • Introductory Algebra, 4 Credits.
  • College Composition (or higher), 4 Credits.
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology I, 4 Credits.
  • EMT Part II, 6 Credits.
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology II, 4 Credits.
  • Public Speaking, 3 Credits.
  • Crisis Intervention, 3 Credits.
  • Psychology and Human Relations, 3 Credits.
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology III, 4 Credits.
  • Emergency Response Patient Transportation, 1 Credit.
  • Health and Fitness for Life and Health and Fitness for Life Lab, 3 Credits.
    Total Credits: 54

    Similarities:
  • The Portland Community College (PCC) and the South African (SA) qualifications take one-year full-time study.
  • Both qualifications will provide an entry-level qualification into the emergency care profession.
    The following PPC compulsory modules are comparable to the SA qualification.
  • Introduction to Emergency Medical Services compares with Foundations of Professional Practice.
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology I, II and III compares with Anatomy and Physiology.
  • Emergency Medical Services Rescue compares with Emergency Medical Care.
  • Psychology and Human Relations compare with Mental Health and Wellness.
  • Health and Fitness for Life and Health and Fitness for Life Lab compares with Mental Health and Wellness

    Differences:
  • The SA qualification has 125 credits whereas the PCC qualification has 54 credits.
  • The PCC qualification requires a high school diploma or equivalent for entry requirements while the SA qualification requires applicants who completed high school qualification with a Higher Certificate endorsement and not a Diploma.

    Country: Botswana
    Institution: Boitekanelo College
    Qualification Title: Certificate in Emergency Medical Care
    Duration: One-year Full time

    Entry Requirements:
  • Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) or equivalent with a minimum of 30 points with at least a D/E in Mathematics, English and DD/EE in Double.
    Or
  • 2 years relevant, current health work experience or a recommendation letter.

    Purpose:
    Emergency Health Care is designed to train learners as Paramedics who would be expected to assess and recognize medical, traumatic, emotional, and psychological emergencies and render emergency health care through advanced life support care in a wide variety of environmental conditions.

    Employment Opportunities include:
  • Fire Services.
  • Hospitals.
  • Trauma Centres.
  • Local Authorities.
  • Armed forces.
  • Public and Private Emergency Services.

    Similarities:
  • The Boitekanelo College (BC) and the South African (SA) qualifications take one year of full-time study.
  • The BC and SA qualifications require applicants who completed secondary school qualifications.
  • Both qualifications consist of compulsory modules.

    The following BC compulsory modules are comparable to the SA qualification.
  • Fundamentals of Emergency Medical Care compares with Foundations of Professional Practice.
  • Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology compares with Anatomy and Physiology.
  • Primary Health Care compares with Anatomy and Physiology and Emergency Medical Care.
  • Organisational Behaviour compares with Anatomy and Physiology.
  • Basic Computer Applications compares with End User Computing.
  • Clinical Practice compares with Clinical Practice.

    Differences:
  • Communications and Study Skills.
  • Emergency Communications Systems.
  • Health Law and Ethics.

    Country: New Zealand
    Institution: New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology
    Qualification Title: Diploma in Ambulance Practice
    NQF Level: NZQF Level 5
    Credits: 120 Credits
    Duration: One year, full-time

    Entry requirements
  • New Zealand Certificate in Emergency Care (Level 3); evidence of suitability based on an interview, health screening as required, safety check and referee reports and 18 years of age before commencing practical placement.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The New Zealand Diploma in Ambulance Practice (Level 5) is a one-year equivalent distance qualification held over 18 months with onsite block courses and is designed for learners who hold the First Responder NZCEC qualification. Learners must already hold a position as a First Responder and will need to provide a letter of support confirming their access to clinical placements, including on a front-line emergency ambulance.

    This qualification will provide graduates with the knowledge, skills and professional behaviours required to practise in and out of-hospital emergencies and other community settings. The qualification delivery is based on principles that respect the rights and individuality of the patient, are based on the best evidence, and meet legislative requirements in New Zealand. The course is offered part-time for over 18 months through a blended delivery model.

    This qualification prepares graduates with the skills, knowledge, and attitudes to:
  • Apply functional knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology for a range of commonly seen medical and trauma conditions to improve patient outcomes in an ambulance context.
  • Perform differential diagnoses and determine patient acuity using knowledge of structured, focused patient assessment techniques to improve patient outcomes in an ambulance context.
  • Manage and treat patients using knowledge of structured and focused patient assessment techniques to improve patient outcomes in an ambulance context.
  • Provide competent out-of-hospital care incorporating safe, legal, ethical, and culturally safe practices to improve patient outcomes in an ambulance context.
  • Communicate appropriately with stakeholders, including patients, whanau, health care providers and other emergency services, using speaking, listening, and writing skills to improve patient outcomes in an ambulance context.

    Similarities:
  • The New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (NZIST) and the South African qualifications take one-year full-time study.
  • The NZIST and SA qualifications are registered at NQF/NZQF Level 5 with 120 credits.
  • Both qualifications cover the knowledge and skills required for practice as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and/or Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
  • Both qualifications develop the same graduate attributes.
  • The qualifying learner is eligible for registration with the HPCSA as an Emergency Care Assistant (ECA) in the SA qualification and the NZIST graduates will have the skills needed for clinical assessment and patient management aligned with the recognised Authority to Practice (ATP) for an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in New Zealand.

    Differences:
    The NZIST qualification requires applicants who hold the New Zealand Certificate in Emergency Care Level 3 while the SA qualification requires applicants who completed the secondary school qualification or equivalent. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Higher Certificate in Dental Assistance, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Nursing, NQF Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Certificate in Medical Rescue, NQF Level 6
  • Diploma in Emergency Medical Care, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Emergency Care, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Nursing, NQF Level 8,
  • Bachelor Degree: Emergency Medical Care, NQF Level 8
  • Bachelor of Health Sciences in Emergency Medical Care, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    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. Kwa-Zulu Natal College of Emergency Care 


    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.