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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: |
| Diploma in Emergency Medical Care |
| SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
| 97781 | Diploma in Emergency Medical Care | |||
| ORIGINATOR | ||||
| University of Johannesburg | ||||
| PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY | NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK | |||
| CHE - Council on Higher Education | HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework | |||
| QUALIFICATION TYPE | FIELD | SUBFIELD | ||
| Diploma (Min 240) | Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services | Curative Health | ||
| ABET BAND | MINIMUM CREDITS | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | QUAL CLASS |
| Undefined | 252 | Not Applicable | NQF Level 06 | Regular-Provider-ELOAC |
| REGISTRATION STATUS | SAQA DECISION NUMBER | REGISTRATION START DATE | REGISTRATION END DATE | |
| Registered-data under construction | EXCO 0324/24 | 2024-07-01 | 2027-06-30 | |
| LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT | LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT | |||
| 2028-06-30 | 2032-06-30 | |||
Registered-data under construction The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered. |
| 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. |
| PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION |
| Purpose:
This qualification is a mid - level health worker qualification and recognises the key competences required of Emergency Care Technicians (ECTs) who are able to work both independently and under supervision in a variety of contexts. This qualification will be particularly useful in assisting learners after completion to be able to: Rationale: This qualification is designed to produce a mid - level health worker who is able to provide emergency care services primarily within South Africa, in contexts that range from rural disadvantaged communities to sophisticated, highly developed urban areas. In addition, this qualification aims to produce a competent mid - level health worker who will take cognisance of South African history and be able to adapt to the unique circumstances of a changing South Africa with emphasis on equity in health care and reduction of burden of disease. The Diploma in Emergency Medical Care defines the competences needed by the Emergency Care Technician (ECT). The qualification also provides the necessary foundational knowledge, skills and insights needed to form a platform for further study in the field of Emergency Care. The qualification is thus designed to enable learners to pursue further personal and professional development and to promote life-long learning. The Minister of Higher Education and Training in the green paper acknowledges a criticism of the old HEQF has been the absence of a two - year Diploma and that diplomas such as this are strongly advocated by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and its boards. Therefore the introduction of this two-year mid - level health worker qualification in Emergency Care Technology may be seen as a response to changed requirements at national level with regard to Higher Education qualifications for the health sector. In support of the imperatives of the National Department of Health, the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) determine standards of professional education and training, and set and maintain excellent standards of ethical and professional practice. The HPCSA is the legislated registering body for health professionals, review of health care qualifications with a view to ensuring their compliance with national requirements. Regulations relating to the qualification have already been promulgated and registers for the registration of graduates from this 2 year mid - level worker qualification and the 4-year professional Degree for Emergency Care have been opened at the HPCSA. Learners who exit the old National Diploma and Bachelor of Technology in Emergency Medical Care - boast a 100% employment rate, partly due to the national and international need for Emergency Care practitioners. The intended phasing out of short course training and introduction of this qualification by National Health and the HPCSA will ensure a sustained demand for suitably qualified practitioners in both the medium and long term. Benefit to individual holders of the qualification: This qualification provides an entry point for persons wishing to embark on a career in the emergency care profession. The qualification also serves as a vehicle for self - development of persons already working in the emergency services sector who wish to improve their qualifications as well as those who may not hold NQF aligned qualifications. The qualification provides for holistic development of individuals whilst providing them with the competencies required to functioning independently and as a member of the emergency care team. Benefit to the profession: This qualification is of benefit to the emergency and health care profession in that it: In addition, employers of Emergency Care Technician graduates will benefit through enhanced efficiency, effectiveness and productivity. Benefit to society: The key benefits to society are: The qualification provides a step towards world-leading practice in EMS. |
| LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
| Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Recognition of prior learning (RPL) will take place in the context of institutional and faculty policies. Previous clinical learning experience will also be considered for RPL provided that it will not have a negative impact on academic standards or the quality of qualification delivery. The Faculty has, for example, admitted mature paramedics with recognised/acknowledged expertise even if they might not have met all the academic criteria for admission. Should this be possible within the parameters of existing RPL policies this kind of procedure will be continued on a case by case basis. RPL will be managed on an individual basis and via the submission of a portfolio and in compliance with the PRL policy of the Institution. RPL holders of short course emergency care qualifications may receive recognition for prior learning where applicable. Entry Requirements: The minimum admission requirement is: Or Or |
| RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
| Y |
| QUALIFICATION RULES |
| This qualification comprises compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5 and 6 totalling 252 Credits.
Modules at NQF Level 5 (132 Credits): Modules at NQF Level 6 (120 Credits): |
| EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
| 1. Articulate an understanding of the South African Health Care system including the role and placement of the emergency services within the broader health sector.
2. Apply the principles of occupational health and wellness including the identification and management of stress and burnout in oneself and others. 3. Apply knowledge and understanding of human anatomy relevant to ECTs. 4. Apply an understanding of physiology and bioprocesses relevant to ECTs. 5. Apply the principles and theories of basic health sciences underpinning emergency care to the provision of emergency care and rescue. 6. Care for and operate equipment and resources required to render emergency care and rescue within the ECT scope of practice. 7. Perform appropriate clinical assessment and diagnostics skills. 8. Integrate and apply knowledge and understanding of pathology to make informed decisions and clinical judgments in relating to treatment. 9. Perform clinical, procedures, skills and treatment interventions within the ECT scope of practice. 10. Document and communicate clinical information and patient care records. |
| ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
| Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: > The nervous system. > The cardiovascular system. > The lymphatic system and immunity. > The respiratory system. > The digestive system. > The reproductive system. > The integumentary system. > The muscular - skeletal system. > The urinary system. > Gross Classification System of applicable micro - organisms. > Modes of transmission. > Applied basic hygiene and protective measures. > How micro - organisms are destroyed. > Infection control measures, including basic elements of Epidemiology. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5: > Foundational chemistry (matter, atomic structure and chemical bonding). > Chemical equations and reactions. > Acids, bases and salts. > Radioactivity. > Properties of specific gases. > Water and solutions. > Organic chemistry. > Biochemistry. > Basic measurement. > Mechanics. > Fluids. > Heat. > Electricity and magnetism. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9: > Mechanisms of drug action. > Pharmacokinetics. > Routes of drug administration. > Drug interactions and adverse drug reactions. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10: Integrated Assessment: Assessment is an integral part of the teaching and learning process and is systematically and purposefully used to generate data for grading, ranking, selecting and predicting, but also to provide timely feedback on learner performance that should inform teaching methods and curriculum design. Assessments are informed by module outcomes as well as by the nature of the knowledge area or skills that are being assessed, e.g. written tests to assess cognitive processes/skills and/or knowledge of theory and OSCE or simulations to assess psychomotor and/or clinical skills. Learner's progress is monitored by means of continuous assessment and their performance assessed at various formative points in the qualification. In the case of continuous assessments, rules are in place regarding eligibility for supplementary assessments in the case of learners not passing one of the formative assessments. For summative assessment, especially where more than one marker is involved, internal moderation checks are undertaken to ensure the reliability of the assessment procedures. |
| INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
| Comparison with US qualifications:
This qualification was compared against the United States qualifications for an EMT - Paramedic which are established by United States Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The USA has been a world leader in establishing EMT standards since The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) assumed responsibility for the development of training courses that are responsive to the standards established by the Highway Safety Act of 1966 (amended). These training courses are designed to provide national guidelines for training. NHTSA's intention is that they be of the highest quality and be maintained in a current and up - to - date status from the point of view of both technical content and instructional strategy. The EMT-Paramedic: National Standard Curriculum represents the highest level of education in EMS pre-hospital training. The US EMT-Paramedic certificate course typically is a 1000 - 1200 hour course. Learners follow the one - year paramedic program, which consists of classroom instruction, clinical, field, and skills training. Successful completion of the program prepares learners to take the National Registry EMT-P certification examination. Several vocational, technical, and Junior colleges offer a 2 year Associate's of Applied Science Degree, Emergency Management Services (AAS, EMS) requiring approximately 70 - 75 semester hours of study. These qualifications prepare learners for certification as a paramedic and further provide them with the background to manage and supervise emergency medical first responder units in support of fire departments, ambulance companies and other first responder agencies. In addition to EMT courses learners also take courses such as: Other institutions in the USA offer medical qualifications such as the 4 year Bachelor of Science in Emergency Medical Services (BSEMS). The focus of comparison concentrated at the similar emergency medical services qualification at an equivalent level. The South African National Certificate in Emergency Care Fundamental, Core, and Elective required courses are very similar to a 2 year qualification in the USA. Educational institutions offering an EMT - P certificate in the USA must adhere to the United States Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standards and objectives. The assessment criteria for the different Exit Level Outcomes are very similar to the objectives stated in the USA's National Curriculum for EMT-P qualifications. The United States Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that a paramedic qualification should consist of four components of instruction: didactic instruction, skills laboratory, clinical education, and field internship. The first three typically occur concurrently, and the field internship serves as a verification that the learner is serving as a competent, entry level practitioner. The South African qualification has the same components as the USA's National Curriculum for EMT - P qualifications such as: Preparatory: Airway management and ventilation medical: Patient assessment: Trauma: Special considerations: Assessment based management: Operations: Clinical/field requirements: Objectives for the USA's National Curriculum: EMT - P programmes are available. In the United States, EMT - P certificate, associate, and Bachelor Degree learners are not required to study "how to provide emergency care within a military environment". However this is an elective within the South African qualification and training is provided specifically by the military to military personnel. EMT training in a country similar in socio-economy to SA:Senegal has no on-going EMT - P training programme remotely close to the South African qualification. Medical training for ambulance personnel is similar to EMT - B standards but there are no national standards for training throughout the country. Individuals in communities away from the major cities such as Dakar receive very little training. The qualification is also compared to the training offered to the United Arab Emirates by different governmental agencies contracted with companies from different countries such as the USA, Germany, Canada, UK, Australia, and Saudi Arabia. Conclusion: The Diploma in Emergency Medical Care compares favourably with world's best practice as represented by the United States qualifications, while leading the way on the African continent for establishing standards for the equivalent of a mid - level worker. |
| ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
| Learner mobility vertical and horizontal articulation within the field of Health Sciences and Emergency Services is possible.
Further Horizontal articulation is limited to health science - related Credits in common with other health-related fields: Vertical articulation: |
| 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. | University of Johannesburg |
| 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. |