Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care

Purpose

The purpose of the Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care is to provide qualifying learners with the necessary knowledge, clinical skills and problem-solving abilities required in the field of pre-hospital emergency care within the South African context. The qualification will enable qualifying learners to register as emergency care assistants with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and thus integrate the acquired cognitive knowledge and clinical skills into their work environment. The qualification will be conducted over one year and will be aligned to the scope of practice as laid out by the HPCSA, which will cover several clinical skills similar to those of the previous intermediate life-support certificate but with a few more clinical additions; however, this is still regarded as the entry level qualification of the three-tier system. The scope will, however, differ from that of the Diploma in Emergency Medical Care, which is a mid-level scope of practice.

The main purpose of this qualification is to address the previous issue of non-accredited emergency care qualifications, such as the Basic Ambulance Assistant certificate. It will enable the large number of practitioners who hold this training course an opportunity to obtain a Higher Education qualification, which will allow them to also progress to further higher education qualifications. With all short-course training having been discontinued, this qualification will serve as the entry-level qualification for those who wish to study emergency medical care but do not wish to enter the four-year Bachelor's degree.

The introduction of this qualification will result in numerous benefits for the South African community. It will produce more emergency care providers who are suitably qualified to address the current shortage as identified by the HPCSA, ensuring that patients are served by competent practitioners.

Upon completion of the qualification, a qualified learner will be able to

• Communicate effectively in the form of oral, written and electronic media to ensure the effective and appropriate flow of information needed for quality emergency care.
• Explain the structure and function of Emergency Medical Service (EMS) systems in South Africa.
• Describe the principles of medical ethics, professional behaviour and the legal framework within which the emergency care provider operates.
• Establish health, wellness and safety for self and others in a simulated and clinical environment.
• Explain human anatomy, physiology and bioprocesses of clinical emergency medical care in simulated or clinical scenarios.
• Relate the principles of fundamental integrated sciences that underpin emergency care practices in a clinical simulation/environment.
• Apply fundamental thinking to various simulated or clinical scenarios and clinical decision-making at an emergency care assistant level and scope of practice, either under direct or indirect supervision within the EMS environment.

Rationale

The World Health Organization (WHO) identified the severity of the worldwide shortage of health care professionals. The international experience suggests that the assistant health workers have played an integral role in addressing human resource shortages and improving health care access and equity, especially in low- and middle-income countries, such as South Africa. A review of entry-level health workers found that they are a worldwide phenomenon, playing a variety of roles in both developed and developing countries. This forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen district health systems and extend health care coverage.

The South African context is different and somewhat unique in that the emergency care profession has largely moved from a doctor-driven system towards a separate autonomous profession. This is evidenced by the fact that paramedics register with the HPCSA as independent practitioners, the same as doctors, and they are answerable to a separate and autonomous professional board.

The HPCSA and the National Department of Health have since finalized the discontinuation of short-course training for emergency care providers throughout the country. Most emergency care training was presented utilizing the short course approach. The HPCSA recognised that the short course qualification failed to produce emergency care providers who were properly trained. Most of the current workforce within the emergency care profession does not have a formal qualification, which is in line with the NQF structure.

The Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care is an entry-level qualification, aligned with the NQF structure (NQF 5, 120 credits), designed to produce entry-level emergency care providers who are clinical practitioners within the emergency medical care environment and will allow entry-level entry into emergency medical services, which is in line with the NECET policy.

Learners who exit this qualification boast a full employment rate, partly due to the provincial and national need for Emergency Care Assistants. This dire need has been strongly emphasized by the Eastern Cape Department of Health.

This qualification will foster mutually beneficial relationships with other training institutions that wish to offer this qualification as agents of the institution, and in doing so will contribute to the financial growth and long-term sustainability of the institution. By providing this qualification, the institution will support the National Department of Health's vision to improve health care by addressing the shortage of Emergency Care Providers currently experienced within the country.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy of the institution will be adhered to in terms of procedural steps and reporting outcomes. The purpose of this RPL process is to widen access to the qualification.

RPL for access

Applicants who do not meet the formal admission requirements may be considered for access if they are in possession of an Emergency Care-related short course with at least two years of clinical experience.

Applicants may also be considered if they complete a portfolio of evidence based on a pre-defined number of reflective patient management cases undertaken by the applicant, a current competency assessment and or an interview with the departmental panel.

RPL for credits

Learners who enrol for this qualification can obtain credits on a course-for-course basis for modules based on the assessment of courses with similar outcomes and the same credits previously obtained at another institution for a particular course that is not older than 8 years.

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.

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

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 5, 132 Credits

• Foundations of Professional Practice, 10 Credits
• Human Anatomy and Physiology, 24 Credits
• Chemistry I, 10 Credits
• Physics I, 10 Credits
• Emergency Medical Care, 24 Credits
• Clinical Practice, 24 Credits
• Academic Writing, 10 Credits
• Computer Literacy, 10 Credits
• Mental Health and Wellness, 10 Credits

1. Communicate effectively in the form of oral, written and electronic media to ensure the effective and appropriate flow of information needed for quality emergency care.
2. Explain the structure and function of Emergency Medical Service (EMS) systems in South Africa.
3. Describe the principles of medical ethics, professional behaviour and the legal framework within which the emergency care provider operates.
4. Establish health, wellness and safety for self and others in a simulated and clinical environment.
5. Explain human anatomy, physiology and bioprocesses of clinical emergency medical care in simulated or clinical scenarios.
6. Relate the principles of fundamental integrated sciences that underpin emergency care practices in a clinical simulation/environment.
7. Apply fundamental thinking to various simulated or clinical scenarios and clinical decision-making at an emergency care assistant level and scope of practice, either under direct or indirect supervision within the EMS environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Demonstrate the ability to make use of various modalities of communication, including digital and electronic media.
• Engage in personal interactions with patients and colleagues appropriately, effectively, and clearly, with due respect.
• Maintain confidentiality of patient information in all forms of communication.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Adhere to the regulations of the pre-hospital emergency care profession in South Africa.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the EMS healthcare structure in South Africa.
• Describe the historical development and evolution of EMS in South Africa.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Demonstrate an understanding of ethical concepts of professionalism, focusing on patient- and peer interactions.
• Adhere to the scope of practice and related clinical interactions aligned to the HPCSA in the clinical setting.
• Apply fundamental ethical principles to simulated clinical cases.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Maintain operational fitness through exercise.
• Utilise resources and equipment to perform operational duties.
• Describe the anatomical structures and physiological functions within the body.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Demonstrate the ability to integrate anatomy, physiology and pathology into patient management.
• Identify and interpret pathophysiological changes in emergency scenarios.
• Explain bioprocesses such as oxygen transport and metabolism and link to emergency medical interventions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Describe key principles of the life processes of living organisms.
• Apply the basic principles of natural sciences in the practice of emergency care.
• Explain basic pharmacological principles.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Demonstrate the basic principles of health and well-being as well as the roles and responsibilities of emergency care assistants.
• Apply the basic concepts of effective patient assessment and management to medical and trauma patients.
• Demonstrate the ability to seek supervision and feedback and recognize limitations of knowledge or scope.