Working Life

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) is the entry-level employment role within the national ambulance service.

EMTs are only authorised to work on non-emergency ambulances. This is because the official requirement for emergency calls is a minimum two-paramedic crew.

EMTs are a vital part of the voluntary and auxiliary services where an emergency practitioner must be on board any ambulance transporting a patient to hospital.

Role of the EMT

The Emergency Medical Technicians, or EMT, post is designed to provide a comprehensive and dedicated Patient Transport/Intermediate Care Service within the National Ambulance Service.

In this role, the primary purpose will be:

• As the primary resource to low acuity calls not appropriate to Paramedic service provision, i.e. Omega Calls
• Attend a First Responder in advance of EMS resources
• Work Simultaneously and alongside an EMS resource as additional responders/practitioners, e.g. Cardiac Arrest
• In any role deemed appropriate during a Major Emergency.

Emergency Medical Technicians may be tasked occasionally to higher acuity calls.

The Emergency Medical Technician post is designed to provide a comprehensive and dedicated Patient Transport / Intermediate Care Service within the National Ambulance Service. An Emergency Medical Technician can also be sent to lower grade level emergency calls (Omega, Alpha, Bravo calls).

The National Ambulance Service operates a fleet of intermediate care ambulances that serve the purpose of inter-facility transfers between hospitals as well as facilitating hospital discharges.

Intermediate Care Operative (Emergency Medical Technicians) are required who are already qualified and certified by the Pre Hospital Emergency Care Council. They are provided with driver training and induction by the NAS College post recruitment.

The role and purpose of the National Ambulance Service (NAS) is to provide a clinically appropriate and timely pre-hospital patient care and transportation service.

Pre-hospital emergency care and transportation services are provided as an integral part of a continuum of care for patients / clients, and there is a requirement to work in partnership with other health care providers in both Scheduled and Unscheduled Healthcare Services.

The Intermediate Care Operative (Emergency Medical Technician) post is designed to provide a comprehensive and dedicated Patient Transport/Intermediate Care Service within the National Ambulance Service.

Emergency Medical Technicians may be tasked occasionally to higher acuity calls.

In this role, the primary purpose will be:

• In advance of an Emergency Medical Service (EMS) resource as a First Responder Simultaneously, alongside an EMS resource as additional responders/practitioners, e.g. Cardiac Arrest.

• As the primary resource to low acuity calls not appropriate to Paramedic service provision, i.e. Omega Calls.

• In any role deemed appropriate during a Major Emergency.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

In order to gain entry into this profession you must:

• Be in possession of a National Qualification in Emergency Medical Technology.
• Hold a Pre Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) EMT Practitioners licence.
  A list of these approved courses is available here    
• Be the holder of a full – unendorsed Class C1 Driving Licence on application.

Additional information on the profession can be found on the National Ambulance Service     website. 

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €39k - €51k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

See HSE pay scales for more details on salary scales.

Data Source(s):
HSE

Last Updated: July, 2025

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Medical practitioners.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2024).

The annual average employment growth for medical practitioners was below average over the five-year period, with marginal increases in employment between 2022 and 2023. The share of females in employment was slightly above average as was the number of non-Irish citizens. Employment permits remain a key source of supply of skills for these roles although the number of new permits issued in 2023 was 500 fewer than in 2022; permits were issued across a range of specialities.

The Recruitment Agency Survey identified issues with sourcing psychiatric registrars/consultants, emergency medicine consultants and locum GPs. In particular, issues with attracting GPs have been highlighted with increased training places and the International Medical Graduate (IMG) scheme being used to alleviate some of the shortfall. Overall supply from the third level education system is set to expand by 200 additional places by 2026 (having commenced in 2022). Given the duration of medical training, however, this increased supply is not expected to have an impact on the labour market in the short-to-medium term.

The increasing demand for medical practitioners due to the roll-out of the Sláintecare Action Plan, the ageing population and the continued tackling of lengthy waiting lists will result in shortages for this occupation persisting.

• HSE Career Hub

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• National Ambulance Service

  • Rivers Building, Tallaght Cross, Tallaght, Dublin 24
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• Health Service Executive (HSE)

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