PARAMEDIC GRADE 1,2,3 &4 (X1 POST)

This vacancy is for a single Paramedic post based at the Estcourt Base within the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) unit of the UThukela District. The role is advertised across four grades, allowing candidates with different levels of experience and qualifications to apply, and the successful appointee will report directly to the EMS shift leader. The core purpose of the position is to provide pre-hospital treatment within the scope of practice of a Critical Care Assistant (CCA), a National Diploma in Emergency Medical Care, or a B Tech Degree in Emergency Medical Care, and to transport patients to appropriate health facilities in order to minimise the loss of life. The incumbent must be able to work effectively under pressure, demonstrate patience, tolerance, empathy and cross-cultural awareness, and maintain strong interpersonal sensitivity while adhering to the code of conduct and all relevant protocols.

Applicants must meet the requirements for one of the four grades. For Grade 1, a CCA qualification with current registration with the HPCSA as a Paramedic is required, along with a valid driver’s licence code C1 (code 10) with a PrDP. Grade 2 requires either a CCA qualification with at least seven years of experience after HPCSA registration, or a National Diploma in Emergency Medical Care with HPCSA registration as a Paramedic, in both cases with current registration and the same driver’s licence requirements. Grade 3 requires a CCA qualification with a minimum of fourteen years of experience after registration, or a National Diploma with seven years of experience after registration, or a B Tech Degree in Emergency Medical Care with HPCSA registration as an Emergency Care Practitioner, again with current registration and the appropriate driver’s licence. Grade 4 is the most senior level, requiring a CCA qualification with twenty-four years of experience, or a National Diploma with seventeen years of experience, or a B Tech Degree with ten years of experience after registration as an ECP. All grades require current HPCSA registration and a valid code C1 driver’s licence with PrDP.

The duties of the post are broad and clinically focused. The paramedic will provide Advanced Life Support and advanced medical services across the district and sub-district, respond to emergency calls, and assist with community awareness programmes. The role also includes conducting the Hepatitis B treatment programme for staff and monitoring its progress, lecturing on patient management, and demonstrating the use of equipment to internal operational staff, other health sector workers and the public. The incumbent will assist Emergency Care Officers with red-code emergency calls and critical patients, participate in quality assurance projects, and control, issue and check drugs while maintaining proper registers. Additional responsibilities include washing, cleaning and disinfecting vehicles and equipment, keeping the unit in good working order, conducting proper shift handovers, reporting discrepancies to the shift leader, maintaining accurate records, and abiding by all standard operating procedures.

Candidates should note that this is a government post with a structured salary package that includes a 13th cheque, medical aid (optional) and a housing allowance subject to prescribed requirements. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The appointment is subject to a positive outcome from the National Intelligence Agency checks, including security clearance, credit records, qualification verification, citizenship and previous employment verification. Only shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of qualifications and other documents, and correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates due to the large number of applications expected. Applicants must complete the prescribed Z83 application form and submit a detailed CV, and must quote the reference number as indicated in the advertisement. Due to financial constraints, no S&T claims will be considered for those attending interviews. Enquiries may be directed to the contact person listed in the full advertisement.