Concern at proposal for EMS workers

EASTERN Cape emergency healthcare trainers are up in arms about Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi's intention to see only those in possession of a Bachelor's degree in Emergency Medical Care registered as paramedics.

Not only do training centres face closure from next year if this is gazetted, but the plan could see thousands of existing emergency medical services staff deemed under-qualified despite being registered as emergency workers with the Health Professions Council of SA (HPCSA).

Emergency medical services (EMS) training centres can submit comments, in writing, on the proposed amendment until the end of April. The centres say they were told their short courses were not aligned to the national qualifications framework (NQF) and that this was the last year they could offer the courses.