Program Overview

Advanced Certificate in Medical Rescue

The Advanced Certificate in Medical Rescue is a qualification designed to equip graduates with the required knowledge, skills, and attributes to function as Medical Rescue Technicians. This program is offered by the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Johannesburg.

Purpose

The purpose of this program is to provide students with the technical and cognitive ability necessary to operate at urban, rural, and aquatic rescue incidents. Medical Rescue Technicians will promote a multi-disciplinary approach to effective, efficient rescue techniques with the patients' needs being central to the rescue operation.

Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Articulate a meaningful understanding of the over-arching principles and generic phases of a rescue, including the role and function of rescue personnel, rescue services, incident command systems, and applicable legislation within the South African context.
• Apply the principles and theories of basic sciences underpinning rescue activities.
• Conduct operational routines, including the identification, inspection, preparation, operation, maintenance, and storage of equipment, vehicles, and other resources required to provide safe and effective rescue services.
• Demonstrate appropriate levels of physical fitness, emotional stability, endurance, teamwork, and leadership required for the effective rendering of rescue in austere environments.
• Demonstrate the ability to safely construct and operate rope rescue systems used to access, package, treat, and extricate victims in a range of contexts, including urban, rural, industrial, wilderness, and aquatic settings.
• Perform and participate in search and rescue activities within a range of contexts, including urban, rural, industrial, wilderness, and aquatic settings.

Rules of Access and Admission Requirements

This qualification is for individuals who are already registered as healthcare professionals. Applicants will be required to provide proof that they are registered with the Health Professions Council (HPCSA) of South Africa or a similar registering authority in the case of international applicants. In addition, applicants must hold an applicable recognized NQF level 5 or other higher education qualification in emergency medical care that facilitates their articulation and access into the Advanced Certificate in Medical Rescue. Applicants may enter the program using the University's RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) criteria.

Selection Criteria

To register for the qualification, the candidate must meet or exceed all the requirements indicated below:

• The applicant with a Senior Certificate (prior to 2009) with University exemption, or its equivalent (NQF Level 4), as determined with an M-Score of 10 and at least a minimum of an E symbol on Higher Grade or a D symbol on Standard Grade pass for the following subjects:
  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Biology/Physiology or
  • Physical Science
• The applicant with a National Senior Certificate with a Diploma endorsement must have the following subjects and rating codes:
  • Language of teaching and Learning (English): 4
  • Mathematics: 4
  • Mathematical Literacy: Not Accepted
  • Physical Sciences: 4
  • Life Sciences: 4
• In addition to the above, applicants must undergo:
  • A structured interview
  • A South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Class II Cabin Crew Medical Assessment (or equivalent)
  • A physical fitness assessment (including swimming proficiency)
  • Acrophobia and claustrophobia testing
  • An English language proficiency assessment prior to registration

Pass Requirements

1. Students must pass all components of the module(s) to obtain credit for the module(s).
2. Students may graduate once they have passed all of the modules.
3. The Physical Preparedness module will be considered a co-requisite for any registered student, regardless of having passed the module in the prior academic semester or year.
4. Students must pass a minimum of 50% of the modules to qualify for readmission to the program.
5. Students may not register for the same module for a third time without permission from the Head of Department and Executive Dean of the Faculty.
6. A range of assessment strategies and weightings, as laid out in the relevant module's learning guide, explains the continuous assessment criteria specified for promotion to the next year of study.

Program Details

• Mode of Offering: Contact One Year Programme
• Duration of Programme: Offered Part-Time: Minimum 2 years and Maximum 3 years
• NQF Level 6, 147 Credits

Conclusion

The Advanced Certificate in Medical Rescue is a comprehensive program designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and attributes necessary to function as Medical Rescue Technicians. The program covers a range of topics, including the principles and generic phases of a rescue, basic sciences underpinning rescue activities, operational routines, and physical fitness requirements. Upon completion of the program, students will be able to demonstrate a meaningful understanding of the over-arching principles and generic phases of a rescue and apply the principles and theories of basic sciences underpinning rescue activities.