Defence Forces medical capability encompasses a broad range of disciplines, including doctors (Medical Officers), dentists, physiotherapists, pharmacists and psychologists. Pre-hospital practitioners such as Paramedics and Advanced Paramedics are an integral and essential part of the service delivery component of the Medical Corps, and serve at home and abroad in medical appointments. By definition they are Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) -registered and must comply with specific requirements (i.e. currency in Clinical Practice Guidelines and adequate clinical exposure to maintain their skills) before being granted Practice Privileges by the Director of Medical Branch to act on behalf of the Defence Forces.
I am informed that the Defence Forces is currently unaware of any issues with the recognition of prior service of any licensed paramedic who has made the move to HSE or the National Ambulance Service after retiring from the Defence Forces. I am further informed that any requirements for a PHECC practitioner to work with the HSE and/or the National Ambulance Service is a matter for those bodies to determine. The Defence Forces does not have any arrangements in place in this regard with either organisation.
