Emergency medical services are the frontline of healthcare. When someone calls for help, paramedics are the first to arrive, providing life-saving care in the most critical moments. It is a demanding, high-pressure career, but also one of the most rewarding.
ER24 is one of South Africa’s leading private emergency medical services providers. They offer training programmes for those wishing to enter the field, from basic first aid to advanced life support paramedic qualifications. Training with ER24 offers the advantage of learning from experienced professionals within a major EMS operation.
This guide covers everything you need to know about ER24 paramedic courses, including fees, entry requirements, available programmes, and the application process.
ER24 Paramedic Course Fees, Requirements And More: Complete Guide
About ER24
ER24 is a private emergency medical services provider operating throughout South Africa and in other African countries. They are known for their rapid response, modern fleet, and highly trained personnel. ER24 also has a training academy that offers accredited qualifications in emergency medical care.
Accreditations:
Health Professions Council of South Africa accreditation for training programmes.
Department of Health registration.
Quality Council for Trades and Occupations accreditation for relevant qualifications.
Training with ER24 combines theoretical learning with extensive practical experience within a working EMS environment.
Quick Reference: ER24 Paramedic Courses (2026)
| Programme | NQF Level | Duration | HPCSA Registration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Ambulance Assistant (BAA) | NQF 3 | 3 – 4 weeks | Yes |
| Ambulance Emergency Assistant (AEA) | NQF 4 | 5 – 6 months | Yes |
| Intermediate Life Support (ILS) | NQF 5 | 1 year | Yes |
| Bachelor of Health Sciences in Emergency Medical Care | NQF 7 | 4 years | Yes |
| Critical Care Assistant (Short Course) | NQF 6 | 6 months | Yes |
| First Aid Level 1, 2, 3 | N/A | 1 – 5 days | No |
Note: Programme availability, structure, and entry requirements may vary. Always confirm with the ER24 Training Academy for the latest details.
Programme 1: Basic Ambulance Assistant
The Basic Ambulance Assistant is the entry-level qualification for emergency medical services. Graduates can provide basic life support and assist higher-qualified personnel.
NQF Level: 3
Duration: 3 to 4 weeks full-time
HPCSA Registration: Yes, as a Basic Ambulance Assistant.
Curriculum:
Anatomy and physiology.
Basic life support and CPR.
Patient assessment.
Obstetric emergencies.
Trauma management.
Medical emergencies.
Ambulance operations.
Clinical Practice:
Supervised practical sessions and ambulance shifts.
Entry Requirements:
Grade 10 or equivalent (Grade 12 preferred).
Valid South African ID.
Medical fitness (physical and psychological).
No criminal record.
Good communication skills in English.
Career Outcomes:
Work on ambulances as part of a crew.
Assist paramedics at emergency scenes.
Transfer patients between facilities.
Programme 2: Ambulance Emergency Assistant
The Ambulance Emergency Assistant qualification builds on the BAA level. Graduates can provide intermediate life support, including intravenous access and drug administration.
NQF Level: 4
Duration: 5 to 6 months full-time
HPCSA Registration: Yes, as an Ambulance Emergency Assistant.
Curriculum:
Advanced anatomy and physiology.
Intermediate life support techniques.
IV therapy and fluid administration.
Administration of selected medications.
Advanced airway management.
Trauma and medical emergency management.
Paediatric and obstetric emergencies.
Clinical Practice:
Extensive practical training and ambulance placements.
Entry Requirements:
Grade 12 with passes in English and Life Sciences or Biology.
Valid South African ID.
Medical fitness.
No criminal record.
Current BAA qualification is often required for entry into this programme.
Career Outcomes:
Provide intermediate life support on ambulances.
Supervise BAA crew members.
Work in emergency rooms and clinics.
Programme 3: Intermediate Life Support
The Intermediate Life Support programme is a higher-level qualification, equivalent to a diploma. Graduates can provide advanced life support interventions.
NQF Level: 5
Duration: 1 year full-time
HPCSA Registration: Yes, as a Paramedic (Intermediate Life Support).
Curriculum:
Advanced pharmacology.
Advanced airway management including intubation.
Cardiac arrest management.
ECG interpretation.
Trauma and medical emergencies.
Paediatric and neonatal emergencies.
EMS management and operations.
Clinical Practice:
Significant clinical placements in ambulance services and hospitals.
Entry Requirements:
Grade 12 with passes in English and Life Sciences or Biology (minimum 50 percent).
Valid South African ID.
Medical fitness.
No criminal record.
Current AEA qualification may be required.
Career Outcomes:
Lead ambulance crews.
Provide advanced life support.
Work in high-acuity emergency settings.
Supervise lower-qualified staff.
Programme 4: Bachelor of Health Sciences in Emergency Medical Care
This is a professional degree leading to registration as an Emergency Care Practitioner. ECPs are the highest level of pre-hospital care provider, capable of performing advanced medical interventions.
NQF Level: 7
Duration: 4 years full-time (university-based, often in collaboration with EMS providers)
HPCSA Registration: Yes, as an Emergency Care Practitioner.
Curriculum:
Extensive theoretical and practical training.
Advanced life support.
Critical care transport.
Research methodology.
EMS management.
Community paramedicine.
Advanced pharmacology and invasive procedures.
Clinical Practice:
Extensive rotations in ambulance services, hospitals, and specialised units.
Entry Requirements:
National Senior Certificate with bachelor’s degree endorsement.
Strong passes in English, Life Sciences, and Mathematics.
Selection based on academic merit and interviews.
Medical fitness and psychological suitability.
Career Outcomes:
Lead complex emergency responses.
Provide critical care during inter-facility transfers.
Work in specialised rescue units.
Move into management, education, or research.
Programme 5: Critical Care Assistant
The Critical Care Assistant is a short course for qualified paramedics wanting to specialise in inter-facility transfers of critically ill patients.
NQF Level: 6
Duration: 6 months (typically part-time)
HPCSA Registration: Additional registration as Critical Care Assistant.
Curriculum:
Advanced critical care transport principles.
Ventilator management.
Invasive monitoring.
Advanced pharmacology.
Transport of high-risk patients.
Entry Requirements:
Current registration as an ALS paramedic (Intermediate Life Support or ECP).
Clinical experience.
Selection process.
Career Outcomes:
Specialise in critical care transfers.
Work in dedicated critical care transport units.
Programme 6: First Aid Courses
ER24 also offers standard first aid courses for the public and workplace.
First Aid Level 1:
Duration: 1 to 2 days.
Content: Basic first aid, CPR, choking, wounds and bleeding.
Certification: Valid for 3 years.
First Aid Level 2:
Duration: 3 days.
Content: Advanced first aid, fractures, head injuries, poisoning.
Certification: Valid for 3 years.
First Aid Level 3:
Duration: 5 days.
Content: Comprehensive first aid, including advanced life support basics.
Certification: Valid for 3 years.
These courses are ideal for workplace safety representatives, parents, teachers, and anyone wanting basic life-saving skills.
ER24 Paramedic Course Fees 2026
Tuition fees vary by programme and duration. The following are estimates for 2026:
Basic Ambulance Assistant:
R8,000 to R12,000 for the 3 to 4 week course.
Includes training materials and some clinical placements.
Ambulance Emergency Assistant:
R20,000 to R30,000 for the 5 to 6 month programme.
Includes materials, uniforms, and clinical placements.
Intermediate Life Support:
R35,000 to R50,000 for the 1 year programme.
Includes materials, clinical placements, and examination fees.
First Aid Courses:
Level 1: R500 to R800.
Level 2: R1,000 to R1,500.
Level 3: R1,800 to R2,500.
Additional Costs:
Application fee: R200 to R500.
HPCSA registration fees (payable after qualification).
Medical examinations and vaccinations.
Uniforms and equipment.
Travel and accommodation for clinical placements.
Payment Options:
Upfront payment.
Instalment plans may be available. Contact ER24 Training Academy for details.
Some students may qualify for external bursaries.
Entry Requirements Summary
Basic Ambulance Assistant:
Grade 10 or equivalent.
Valid ID.
Medical fitness.
No criminal record.
Ambulance Emergency Assistant:
Grade 12 with English and Life Sciences.
Valid ID.
Medical fitness.
No criminal record.
Often requires BAA qualification.
Intermediate Life Support:
Grade 12 with English and Life Sciences (50 percent minimum).
Valid ID.
Medical fitness.
No criminal record.
Often requires AEA qualification.
Bachelor of Health Sciences in Emergency Medical Care:
Grade 12 with bachelor’s endorsement.
Strong passes in English, Life Sciences, and Mathematics.
Selection process.
Critical Care Assistant:
Current ALS registration.
Clinical experience.
Selection process.
Application Process
Step 1: Research your programme.
Decide which level of qualification you need.
Check that you meet the entry requirements.
Step 2: Obtain an application form.
Download from the ER24 Training Academy website.
Or request via email or phone.
Step 3: Complete the form.
Fill in all sections accurately.
Choose your programme and preferred dates.
Step 4: Gather documents.
Certified copy of your ID.
Certified copies of your qualifications.
Medical fitness certificate.
Police clearance certificate (may be required).
Other documents as specified.
Step 5: Pay the application fee.
Confirm the amount with ER24.
Keep proof of payment.
Step 6: Submit your application.
Submit by email or in person.
Ensure you receive confirmation of receipt.
Step 7: Attend selection process.
Some programmes require interviews or assessments.
Be prepared to demonstrate your suitability.
Step 8: Accept the offer.
If accepted, pay the required deposit.
Register for your programme.
Application Deadlines
Courses run throughout the year. Apply at least 2 to 3 months before your preferred start date.
Popular programmes fill quickly. Apply early.
Why Train With ER24?
Industry Reputation: ER24 is a leading EMS provider. Training with them carries weight.
Practical Experience: Clinical placements within a working EMS environment.
Qualified Instructors: Learn from experienced paramedics.
Employment Opportunities: ER24 may offer employment to successful graduates.
Accredited Programmes: All qualifications are HPCSA accredited.
Career Prospects For Paramedics
Qualified paramedics are in demand in South Africa and internationally.
Employment Opportunities:
Private ambulance services like ER24.
Government ambulance services.
Mining and industrial medical services.
Event medical services.
Private hospitals and clinics.
International opportunities in the UK, Middle East, and other regions.
Career Progression:
Start as a BAA, progress to AEA, then to ALS.
Specialise in critical care, rescue, or management.
Move into education and training.
Pursue further studies in emergency medicine or related fields.
Common Questions, SEO FAQ Section
Is ER24 a good place to train as a paramedic?
Yes. ER24 is a respected EMS provider with accredited training programmes and experienced instructors.
How much does a paramedic course cost at ER24?
Costs range from R8,000 for a BAA course to R50,000 for an Intermediate Life Support programme. First aid courses are R500 to R2,500.
What are the requirements for paramedic training?
Minimum Grade 10 for BAA, Grade 12 with English and Life Sciences for higher levels. Medical fitness and no criminal record are essential.
How long is paramedic training?
BAA: 3 to 4 weeks.
AEA: 5 to 6 months.
ILS: 1 year.
Bachelor’s degree: 4 years.
Do ER24 courses lead to HPCSA registration?
Yes. Successful completion of accredited programmes leads to registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.
Can I get a job at ER24 after training?
ER24 may offer employment to successful graduates, but it is not guaranteed. Graduates are qualified to work anywhere in South Africa.
Does ER24 offer distance learning for paramedic courses?
No. Paramedic training requires extensive practical work and cannot be done via distance learning.
What is the difference between BAA and AEA?
BAA is basic life support. AEA is intermediate life support, including IV therapy and drug administration.
Can I do paramedic training if I have a criminal record?
Possibly not. A criminal record check is part of the registration process with HPCSA. Serious offences will disqualify you.
Is paramedic training physically demanding?
Yes. You need to be medically fit to handle the physical demands of the job.
Summary: Which Programme Is Right For You?
Choose Basic Ambulance Assistant if:
You are starting your EMS career.
You meet the minimum entry requirements.
You want to get qualified quickly.
Choose Ambulance Emergency Assistant if:
You have Grade 12 and Life Sciences.
You want to advance beyond basic level.
You are ready for a longer programme.
Choose Intermediate Life Support if:
You have strong academic results.
You want to practice at an advanced level.
You are committed to a year of intensive study.
Choose Bachelor of Health Sciences if:
You want the highest level of qualification.
You have strong matric results.
You are ready for a four-year professional degree.
Choose First Aid Courses if:
You need basic life-saving skills for work or personal reasons.
You are not planning a career in EMS.
You want a short, accessible course.
Final Warning: Verify Accreditation
Before enrolling, verify that the programme is accredited by the Health Professions Council of South Africa. Unaccredited qualifications will not allow you to register and practice.
Check:
HPCSA website: www.hpcsa.co.za
ER24 Training Academy directly.
Official Contact:
ER24 Training Academy
Website: Search for official ER24 Training Academy website.
Phone: Contact details on official website.
Email: Training enquiries on official website.
Physical Address: Head office in Midrand, with training centres nationwide.
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This guide was last updated for 2026 standards. Fees, course dates, and entry requirements are subject to change without notice. Always verify current information directly with ER24 Training Academy and HPCSA before applying.