PHECC Advanced Paramedic study guide
PHECC Advanced Paramedic · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Advanced Paramedic qualification sits at the top of Ireland's pre-hospital emergency care practitioner levels regulated by the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC), the body that states it "independently co-ordinat[es], develop[s], review[s], regulat[es], and govern[s] standards of excellence for the safe provision of quality pre-hospital emergency care." PHECC notes that it "conduct[s] examinations and award[s] national qualifications in pre-hospital emergency care," and maintains a statutory register of practitioners who meet its standards. This page is an independent study resource for candidates preparing for the Advanced Paramedic examination; it is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by PHECC. The PHECC Advanced Paramedic study guide has 5 sections and about 1,835 words.
01Advanced Paramedic Clinical Practice (PHECC CPGs)
Advanced practice in Ireland is defined by the PHECC Clinical Practice Guidelines, which set out what an Advanced Paramedic may do, under what conditions, and with what authorisation. The exam tests whether you can apply the guideline to a scenario rather than recite it.
437 words, about 2 min02Patient Assessment and Clinical Decision-Making
Advanced assessment builds on a primary survey (catastrophic threats first) and a secondary survey (history, focused examination, vital signs, monitoring). The exam rewards a disciplined sequence: identify and treat immediate threats, then gather the information that changes your plan.
388 words, about 2 min03Airway, Breathing and Resuscitation
Airway, breathing and circulation remain the organising framework, but resuscitation is time-critical and protocol-driven. Know the current PHECC-aligned sequence for adult cardiac arrest: recognition, high-quality chest compressions, early defibrillation, airway and ventilation, and reversible-cause thinking.
335 words, about 2 min04Pharmacology and Medication Administration
Advanced pharmacology questions test applied knowledge: indication, dose, route, rate, contraindications, interactions and monitoring. Know the medications within your scope, their classes and mechanisms at a practical level, and the observations required before and after administration.
334 words, about 2 min05Professional Conduct, Ethics and Scope of Practice
Professional practice rests on acting within scope, in the patient's interests, with consent, confidentiality and accountability. Know the difference between scope of practice (what your level authorises) and competence (what you can actually do safely); both must be satisfied.
341 words, about 2 min