If you live in or near Johannesburg and want a fast‑paced career saving lives, the city’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) sector is worth a look. From ambulance driving to paramedic roles, there are entry‑level positions, internships and full‑time jobs that fit different skill levels.
The first step is getting the right certification. South Africa’s National Qualifications Framework lists a Certificate in Emergency Care (Level 4) as the baseline for most ambulance crews. Local colleges like Wits and TAFE campuses offer short courses that finish in a few months, so you can start working quickly.
Once you have your certificate, register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). The registration process is online and only takes a day if your documents are ready. After that, look for entry‑level jobs on portals such as Internships‑SouthAfrica.co.za, which often posts fresh ambulance assistant openings in Johannesburg.
Many hospitals and private EMS providers run summer internships for students studying health sciences. These programs let you shadow paramedics, learn patient assessment basics, and even practice basic life support under supervision. Keep an eye on the “Johannesburg EMS” tag on our site – we regularly update it with new internship listings.
When applying, highlight any volunteer work you’ve done (for example at Red Cross or local community clinics). Employers love candidates who already show a commitment to helping people.
Don’t forget the soft skills. Good communication, calm under pressure and teamwork are as important as medical knowledge. A short paragraph in your cover letter about handling stressful situations can set you apart.Besides hospitals, private ambulance services like Netcare EMS and Medi‑Life often have apprenticeship routes that combine on‑the‑job training with classroom learning. These apprenticeships typically pay a stipend while you earn your qualifications.
Finally, network. Join local EMS groups on Facebook or LinkedIn, attend free first‑aid workshops, and talk to current paramedics about what they wish they'd known when starting out. Personal connections often lead to hidden job openings.
Whether you aim for a full‑time paramedic role or just want to try an internship, Johannesburg EMS offers clear steps to get into the field. Get certified, register, apply through trusted sites and keep building those people skills – you’ll be on the road to saving lives in no time.
A devastating fire at the Broadwalk Urban Village complex in Midrand has destroyed around 130 apartments. The fire, which started on the second floor, resulted in injuries and the discovery of one fatality. While the cause remains unknown, displaced residents have been offered alternative accommodations by the complex owners. This event follows another recent fire at the Cemetery View settlement.