Meta Description
The Eastern Cape Department of Health is recruiting Emergency Care Officers (ECO) Grade 1–3 across all EMS districts. Salaries from R187 488 to R286 521 per annum. Apply online before 28 November 2025 at 23:59.
Introduction
The Eastern Cape Department of Health has launched one of its largest EMS recruitment drives, inviting qualified applicants to apply for Emergency Care Officer (ECO) Grade 1–3 positions across multiple districts. These posts fall under the Occupational Specific Dispensation (OSD) and offer structured career progression for emergency medical professionals registered with the HPCSA.
Positions are available across all major EMS districts, including Nelson Mandela Metro, Buffalo City Metro, Sarah Baartman, Amathole, Joe Gqabi, OR Tambo, Chris Hani, and Alfred Nzo.
Closing Date: 28 November 2025 at 23:59
Quick Overview / Programme Info
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Employer | Eastern Cape Department of Health |
| Position | Emergency Care Officer (ECO) Grade 1–3 |
| Salary | Grade 1: R187 488 – R214 368 per annumGrade 3: R217 983 – R286 521 per annum |
| Employment Type | Permanent OSD Posts |
| Application Method | Online only |
| Portal | https://erecruitment.ecotp.gov.za |
| Closing Date | 28 November 2025 (23:59) |
| Date Published | 14 November 2025 |
| Required Registration | HPCSA (BAA or AEA) |
Purpose of the Programme
The ECO recruitment initiative aims to:
- Strengthen emergency medical response capacity across the province
- Ensure adequate staffing of EMS stations
- Improve patient transport and emergency care delivery
- Provide structured OSD career pathways for BAA and AEA practitioners
- Enhance community access to reliable, efficient pre-hospital care
Key Responsibilities & Outputs
| Key Duties | Expected Outputs | Previous Average Stipend/Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Provide emergency medical care (BLS/ILS) | Safe, compliant medical intervention | R187 488+ per annum |
| Transport patients safely | Efficient pre-hospital transfer | R187 488+ per annum |
| Maintain ambulances and medical equipment | Operational readiness of EMS units | R187 488+ per annum |
| Complete patient and vehicle documentation | Accurate reporting and legal compliance | R187 488+ per annum |
| Conduct inter-facility transfers | Continuity of patient care | R217 983+ per annum |
| Support EMS supervisors | Operational stability | R187 488 – R286 521 |
Minimum Requirements / Eligibility
Grade 1 – Basic Ambulance Assistant (BAA)
- National Senior Certificate
- Completed Basic Life Support (BLS) course
- Valid HPCSA registration as BAA
- Code 10 driving licence with PDP
- Knowledge of BLS protocols
Grade 3 – Ambulance Emergency Assistant (AEA)
- Completed Intermediate Life Support (ILS) course
- Valid HPCSA registration as AEA
- Code 10 driving licence with PDP
- Understanding of ILS protocols
Core Competencies & Skills Required
- Ability to deliver emergency care under pressure
- Strong decision-making capability
- Good communication skills
- Excellent patient handling and interpersonal skills
- Ability to follow HPCSA and EMS protocols
- Physical fitness and mental resilience
- Commitment to professional ethics and patient confidentiality
Equity, Diversity & Transformation Commitment
The Eastern Cape Department of Health is committed to:
- Promoting equitable representation across EMS services
- Supporting employment opportunities for women and youth
- Encouraging applications from persons with disabilities
- Ensuring alignment with the province’s Employment Equity strategy
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
| Step | Action Required |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Visit the Eastern Cape eRecruitment Portal: https://erecruitment.ecotp.gov.za |
| Step 2 | Create or log in to your profile |
| Step 3 | Search for the relevant ECO district vacancy |
| Step 4 | Select your preferred district and reference number |
| Step 5 | Upload your CV, ID, Matric certificate, HPCSA registration, and driver’s licence with PDP |
| Step 6 | Complete all required fields accurately |
| Step 7 | Submit before 23:59 on the closing date |
| Step 8 | Await communication from the recruitment office |
Important:
No emailed or hand-delivered applications will be accepted.
Vacancy Breakdown by District
| District | Posts | Reference Number | Enquiries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nelson Mandela Metro EMS | 40 | ECHEALTH/ECO/NMM/MIN/41/11/2025 | (041) 391 8164 – Ms D. Davids |
| Buffalo City Metro EMS | 24 | ECHEALTH/ECO/BCM/MIN/42/11/2025 | (043) 743 3006/057 – Ms N. Jaceni |
| Amathole EMS | 32 | ECHEALTH/ECO/AMH/MIN/43/11/2025 | (043) 707 6748 – Ms S. Njokweni |
| OR Tambo EMS – Mthatha | 48 | ECHEALTH/ECO/ORT/MIN/44/11/2025 | (047) 502 9000 – Ms Z. Mtimba |
| Alfred Nzo EMS | 32 | ECHEALTH/ECO/ALF/MIN/45/11/2025 | (039) 797 6070 – Mr Praim |
| Sarah Baartman EMS | 24 | ECHEALTH/ECO/SBD/MIN/46/11/2025 | (041) 408 8509 – Ms Z. Sulo |
| Joe Gqabi EMS | 24 | ECHEALTH/ECO/JGQ/MIN/47/11/2025 | (051) 633 9631 – Mr J.S. Ndzinde |
| Chris Hani EMS | 24 | ECHEALTH/ECO/CRI/MIN/48/11/2025 | (045) 807 1110/1101 – Mr L. Solomane |
Possible Career Paths After Completion
Emergency Care Officer experience can lead to:
- Intermediate Life Support (ILS) training
- Advanced Life Support (ALS) Practitioner
- Emergency Care Technician (ECT)
- Emergency Care Practitioner (ECP)
- EMS Shift Leader or Station Supervisor
- Patient Transport Officer
- Training Officer within EMS Colleges
- Public health emergency response roles
Call to Action
If you are an HPCSA-registered BAA or AEA looking for a stable career in emergency medical services, this is a significant opportunity to join the Eastern Cape EMS workforce. Ensure that your application is submitted online before 28 November 2025 at 23:59, and double-check all uploaded documents for accuracy.
Useful Links
- Eastern Cape eRecruitment Portal: https://erecruitment.ecotp.gov.za
- Application Support Email: RecruitmentHeadOffice.gov.za
- Application Enquiries: RecruitmentHeadOffice@echealth.gov.za