In January, several trainees who began a course alleged that they signed contracts with INEM on January 20, although the jury’s minutes, outlining the evaluation methods and criteria, are dated January 23.
The Sindicato dos Técnicos de Emergência Pré-Hospitalar (STEPH) confirmed that their legal department is addressing the issue.
STEPH stated that it will not act institutionally against INEM but noted, “Our members can rely on our legal department to support their interests as needed.”
Some trainees reported that after failing an eliminatory module, they have been at home – some for two months – receiving compensation without working. They suggested that INEM could utilize their services for the modules where they succeeded, such as the CODU [Centro de Orientação de Doentes Urgentes] module, where resources are scarce.
Following this January course with 200 candidates, INEM has launched another recruitment campaign for 200 more pre-hospital emergency technicians, acknowledging the resource deficit. A year ago, the shortfall of technicians exceeded 400 according to the staffing plan.
Lusa inquired why INEM could not employ these candidates in the qualified modules despite the shortage. INEM responded that the probationary period (180 days, covering the entire training) corresponds to “the initial period of executing the worker’s functions” to verify competency for the intended position.
“For TEPH, the trial period aligns with the specific training duration, aimed at equipping professionals with essential skills. If trainees do not pass the training modules, they cannot perform the contracted roles.”
The STEPH president highlighted the Algarve as an example, where colleagues who “have experience in the ambulance or CODU” are now idle, though they “could be working.”
“Some colleagues started with the CODU module, succeeded, and while training, worked shifts, or completed enough training for ambulance duties,” he explained.
He raised another concern: “Training covers all intended skills, knowing that 98% will work in CODU, a module lasting only a month.”
“Therefore, we have individuals prepared for CODU, successfully completing CODU training but facing dismissal if they failed the last module, like pediatrics,” he lamented, mentioning that many TEPH “exclusively work in CODU.”
He also warned that the upcoming competition for 200 positions in Lisbon, Vale do Tejo, and Algarve might not fill 50% of vacancies, as many applicants hail from the North.
This course was embroiled in controversy last April when allegations surfaced of test answers being shared in a ‘WhatsApp’ group with dozens of trainees. This prompted INEM to announce changes to the theoretical tests.
