The Basic training program for Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) has an overall objective to improve the quality of pre-hospital emergency care rendered to victims of accidents and sudden illness. As such, the course develops skills in symptom recognition and in all emergency care procedures and techniques currently considered to be within the responsibilities of an EMT providing emergency medical care with an ambulance service.
The course is expected to range from the minimum of 110 hours to 150 hours or more depending on individual sponsor requirements and student needs. The curriculum follows the Federal Department of Transportation guidelines and is taught by a state approved EMT Instructor/Coordinator.
This course has been developed for all individuals desiring to perform emergency medical care with an ambulance service. No prior experience or training is required of the course applicant. The applicant, in order to be eligible for the state EMT certification examination must:
· be able to read, understand and communicate in English;
· be 18 years of age;
· be free from addiction to alcohol or any drug;
· be able to lift and carry 125 pounds; and
· be free from any physical or mental defect or disease which might impair his/her ability to provide emergency care within the scope of the EMTs training and responsibilities, or which might jeopardize the health of another member of the class.
The student must also successfully complete the Basic EMT course including 100% attendance.
Once an individual passes the certification examination and becomes an EMT, a program of continuing education must be undertaken in order to be eligible for recertification at the end of the initial certification period. EMT recertification periods are two years in length, after the initial certification period.
