Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) provide out of hospital emergency medical care and transportation for critical and emergent patients who access the emergency medical services (EMS) system. EMTs have the basic knowledge and skills necessary to stabilize and safely transport patients ranging from non-emergency and routine medical transports to life threatening emergencies. EMTs function as part of a comprehensive EMS response system, under medical oversight. EMTs perform interventions with the basic equipment typically found on an ambulance. EMTs are a critical link between the scene of an emergency and the health care system. Successful completion of a state-approved Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course that meets or exceeds the National Emergency Medical Services Education Standards for the EMT. Candidates must have completed the course within the past two (2) years, and the course Program Director must verify successful course completion on the National Registry website. Successful completion of the National Registry EMT certification examination and a State EMS Office approved BLS skills competency requirement. Passed portions of the certification examination and skills competency verification remain valid for twenty-four (24) months provided all other eligibility requirements are met. Some states may integrate the EMT skills competency examination into the EMT course. Candidates should contact their State EMS Office or course instructor for guidance on their local skills competency examination requirements.