How to Become an EMS Provider

Becoming an Emergency Medical Responder (EMR):

Prerequisites: 16 years of age or older

Skills include assisting EMTs in:

  • Patient Examinations

  • Take/Record Vital Signs

  • Administer Oxygen

  • Basic Life Support

  • Bleeding Control

  • Airway Management

  • Spinal Immobilization

Prepare/Administer epinephrine via automatic injector device, aspirin by mouth, and oral liquid glucose.

Course Length: Approximately 50-60 hours

Certification Valid for: 2 years

Becoming an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT):

Prerequisites: 16 years of age or older

Skills include:

  • All EMR skills

  • Basic life saving measures such as:

    • Administer Oxygen​

    • Bleeding Control

    • Ventilation with non-invasive positive pressure device

    • Blood Glucose testing

    • Prepare/Administer nebulized bronchodilator agents, along with other medications as approved by the medical director

    • Cardiac Defibrillation

    • Transport stable patients

  • Assist Paramedics

Course Length: 150-200 hours

Certification Valid for: 3 years

Becoming a Paramedic:

Prerequisites:

  • Current EMT Certification
  • Current CPR Certification
  • 18 years of age or older

Skills include:

  • All EMT and EMR skills

  • Evaluate and Stabilize

  • Advanced assessment and procedures such as

    • Initiate multiple airway techniques

    • Start an IV

    • Interpreting cardiac rhythms

    • Administering medications

    • Collaborating with Medical Command​

Course Length: 1,000-2,000 hours

Certification Valid for: 3 years

Resources: 

Conemaugh School of Emergency Medical Services (EMR, EMT, Paramedic)

Indiana University of PA Institute for Rural Health and Safety (EMR, EMT, Paramedic)

Penn State University (EMT)

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