DIFFERENT LEVELS OF CERTIFICATION
- First Responder (FR)
- Usually the first EMS provider on scene whose role is to stabilize the patient until more advanced EMS personnel arrive
- Trained to perform:
- general patient assessment
- provide emergency care such as:
- bleeding control
- spinal immobilization
- oxygen administration
- the use of the automated external defibrillator (AED)
- Cardiopulmonary Resusciation(CPR)
- Must be at least 16 years of age
- Course is approximately 58 hours
- Course includes both classroom portion and practical lab portions
- Upon successful completion of the course and successfully passing the state written and practical examination, your certification is valid for 3 years
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- Trained to perform:
- general patient assessment
- provide emergency care such as:
- bleeding control
- spinal immobilization
- oxygen administration
- the use of the automated external defibrillator (AED)
- complex immobilization procedures
- airway management
- may assist patients in the administration of certain medications
- Cardiopulmonary Resusciation(CPR)
- Must be at least 16 years of age
- Course is approximately 140 hours
- Course includes both classroom portion and practical lab portions
- Upon successful completion of the course and successfully passing the state written and practical examination, your certification is valid for 3 years
- Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic (EMT-P)
- Trained to perform:
- the same skills as the First Responder and EMT, plus:
- advanced patient assessment
- airway management
- intravenous fluid therapy
- trauma management
- pharmacology
- cardiology
- other medical skills
- the same skills as the First Responder and EMT, plus:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Course varies from 14 months to 2 years (certification vs. degree)
- Course includes both classroom lecture, practical labs, in-hospital clinical experiences and a field internship
- Pre-requisites
- Must possess a current EMT certification
- Must possess a current CPR certification
- Pre Hospital Registered Nurse
- Contact the Bureau of EMS
- (717)787-8740
- PaEMSOffice@state.pa.us
- Health Professional MD/DO
- Contact the Bureau of EMS
- (717)787-8740
- PaEMSOffice@state.pa.us
