Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

What is an EMT?

An Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) provides out of hospital emergency medical care and transportation for patients who access the emergency medical services (EMS) system. EMTs have the basic knowledge and skills necessary to provide basic level care and safely transport patients ranging from non-emergency and routine medical transports to life threatening emergencies. Emergency Medical Technicians function as part of a comprehensive EMS response system, under medical oversight and typically with advanced level care resources. Emergency Medical Technicians perform basic interventions with the basic equipment typically found on a basic life support ambulance. Emergency Medical Technicians are a critical link between the scene of an emergency and the health care system.

What is the Scope of Practice of an EMT?

An Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) may, under the direction of a Committee approved Medical Director:

  1. Perform all procedures that an Emergency Medical Responder may perform;
  2. Ventilate with a non-invasive positive pressure delivery device;
  3. Insert an uncuffed pharyngeal airway device in the practice of airway maintenance. An uncuffed pharyngeal airway device is:
    1. A single lumen airway device designed for blind insertion into the esophagus providing airway protection where the device prevents gastric contents from entering the trachea space.
  4. Perform tracheobronchial tube suctioning on the endotracheal intubated patient;
  5. Obtain a capillary blood specimen for blood glucose monitoring;
  6. Prepare and administer epinephrine by automatic injection device for anaphylaxis;
  7. Prepare and administer nebulized bronchodilator agents for known asthmatic and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients suffering from suspected bronchospasm.
  8. Perform cardiac defibrillation with an automatic or semi-automatic defibrillator;
  9. Transport stable patients with saline locks, urinary catheters, or in-dwelling vascular devices;
  10. Assist the on-scene Advanced EMT, Paramedic, or Advanced Practice Paramedic by:
    1. Assembling and priming IV fluid administration sets; and
    2. Opening, assembling and uncapping preloaded medication syringes and vials;
    3. Prepare other ALS equipment for use by the AEMT, Paramedic, or Advanced Practice Paramedic
  11. Perform other emergency tasks as requested if under the direct visual supervision of a physician and then only under the order of that physician;
  12. Complete a clear and accurate prehospital emergency care report form on all patient contacts;
  13. Prepare and administer the following medications under specific written protocols authorized by the Medical Director or direct orders from a licensed consultant physician:
    1. Anti-inflammatory: Aspirin PO, Ibuprofen PO
    2. Anaphylaxis: Epinephrine IM
    3. Antidotes: Naloxone hydrochloride IN
    4. Antihypoglycemic: Glucose gel PO and Glucagon IM;
    5. Antipyretics: Acetaminophen PO
    6. Vasodilators: Nitroglycerine PO
    7. Nebulized bronchodilators: As determined by Medical Director
    8. Non-opioid Oral or Inhaled Analgesics for acute pain as determined by Medical Director
  14. In the event of a declared Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) as defined in the local Mass Casualty Incident plan, monitor patients who have isotonic intravenous fluids flowing.

Responsibilities of Registry Certified Personnel:

Certified personnel must notify the Registry within 30 days regarding the following matters:

  1. Change in mailing address (the best way to update a mailing address is by editing your account profile)
  2. Any criminal conviction.
  3. Disciplinary action taken by any agency having jurisdiction (or government body) that has resulted in suspension, revocation, or expiration of registration/licensure; termination of right to practice; voluntary surrender of registration/licensure while under investigation.

The Registry considers the individual to be solely responsible for their certification and reporting, any failure to follow process or report as required is solely the failure of the certified person and may result in immediate dismissal of their certification, as well as, immediate notification to any pertinent regulatory agency of their dismissal.

Disciplinary Policy and Rights of Appeal for The Registry can be found on The Registry website.

Requirements for Initial Registration (Certification):

Individuals applying for EMT certification must meet the following requirements:

  1. Candidate must be 16 years of age or older
  2. Successful completion of a registry accredited Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course that meets or exceeds the Registry Education Standards for the Emergency Medical Technician.
  3. Candidate must have completed the course within the past two years and the course Program Director must verify successful course completion on the Registry website.
  4. Candidate must have a current American Heart Association BLS for "Healthcare Provider" or equivalent credential.
  5. Candidate must successfully complete the Registry cognitive (knowledge) and approved psychomotor (skills) exams. Passed portions of each examination (cognitive and psychomotor) remain valid for 12 months.

Application Process

  1. Create an account on the Registry website.
  2. Submit a Registry application and answer all questions truthfully.
  3. The Registry may deny certification or take other appropriate actions in regards to applicants for certification or recertification when a criminal conviction has occurred.
  4. Pay the application fee of $80 usd.
    1. The application fee is non-transferable and non-refundable.
    2. This fee is charged for each attempt at the cognitive examination.
  5. Candidates will receive an electronic Authorization to Test (ATT) once you are eligible for the exam.
    1. The electronic ATT contains scheduling instructions and important details concerning proper identification required at testing centers.
    2. You can find the ATT in the “Alerts” section of your account page.
    3. The ATT is your test key and you will need to carry it with you to a testing center to be provided access to your examination.

Reciprocity:

  1. The candidate who holds a current certification with the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT), at this level or higher, may apply for reciprocity at this level, if their initial or CME training meets the scope of practice listed above.
  2. The candidate who holds a current license with a State in the United States, at this level or higher, may apply for reciprocity at this level, if their initial or CME training meets the scope of practice listed above.
  3. The candidate who holds a current registration with the Paramedicine Board of Australia (PBA), at this level or higher, may apply for reciprocity at this level, if their initial or CME training meets the scope of practice listed above.
  4. The candidate who holds a current certification with the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC), at this level or higher, may apply for reciprocity at this level, if their documented training meets the scope of practice listed above.
  5. The candidate who holds a current certification with the Health & Care Professionals Council (HCPC), at this level or higher, may apply for reciprocity at this level, if their documented training meets the scope of practice listed above.