LEOs with EMT certification

[biochembruin]

I'm aware there are several LEOs out there with current EMT certification. I've been reading up on how to obtain an EMT cert, and it seems pretty straight forward. My question is how do you maintain your certification if you're not working as an EMT? The NREMT website states, "The NREMT requires all individuals applying for recertification to be actively affiliated with an Agency and using their EMS skills." This would seem to mean you must be working as an EMT to maintain your certification. Is this correct?

I see there is also an option to recertify as "inactive" if you have worked for at least 6 months as an EMT. Is this what most officers do? I figured most officers were EMTs prior to becoming officers, and can use that experience toward the recertification requirement.

Thanks for any info. Just as background, I'm currently a LEO and would like to obtain and maintain an EMT certification to supplement my firearms instructor status. Also, I'm working in the County of Los Angeles, if that makes a difference for certification.

[jgorman]

For the agency I work for our EMT's are also our EMR instructors. They teach us refreshers on EMR monthly to keep our skills polished. Maybe this is how the continue to use the EMT cert. My agency will send you to training if you want to become an EMT, you just have to become a instructor and teach refreshers. I hope this helps.

[Shellshocker66]

*Not an LEO.

But having been a Paramedic I can say I knew plenty of LEO's who were EMT certified.

It's been a few years and some things have changed but most just did the CE's required and the refresher classes to keep certification going. But if they are truly requiring the "working within the profession" then maybe some little work arounds are join your local CERT team, search and rescue, or any other volunteer programs that could satisfy the requirement.

[ocmsrzr]

It's been awhile but as I recall, my Sgt(also an EMT) would say" we need CEs" and we would go do tape reviews and get ER nurse's phone numbers.

[CaptMike]

We are in the process of setting up an EMT program for our department, although the budget has slowed down the process. But there are ways of making sure our folks will continue practicing their skills. We plan to assign those that are EMTs to put some time in as EMT's during training classes, to assist with injuries. Pepper Spray, Force Training and first few days of PT in the Academy are usually the best days for them to get their time in. Also, like has been stated, we will assign our EMT's to assist with teaching training classes as well. They will have to maintain their CEUs as well.

[BigDogatPlay]

I had heard that CHP was running all their recruits through EMT 1 in the academy, and I am pretty sure state parks runs their peace officer lifeguards through an EMT course as well. Several guys I know have obtained EMT certification over the years. They do have to maintain / test proficiency and do continuing education to retain certification.

Many junior colleges run EMT programs. Might start there.

[yzErnie]

Hand on HT, "Roll in fire" is as close as I'll ever get!! LOL

[biochembruin]

Hand on HT, "Roll in fire" is as close as I'll ever get!! LOL

LOL.... true enough.

Just a follow up question: It seems from my reading that the NREMT is needed to obtain initial EMT certification in California, but is not required for recertification in California. Can someone verify if this is the case?

If that's correct, that would solve my issue of having to work for as an EMT for 6 months, since the CA certification only requires you to have continuing education and not current employment as an EMT. I could do without the National certification as long as I can keep renewing my CA certification.

[Sacmedic]

The state regulations for EMT certification require you take, and pass, the National Registry exam. Once certified by your local EMS agency, you may recertify every two years with 24 hrs of CE's and a Skills Verification report. There is no state requirement to keep your NR certification. You must verify competency in ten different skills every two years. I have proctored NR exams for quote awhile as well as am involved with EMS administration at a regional and state level. PM me of you would like further.

[Sacmedic]

BigDogAtPlay,

CHP did send all cadets through EMT for a period of time. About ten years ago they changed it to EMR for all cadets. Their existing EMT's could choose to keep it up, and CHP is still a certifying entity for EMT. Most newer officers are EMR though. Obviously the flight officer on their helicopters is a paramedic. They send the paramedic students to outside schools.

[BigDogatPlay]

BigDogAtPlay,

CHP did send all cadets through EMT for a period of time. About ten years ago they changed it to EMR for all cadets. Their existing EMT's could choose to keep it up, and CHP is still a certifying entity for EMT. Most newer officers are EMR though. Obviously the flight officer on their helicopters is a paramedic. They send the paramedic students to outside schools.

Thanks for the update!!!