• In NYS, you must be at least 18 years old or older
• You must join an EMS agency (many agencies will help pay the tuition)
• You must locate and enroll in an EMT Basic Course (109-hour state approved training course in emergency medical technology and emergency vehicle operation)
• You must prepare to pass your certification exam with a 100% on the practical (hands-on) and a 70% on the written.
• Upon completion of the course, you must meet your local departments requirements to practice at the EMT-B level

Advancement

To advance beyond the basic level, the steps are generally as follows:

• Ensure you have a valid EMT-B card
• Choose the course for the next level you would like to achieve: AEMT-I, AEMT-CC, AEMT-P
• Locate and enroll in the course being offered
• Upon completion of the course find out your department's process for obtaining medical control privileges.
• Once you complete the regional requirements your agency may have other requirements prior to a person practicing solo as an AEMT.

Certification

The New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services offers certification at the following levels:

• Certified First Responder (CFR)
• Emergency Medical Technician - Basic (EMT-B)
• Advanced Emergency Medical Technician - Intermediate (AEMT-I)
• Advanced Emergency Medical Technician - Critical Care (AEMT-CC)
• Advanced Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic (AEMT-P)

All EMTs must have state certification and one year of experience on an approved emergency medical unit before beginning training to be a paramedic. This requires a minimum of 788 hours of lab, clinical and internship training, documentation of satisfactory completion of an approved internship is also required. To become a licensed EMT and paramedic in New York State, individuals must meet New York State licensing requirements. All certifications are valid for three (3) years. Renewal is required prior to the end of the third year. The latest information and requirements for New York State certification are available on the New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services website at www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/ems/main.htm. Detailed information for New York State licensing requirements can be found online at:

• www.labor.state.ny.us/workforceindustrydata/olcny/emergenc.asp

Courses at the Emergency Medical Technician - Basic (EMT-B) through Advanced Emergency Medical Technician - Critical Care (AEMT-CC) level are taught by local state approved course sponsors. A list of these course sponsors can be located at

• www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/ems/training.htm

Course information can also be obtained by contacting your local Regional EMS Council or your local EMS Program Agency, including:

• Mountain Lakes EMS

Other Regional EMS Councils can be viewed at:

• www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/ems/regional.htm