It is important that you research your state’s requirements for EMT continuing education. To get a general idea of continuing education requirements for EMTs, let’s consider the guidelines set by the State of New York. The EMT, EMT-I, EMT-CC and paramedic medical provider level each has specific criteria and requirements for completing 72 hours of continuing education.
At the EMT-Basic level, a 24-hour refresher training is necessary, which reviews important core concepts in the following areas as outlined by the NREMT: Preparatory, airway, patient assessment, medical/behavioral, trauma, obstetrics/gynecology and infants and children. Additional classroom hours are required in geriatrics and WMDs/terrorism. At the EMT-Intermediate level, all of these same continuing education components are required as well as 34-hours of refresher training. At this level, you will also be exposed to concepts in advanced airway management/ventilation. At the EMT-Critical Care Technician level, 36-hours of refresher training are required and some special concepts that will be highlighted include obstetric emergencies, neonatology and pediatrics. At the more advanced paramedic level, 48-hours of refresher training are required and such areas as the following will be highlighted: Pulmonary and cardiology, neurology/endocrinology/allergies and anaphylaxis, gatroentaerology/renal and urology/toxicology/hematology, gynecology, obstetrics, abuse and assault.
Continuing education is a very important part of working as an EMT. Continuing education programs can include a variety of components that are related to EMS and pre-hospital care. It is very important that continuing education activities are properly and accurately documented after completion. For example, if a 10-hour course ends 2 hours early, the participant should only receive 8 hours of credit.
Continuing education is such an integral part of working as an EMS personnel because it allows workers to keep pace with the rapidly changing world of emergency medicine and pre-hospitalized care. Attending EMS conferences, lectures and seminars are additional approaches to keeping pace with the rapidly evolving field. You must do some research regarding your State’s continuing education requirements for EMS personnel. These requirements may roughly resemble the requirements established by the State of New York. You should expect to complete a refresher course that reviews core content material at any EMS level. Depending on which level you are at, you will also be exposed to specialized concepts.
About Michael McCandless
Michael McCandless has been in the emergency medical services industry for nearly a decade. He is very proud of his career and the opportunity to serve his community. He is also the owner of the EMT Training and Career Headquarters website, which provides information and resources to individuals interested in beginning a career as an EMT.
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