Age for EMT-B?

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chrism611

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Hello, I'm new to the site and I really like what I've had the opportunity to read so far.

I am a 16 year old Junior in High School really interested in Emergency Medicine.

I volunteer in the local ER which is a level 2 Trauma center, so I've seen my share of things. The nurses and staff are great and they let me see as much as I want and do things such as EKGs, hooking people up to monitors, CPR in codes, and patient transport. Basically all the things ER techs can do.

I get to see interact and speak with a lot of the paramedics and EMTs from the local FDS and EMS that bring in patients. I enjoy what they do because they are what really determines whether a critical patient can be saved in the ED.

Anyways past me, in Alabama to be certified as an EMT Basic you have to be 18 years old. I have heard that you can take EMT - Basic classess and do all of that but cannot be certified.

I was just wondering what I could do right now more than volunteering to possibly get either into EMT - B Classes or involved with some of the local EMS crews. Do any of you know of any classes I could take or participate in things that will expose me to more training?

Thanks in advance for your response.
 
Well... I started when I was 15, in the EMT-A program. And I would imagine things would still be close to the same.... join up as a Jr Member at the local ambulance house and see what the rules are these days for you. In my day, you were not considered part of the crew, but you could 'tag' along on calls, in the ambulance. There were restrictions of what calls you could not run... like, suicide, violent calls, Haz-Mat, major trauma, or anything that may endanger you type stuff. ( the members at the time would tell me that applies to the ambulance... but nothing said anything about going by personal vehicle - not something advicated these days, I can guarantee that ).
That opens a world of hands on training for you. ( hopefully they are proactive and do weekly training ). If you come across a bum station, find another one that will train.

I had to run 3rd until I turned 18... but by then, I was ready. Get involved in as much as you can possibly do in your time without slacking in school. Volunteer in a nursing home for a bit, other health care facilities... get well rounded. It will help.

Good luck!
 
Some places have explorer/cadet programs.

Call your local EMS Education programs. They can advise you of what their age requirements are. I don't see why you would want to take the EMT program earlier and wait so long to get certified, though. Just be patient and take it when you actually can get certified.

See if you can take courses at your local community college. I was able to knock out english composition, anatomy and physiology I, and my EMT before graduating HS. My school district also reimbursed the cost of tuition, which was awesome.
 
when i was 15 i joined an explorer post and took my MRT and then at 16 i took EMT. You could take an EMT course but you cant actually ride as a voulenteer until 18 but depending on where you are, you might be allowed to ride as a third though.

You could do the "Basic assessment" but you cannot take the NREMT until you are 18.
 
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In VA, you can test EMT at 16, ride as a 3rd until you're 18, and then work towards being released as an AIC.
 
In Tennessee you have to be 16 to take the first responder exam and 18 to hold a license as an EMT-IV (i/85)
 
Hey,

I'm currently in the same boat as you. I'm 17 and the law here for the NREMT is 18, but I will be going to a 44 hour First Responder class and be certified.

Here the minimum age for a first responder is 16.

Call your local EMS office or talk to the people within the hospital (EMT's, Medics, Nurses, etc.)

Good luck! B)
 
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