The Instructor program is designed to educate individuals who become involved in training activities and wish to become certified as Virginia E.M.T.- Instructors.

Since the instruction of the first Emergency Medical Technician course in 1971, each of these programs have been developed and are constantly evaluated to keep up with the rapidly changing field of prehospital care. Today, over 40,000 Virginians are involved in E.M.S. at various levels. These individuals stand ready to answer the call for help.

SUPPORT THE TEAM FOR LIFE

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES

1. Be proficient in reading, writing and speaking the English language.

2. The minimum age for enrollment is 16 years of age at the start of the training program. Students less than 18 years of age attending the course should provide the Instructor with documentation from an Officer of the agency, where applicable, and the signature of a parent or guardian verifying approval of the student attending the course.

3. Have no physical impairment which would render him or her unable to perform all practical skills required for that level of training.

4. Have never been convicted of a felony involving any sexual crime.

5. Not be convicted of any act which is a felony under the laws of this state or of the United States, except that such felon is eligible for certification if within five (5) years after the date of final release no additional felonies have been committed.

6. Shall hold current certification in an approved course in Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation(CPR) at the start date of the training program.

NOTE: These minimum requirements also apply for enrollment in all other programs administered by the Virginia Office of E.M.S.

BASIC LIFE SUPPORT PROGRAMS

First Responder (4 year certification)

The First Responder Program is a 40 hour (minimum) course intended to provide a basic understanding of human body systems and lifesaving emergency care procedures. This program is designed to be used by individuals such as fire service, industrial and law enforcement personnel who may be the first person to arrive at the scene of a medical emergency.

This course is not primarily intended for individuals whose main duty is the provision of ambulance services. It may however be used as a base level at which individuals are introduced to emergency medical care training.

Training in Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (C.P.R.) for adults, children and infants is a requirement for certification at this and all higher levels in Virginia.

NOTE: The specific content of First Responder programs may vary during 1997 as this course is currently undergoing change to a revised curriculum which includes additional skills and knowledge objectives than earlier programs.

Emergency Medical Technician (4 year certification)

The Emergency Medical Technician (E.M.T.) Program is the basis for all higher levels of certification in Virginia. This program provides general instruction in all areas of human body systems and initial care for a wide range of medical conditions. This course requires a minimum of 110 hours of classroom and skills instruction plus 10 hours of clinical observation in a hospital or pre-hospital setting.

Components of this course include the categories listed below. These same categories are used to develop exam questions and study materials.

E.M.T. COURSE TOPICS

1) Preparatory

Well-Being of the EMT, Medical/Legal/Ethical issues, the human body, vitals signs, SAMPLE history and lifting & moving.

2) Airway

Airway management, oxygen therapy, airway adjuncts, and suctioning.

3) Patient Assessment

Initial, Focused - Trauma, Focused - Medical, Detailed, and On-Going assessments. Communications and documentation.

4) Medical/Behavioral/OB/GYN

Respiratory, cardiac, diabetic, altered mental status, environmental, behavioral, poisoning, and allergy related emergencies. Childbirth and gynecological problems.

5) Trauma Emergencies

Bleeding and shock(hypoperfusion), soft tissue injuries, musculoskeletal injuries, head and spine injuries.

6) Infants and Children

Patient assessment variations, medical and traumatic emergencies relating to children.

7) Ambulance Operations

General EMS operations, gaining access to patients, hazardous materials, and triage.

Virginia E.M.T. certification is the minimum requirement for provision of patient care as the Attendant-In-Charge on a basic life support ambulance in Virginia.

First Responder Bridge to E.M.T.

The First Responder Bridge to E.M.T. builds upon the information and skills learned in the First Responder Program, and leads to certification at the Emergency Medical Technician level.

NOTE: This program was based upon an older edition of the EMT curriculum and is no longer available as of January 1, 1996. Please consult with your Regional EMS Council or the Office of EMS to verify availability of this program in the future.

1. Be at least 18 years of age by the beginning of the training program.

2. Have a current and valid certificate evidencing Emergency Medical Technician certification pursuant to Section 6.0 of the Rules and Regulations Governing Emergency Medical Services.

3. Certification eligible candidates, must be affiliated with a licensed E.M.S. agency in Virginia which provides a level of service equivalent to the level of certification being sought, prior to issuance of their credentials. (This requirement will be removed effective May 1, 1997.)

4. Have a high school diploma or equivalent.

6. Meet any additional requirements set by local medical control.

7. Meet any additional requirements as set by the local regional E.M.S. council or respective E.M.S. agency.

INTERMEDIATE PROGRAMS

Shock Trauma Technician (3 year certification)

The Shock Trauma Technician Program provides the technician with specific skills to provide a limited amount of advanced life support (A.L.S.) treatment to patients with traumatic injuries and specific medical conditions. This course is primarily directed at the rural areas of the state where full A.L.S. capability may not be available due to manpower, call volume or funding limitations.

The Shock Trauma Technician is authorized to initiate specific intravenous infusions and administer a limited number of intravenous, subcutaneous and intramuscular medications based upon local medical protocols. Additional skills in airway management and endotracheal medication administration may also be included in the program. The availability of courses and the skills utilized by the Shock Trauma Technician may vary due to local requirements or agency Operational Medical Director discretion.

The Shock Trauma Technician Program consists of a minimum of 57.0 hours of classroom and skills instruction. Clinical rotations totaling at least 30.0 hours in specific hospital departments are also required.

This course was developed utilizing topic outlines from the National Standard Curriculum for the E.M.T. - Paramedic. Topics covered in this course include: roles and responsibilities, human systems and patient assessment, shock, fluid therapy, respiratory system, central nervous system, soft tissue injuries and musculoskeletal injuries.

The E.M.T.- Cardiac Program consists of all subjects and skills included in the Shock Trauma Technician Program with additional critical skills necessary to provide advanced coronary care to heart attack victims.

Some E.M.T.- Cardiac programs are conducted as a single program enrolling students at the E.M.T. level and progressing directly to final E.M.T.- Cardiac certification. These programs may also include intermediate certification at the Shock Trauma Technician level.

Certified Shock Trauma Technicians may attend a bridge course consisting of a minimum of 61.5 instruction hours to attain E.M.T.- Cardiac certification. The length of this bridge program is dependant upon the time period between Shock Trauma certification and enrollment in the E.M.T.- Cardiac Program.

The entire E.M.T.- Cardiac Program consists of a minimum of 141.5 hours of classroom, skills and clinical instruction. Specific subjects expanded upon in the E.M.T.- Cardiac Program include: advanced radio communications, pharmacology, and cardiovascular system function. Sixty (60) hours of specific hospital clinical rotations are included in the complete E.M.T.- Cardiac Program.

Many E.M.T.- Cardiac Programs include certification in American Heart Association - Advanced Cardiac Life Support, specialized pediatric care and/or advanced trauma care programs. These classes may be blended into the basic course curriculum or taught separately for concurrent certification. Completion and certification in these additional courses should be outlined prior to course enrollment, and may be required by the local E.M.S. Council or Course Medical Director.

PARAMEDIC PROGRAM

Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic (3 year certification)

The Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic Program is designed to certify the technician to the highest level of pre-hospital advanced life support care patient available in Virginia. All of the requirements of the National Standard Curriculum for the E.M.T.- Paramedic are fulfilled by this program.

All skills and subjects contained in the Shock Trauma Technician and the E.M.T.- Cardiac programs are expanded upon in this course for a minimum total of 444 hours of instruction. Of this amount, a minimum of 232 hours are devoted to extensive clinical rotations in specialty critical care units. Clinical rotations of this type are usually not available for lower level providers to attend. These additional clinical rotations include time spent observing and/or assisting in surgery, surgical recovery, burn care center, pediatrics, labor and delivery, and psychiatric treatment.

The Paramedic Program is designed to educate the technician in all areas of pre-hospital patient care. These courses include instruction in: The prehospital environment, preparatory skills, trauma care, medical illness management, obstetrical/gynecological conditions, pediatrics, neonatal care, psychiatric and behavioral emergencies.

In Virginia, all initial Paramedic Programs are required to satisfy the testing guidelines established by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. Upon successful course completion and National Registry E.M.T.- Paramedic certification, the technician must apply for Virginia certification before being allowed to practice at this level. After receiving Virginia credentials, the Paramedic has the option to maintain National Registry - Paramedic certification without affecting their Virginia certification. However, Virginia certification must be maintained by the Paramedic in order to provide patient care in this state.

Paramedic Programs are most often taught at a college or university which is affiliated with a large regional hospital complex. Some courses are available which include Paramedic certification as a part of a formal two to four year college program leading to an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. A few of these college based programs also include intermediate level certification(s) before progressing to the Paramedic level.

In contrast, almost all of the non-degree Paramedic Programs require current E.M.T.- Cardiac certification as a prerequisite for enrollment. Paramedic Programs are primarily conducted in Virginia's urban areas due to greater availability of the many resources and support structures required to maintain continuous course offerings of this type.

Certification at the Paramedic level is the prevailing national standard for advanced life support training. Virginia Paramedic certification is generally transferrable to other states, although maintaining National Registry - Paramedic certification is usually beneficial if you plan to relocate.

INSTRUCTOR PROGRAM

Emergency Medical Technician - Instructor

The E.M.T.- Instructor holds one of the most responsible positions an individual technician may achieve in Virginia. The E.M.T.- Instructor is authorized to instruct each of the Basic Life Support Programs (First Responder and E.M.T.) offered at both the basic (initial) and refresher lengths.

The E.M.T.- Instructor Institute is a four-day program designed to provide training in adult instruction techniques, use of audio-visuals, test construction and skill demonstration. The administrative procedures involved in conducting each B.L.S. program are also included. E.M.T.- Instructor Institutes are conducted three times each year by the Virginia Office of E.M.S.

Upon successful completion of the written pre-test and practical examination, each Instructor Candidate is prioritized for selection to attend an Instructor Institute. Due to space limitations, an individual Instructor Candidate may not be selected to attend the first Institute conducted after their successful completion of the entry testing process.

PREREQUISITES FOR THE E.M.T.- INSTRUCTOR PROGRAM

1. Must be a minimum of 21 years of age.

2. Must have a minimum of two (2) years of field experience as an Emergency Medical Technician.

3. Be a high school graduate or equivalent.

4. Completion of either an EMT-B Refresher Course or an EMT-Instructor Pre-Test Preparation Program based upon the 1994 EMT-B National Standard Curriculum.

5. Must obtain a minimum score of 85 percent on the written pretest. The pretest score shall remain valid for a period of two (2) years from the date tested. (NOTE: Individuals failing the pretest must wait a period of six (6) months from the date of the initial exam in order to retest.)

6. Demonstrate proficiency and ability to perform all skills during a formal practical examination conducted by the Office of EMS staff.