Age for EMT Cert.

[Kevlar]

Do you know of a minimum age that you need to be to be certified as an EMT? (meaning is it feasible to take a course at the community college while your an upperclassman in high school to get certified?)

Thanks

[Birky]

I have know 16 yo to be certified as EMT's.

[Kevlar]

OK...thanks for the info. BTW, would being EMT certified be to your advantage when applying for a job in law enforcement?

[DoD NucE]

In NY the minimum age for certification as an EMT is 18. As far as it being helpful to LE hiring, I would say that it certainly couldn't hurt. I would say it could also be helpful if you wanted to do something specialized like SWAT. A good friend that is on the job, says that one way to get a leg up on the competition for their SWAT team is to become a paramedic, which he is in the process of upgrading to from EMT-B. I know that a couple applciations for LE positions asked if I had medical training, and I'm sure that when I put down that I was an EMT-B that certainly didn't look bad. My advice is if you are thinking about going for your EMT certification great, but only do so if you can join an agency as a volunteer or work part time a couple shifts a month. You will rapidly forget your skills if you don't use them and you will also find keeping certifications up to be a big deal especially if you aren't with an agency to give you friendly reminders.

[JimSpoor]

In most states it is 18 although I don't each state's law. Some states (like NY) have a "1st responder" or similar cert that is a pre-cursor to EMT. Often the age for these is 16 yo.

Good Luck

[nyfo]

State certification ages depends on the state. A good place to find information on this is checking your states Dept. of Healths website.

Is it a good idea to take the course? Education is beneficial but putting that education to work for you is what really matters. It's a good tool to put in your tool box.

[PPB8883]

California is 18 for an EMT cert.

PPB:D

[Firewoman203]

For Iowa you have to be 18 yoa by the time you complete your final test for the state.

[Flippy]

The age varies by state, but I know several EMTs who are 16. Personally, I think 16 is too young to be doing EMS because I don't think a 16 year old has the maturity and life experience to handle some of the things they're presented with. JMO.......

To answer your other question.......yes, being an EMT will be a plus in law enforcement. I think any extra training you have will benefit you.

[Sandles2Sidearm]

national registry is 18

[Sgt Jack]

Mass is 18 as well..

[mooersy21]

sgt jack,

where do you work in mass? i am on the northshore area, next to gloucester.

meri