San Francisco Paramedic Association - Northern California Training Facility. Phone 415-543-1161.

San Francisco Paramedic Association

Most EMS providers begin their career as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT). In California the official certificate is EMT-1; this is equivalent to the national term of EMT-Basic (EMT-B). EMTs undergo a minimum of 110 hours of training, usually provided by a community college or private training school. In addition a current CPR (health care provider level) card and a valid driver’s license are needed in order to secure employment. Training can take as little as three weeks to complete; most programs take 3 months to a semester to finish. A student who completes EMT training is required to pass a national examination and background check before being issued a certificate to practice. Additional questions about EMT certification can be found at your local county website or at the state EMS Authority.

EMTs provide a basic level of emergency care. This includes basic life support (CPR and automated external defibrillation), oxygen therapy, bleeding control, splinting and bandaging, and basic care of medical emergencies such as heart attacks, stroke, breathing problems and unconsciousness. EMTs are permitted to administer a few medications, such as oxygen, oral glucose for diabetics, and in some locations, aspirin for heart attacks. EMTs may assist patients in administering their prescribed medications such as nitroglycerin for heart attacks and an inhaler for breathing problems.

EMTs can find work in a variety of occupations, including private ambulance companies, fire departments and hospitals. EMTs can also be found working at locations such as movie filming, high school game standbys and other special events.

EMTs may continue on with their training and become EMT-Paramedics (EMT-P or simply, paramedic). Paramedic education is conducted at accredited training programs. The average program length is more than 1100 hours, including a minimum 480 hour field internship. Most students will take 12 – 16 months to complete their training process. Like the EMT, the paramedic student must pass a national examination process as well as a background screening process by the state. In addition to a paramedic license many counties require additional certifications, such as Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), or Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS). Paramedic programs may offer one or more of thee courses as part of the coursework.

EMTs can complete their training and immediately continue on with paramedic training. However, many paramedic programs look for candidates who have some experience, as they tend to be better prepared to handle the volume of information provided during the program.

Paramedics provide all of the services permitted by an EMT. In addition, paramedics provide advanced life support, including airway management, intravenous therapy, medication administration, fluid therapy, and electrical therapy for cardiac dysrhythmias. Paramedics received significantly more education in human anatomy and physiology to better understand why patients become ill. Paramedic students spend time in the classroom, hospital and field settings to acquire their knowledge and skills.

Paramedics continue to provide the bulk of emergency care in the 911 setting, especially during the transport phase. In northern California, most paramedics work in either a private agency or fire department contracted by the county LEMSA to provide advanced life support services. Paramedics are also an integral part of air medical services.

What obligations must I fulfill to be an EMS provider?

In order to remain certified (EMT-1) or licensed (Paramedic) in California, EMS providers must complete a minimum number of continuing education (CE) hours every two years. EMTs must complete 24; Paramedics, 48. While not required, an increasing number of EMS providers complete upwards of 72 hours of education every two years to satisfy their national registry requirement.

In addition to CE, EMTs and Paramedics must maintain a current CPR card. For paramedics, an ACLS card is required to maintain national registration. Local regulations may have additional requirements that an EMS provider must maintain in order to remain accredited to work in that area. Criminal convictions and a loss of a driver’s license may have profound impact on an EMT or paramedic’s ability to work.

I have more questions.

This information serves as an introduction to the EMS profession. You may contact us through email or by phone if you have any additional questions. We wish you luck in finding a rewarding career.