EMS Certification
Emergency Medical Services
Vermont Department of
Health
108 Cherry Street
Burlington, VT 05401
EMAIL: Vermont
EMS
TEL: 802-863-7310 or 800-244-0911 (in Vermont
only)
FAX: 802-863-7577
EMS certification statute and rules
Certification Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How Do I Renew My Certification?
- When Does My Certification Expire?
- What is a Refresher Course?
- How Can I Register For a Department-Approved Refresher Course?
- How Many Continuing Education Hours Do I Need for Recertification?
- What Counts Toward Continuing Education Hours?
- How Much CE Credit Toward EMT-B Recertification Do I Get for Taking an EMT-Intermediate Class?
- When Will My Initial EMT-Intermediate Certification Expire?
- If My EMT-Intermediate Certification is for Less Than 2 Years, How Much Continuing Education Will I Owe for Recertification?
- How Can I Reinstate a Lapsed Certification?
- If I Need to Reinstate My Vermont EMS Certification, How Do I Obtain a National Registry of EMTs Certification?
- How Do I Renew My National Registry of EMTs Certification?
- When Will VT EMS Transition to the Certification Levels Based on the New National Education Standards?
First Responder-ECA Information
Initial Certification
FR-ECA certification is issued for 2 years. To become a First Responder-Emergency Care Attendant, an individual must:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Successfully complete within the last 2 years a course based on the national standard First Responder curriculum
- Be sponsored by a licensed ambulance or first responder service, the military, or be affiliated with a medical facility that requires the person to hold this level of VT EMS certification. This sponsorship shall include a credentialing process.
- Meet the provisions for crime conviction background screening, tax liabilities, child support payments or similar requirements described in Vermont EMS Rules (effective March 1, 2011) or relevant VT statutes
- Successfully complete Department-approved cognitive and psychomotor FR-ECA testing.
- Apply for certification on forms available from the Department.
Initial Training
All FR-ECA training must be received from a program approved by the Vermont Department of Health. All programs must meet the content and objectives of the US DOT most recent national standard First Responder curriculum. This curriculum includes at least 40 hours of didactic training. Some EMS districts also have prerequisites that go beyond the minimum state requirements. To find out the schedule of courses near you, contact the training coordinator for the EMS district in which you are located.
Skills Allowed
- An abbreviated patient assessment process compared to the EMT-B approach. The first responder approach contains an initial assessment and ongoing exam only.
- The ability to measure pulse and respiration rates but not take blood pressures.
- First Responders are taught to give a “hand off report” to other arriving EMS personnel.
- Airway and breathing management that does not include oxygen or bag-valve-mask use.
- Spinal injury care that includes only manual stabilization of the neck rather than full use of short and long backboarding devices.
- Extremity injury care that includes only manual immobilization rather than applications of splints.
- A focus on lifting and moving that emphasizes emergency moves rather than a broader range of “stretcher skills” included in the EMT-B curriculum.
- Emergency childbirth for the first responder contains only information on an uncomplicated obstetrical delivery.
- The EMS operations section does not include information related to “ambulance” operations.
Exams for Initial First Responder-ECA Certification
The cognitive examination for VT FR-ECA certification is the National Registry of EMTs First Responder certification exam. This is a computer-based examination that can be taken at many Pearson-Vue testing locations. Candidates may register for the exam on the NREMT website upon successful completion of the FR-ECA course.
The psychomotor examination consists of 4 stations:
- Trauma Assessment and Management
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
- Upper Airway Management
- Bleeding Control and Shock Management
Performance criteria for the stations are available in the Documents section on this website. Each candidate gets 3 attempts to pass the psychomotor examination. A current list of exam locations and times may be accessed by selecting here.
Recertification
To renew a FR-ECA certification, a person must:
- Show evidence of completing the required number of continuing education credits as described in Section 6.2.6.1.2 of the Vermont EMS Rules (effective March 1, 2011);
OR
Renew their National Registry of EMTs First Responder certification as the basis for renewing their VT FR-ECA certification.
NOTE: As of their second recertification after March 1, 2011, all VT FR-ECAs must hold national FR certification if they can regain it without taking an examination.
- Continue involvement with the delivery of emergency medical treatment as described for initial FR-ECA certification.
- Complete and submit recertification paperwork provided by the Department before the previous certification period expires.
Reinstatement of an Expired FR-ECA Certification
A person whose FR-ECA certification has expired must hold current National Registry of EMTs certification at the First Responder level (at a minimum) as the basis for reinstatement of the FR-ECA certification.
Recognition of Licenses and Certifications from Other States
Except as provided for in Section 10 of the Vermont EMS Rules (effective March 1, 2011), all persons applying for VT FR-ECA certification based on training, education, certification and/or licensing from another state, territory or country must present a current national EMS certification at the First Responder level or higher and make application to the Department.
Certification Extension
The Department may for good cause extend any VT EMS certification for up to six months. Any person requesting an extension of VT EMS certification must apply to the Department in writing prior to the certification’s expiration date. No extensions are granted after a VT EMS certification expires.
EMT - B Information
Initial Certification
EMT-B certifications are issued for 2 years. To become an EMT-B, an individual must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Successfully complete within the last 2 years a course based on the national standard EMT-Basic curriculum
- Be sponsored by a licensed ambulance or first responder service, the military, or be affiliated with a medical facility that requires the person to hold this level of VT EMS certification. This sponsorship shall include a credentialing process.
- Meet the provisions for crime conviction background screening, tax liabilities, child support payments or similar requirements described in Vermont EMS Rules (effective March 1, 2011) or relevant VT statutes
- Successfully complete Department-approved cognitive and psychomotor EMT-B testing.
- Apply for certification on forms available from the Department.
Initial Training
All EMT-B training must be received from a program approved by the Vermont Department of Health. All programs must meet the content and objectives of the US DOT 1994 national standard EMT-Basic curriculum. This curriculum includes at least 110 hours of didactic training and 5 patient assessments in a clinical setting. Some districts also have prerequisites that go beyond the minimum state requirements. To find out the schedule of courses near you, contact the training coordinator for the EMS district in which you are located.
Skills Allowed
- Taking and recording vital signs
- Basic airway management
- Managing soft tissue injuries
- Oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal airways
- Splinting bone and joint injuries
- Pharyngeal suctioning
- Managing medical emergencies
- Administration of oxygen
- Emergency childbirth
- Mask and nasal cannula
- CPR and obstructed airway maneuvers for infant, child and adult
- Use of bag-valve-mask device
- Administration of oral glucose and activated charcoal
- Automated defibrillation
- Assisting in administration of nitroglycerin, prescribed inhaler and epinephrine auto-injector
Examinations for Initial EMT-B Certification
The cognitive examination for VT EMT-B certification is the National Registry of EMTs Basic certification exam. This is a computer-based examination that can be taken at many Pearson-Vue testing locations. Candidates may register for the exam on the NREMT website upon successful completion of the EMT-B course.
The psychomotor examination consists of 5 stations:
- Trauma assessment and management
- Medical assessment and oxygen therapy
- Cardiac arrest management
- Spinal immobilization – seated or supine patient
- 1 of the following, selected at random at the exam site:
- Immobilization of a long bone injury
- Immobilization of a joint injury
- Immobilization with a traction splint
- Bleeding control and shock management
- Upper airway adjuncts and suction
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
- Medication administration
Performance criteria for the stations are available in the Documents section on this website. Each candidate gets 3 attempts to pass the psychomotor examination. A current list of exam locations and times may be accessed by selecting here.
Recertification
To renew an EMT-B certification, a person must:
- Show evidence of completing the required number of continuing education credits as described in Section 6.2.6.1.2 of the Vermont EMS Rules (effective March 1, 2011);
OR
Renew their national EMT-B certification as the basis for renewing their VT EMT-B certification.
NOTE: As of their second recertification after March 1, 2011, all VT EMT-Bs must hold national EMT-Basic certification if they can regain it without taking an examination.
- Continue involvement with the delivery of emergency medical treatment as described for initial EMT-B certification
- Complete and submit recertification paperwork provided by the Department before the previous certification period expires.
Reinstatement of an Expired EMT-B Certification
A person whose EMT-B certification has expired must hold current National Registry of EMTs certification at the Basic level (at a minimum) as the basis for reinstatement of their VT EMT-B certification.
Recognition of Licenses and Certifications from Other States
Except as provided for in Section 10 of the Vermont EMS Rules (effective March 1, 2011), all persons applying for VT EMT-B certification based on training, education, certification and/or licensing from another state, territory or country must present a current national EMS certification at the Basic level or higher and make application to the Department.
Certification Extension
The Department may for good cause extend any VT EMS certification for up to six months. Any person requesting an extension of VT EMS certification must apply to the Department in writing prior to the certification’s expiration date. No extensions are granted after a VT EMS certification expires.
EMT-I-90 Information
Initial Certification
EMT-I-90 certifications are issued for 2 years. To become a VT EMT-I-90, an individual must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Hold current VT EMT-B certification
- Successfully complete within the last year an EMT-I-90 course approved by the Department
- Be sponsored by a licensed ambulance or first responder service licensed at the Intermediate level or higher, the military, or be affiliated with a medical facility that requires the person to hold this level of VT EMS certification. This sponsorship shall include a credentialing process.
- Meet the provisions for crime conviction background screening, tax liabilities, child support payments or similar requirements described in Vermont EMS Rules (effective March 1, 2011) or relevant VT statutes.
- Successfully complete Department-approved cognitive and psychomotor EMT-I-90 testing.
- Apply for certification on forms available from the Department.
Initial Training
All EMT-I-90 training must be received from a program approved by the Vermont Department of Health. All programs must meet the content and objectives of the Vermont EMT-I-90 curriculum. This curriculum includes at least 63 hours of didactic training and 20 hours of clinical training. Some districts also have prerequisites that go beyond the minimum state requirements. To find out the schedule of courses near you, contact the training coordinator for the EMS district in which you are located.
Skills Allowed
- Taking and recording vital signs
- Basic airway management
- Managing soft tissue injuries
- Oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal airways
- Splinting bone and joint injuries
- Pharyngeal suctioning
- Managing medical emergencies
- Administration of oxygen
- Emergency childbirth
- Mask and nasal cannula
- CPR and obstructed airway maneuvers for infant, child and adult
- Use of bag-valve-mask device
- Advanced airway management
- Eastablish and monitor peripheral IV (including saline locks)
- Administer medications upon verbal order
- Infuse crystalloid solutions
- Administer epinephrine 1:1000
- Collect blood samples
- Administer 50% dextrose
- Administer naloxone
Examinations for Initial EMT-I-90 Certification
The cognitive examination for VT EMT-I-90 certification is administered by the Department. It has 100 multiple-choice questions that are referenced to the curriculum; they are NOT based on any one textbook. The passing score is 80%, and each candidate is allowed up to 3 attempts. Questions are distributed in the following manner:
- Roles and responsibilities – 5%
- Human systems and patient assessment – 15%
- Respirations and ventilation – 15%
- Airway management – 10%
- Circulation and fluids – 10%
- Intravenous therapy – 10%
- Shock and resuscitation – 15%
- Pharmacology – 20%
The psychomotor examination consists of 3 stations:
- Patient assessment and advanced management
- Advanced airway management
- Intravenous therapy and medication administration
Each candidate gets 3 attempts to pass the psychomotor examination. A current list of exam locations and times may be accessed by selecting here.
Recertification
To renew an EMT-I-90 certification, a person must:
- Show evidence of completing the required number of continuing education credits as described in Section 6.2.6.1.2 of the Vermont EMS Rules (effective March 1, 2011). OR Renew their national EMS certification (EMT-B or EMT-I) and submit 10 hours of EMT-I-90 continuing education. NOTE: As of their second recertification after March 1, 2011, all VT EMT-I-90s must hold national EMT-Basic certification (at a minimum) if they can regain it without taking an examination.
- Continue involvement with the delivery of emergency medical treatment as described for initial EMT-I-90 certification
- Complete and submit recertification paperwork provided by the Department before the previous certification period expires.
Reinstatement of an Expired EMT-I-90 Certification
A person whose EMT-I-90 certification has expired must hold current National Registry of EMTs certification at the Basic level (at a minimum) as the basis for reinstatement of their VT EMT-B and EMT-I-90 certifications. An EMT-I-90 may reinstate their certification at that level within 6 months of the expiration date by meeting the recertification requirements described above. If an EMT-I-90 certification is lapsed more than 6 months, the person must be trained and certified as a new applicant.
Recognition of Licenses and Certifications from Other States
Except as provided for in Section 10 of the Vermont EMS Rules (effective March 1, 2011), all persons applying for VT EMT-I-90 based on a current national EMT-I-85 certification who meet all applicable requirements described in Section 6.2 of the Vermont EMS Rules (effective March 1, 2011) are eligible to apply for EMT-I-90 certification. EMT-I-90 applicants holding current certification/licensing based on training, education, certification and/or licensing from another state, territory or country at levels above EMT-B and below EMT-Paramedic will be considered on a case by case basis and must successfully complete the Vermont EMT-I-90 cognitive and psychomotor examinations.
Certification Extension
The Department may for good cause extend any VT EMS certification for up to six months. Any person requesting an extension of VT EMS certification must apply to the Department in writing prior to the certification’s expiration date. No extensions are granted after a VT EMS certification expires.
EMT-I-03 Certification Information
Initial Certification
An EMT-I-03 certification is issued for 2 years. To become a VT EMT-I-03, an individual must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Hold current VT EMT-B certification
- Successfully complete within the last year an EMT-I-03 course approved by the Department
- Be sponsored by a licensed ambulance or first responder service licensed at the Intermediate level or higher, the military, or be affiliated with a medical facility that requires the person to hold this level of VT EMS certification. This sponsorship shall include a credentialing process.
- Meet the provisions for crime conviction background screening, tax liabilities, child support payments or similar requirements described in Vermont EMS Rules (effective March 1, 2011) or relevant VT statutes.
- Successfully complete Department-approved cognitive and psychomotor EMT-I-03 testing.
- Apply for certification on forms available from the Department.
Initial Training
All EMT-I-03 training must be received from a program approved by the Vermont Department of Health. All programs must meet the content and objectives of the Vermont EMT-I-03 curriculum. This curriculum includes at least 104 hours of didactic training and a clinical training program based on types and numbers of patient encounters rather than a set number of hours. Some EMS districts also have prerequisites that go beyond the minimum state requirements. To find out the schedule of courses near you, contact the training coordinator for the EMS district in which you are located.
Skills allowed
All EMT-I-90 Skills, plus:
- patient assessment including measurement of oxygen saturation, blood glucose determination and a pediatric length based resuscitation tape
- respiratory care, including multi-lumen airway devices
- specific pharmacologic interventions to treat anaphylactic shock, diabetic emergencies, narcotic overdose, respiratory emergencies, hypertensive emergencies, and chest pain of a suspected cardiac origin
Examinations for Initial EMT-I-03 Certification
The cognitive examination for VT EMT-I-03 certification is administered by the Department, and consists of 120 multiple-choice questions referenced to the curriculum; they are NOT based on any one textbook. The passing score is 70%, and each candidate is allowed up to 3 attempts. Questions are distributed in the following manner:
- Preparatory – 21-27 questions
- Airway – 15-21 questions
- Assessment – 21-27 questions
- Trauma – 15-21 questions
- Medical emergencies & assessment-based management – 33-39 questions
The psychomotor examination consists of 3 stations:
- Patient assessment and advanced management
- Advanced airway management
- Intravenous therapy and medication administration
Each candidate gets 3 attempts to pass the psychomotor examination. A current list of exam locations and times may be accessed by selecting here.
Recertification
To renew an EMT-I-03 certification, a person must:
- Show evidence of completing the required number of continuing education credits as described in Section 6.2.6.1.2 of the Vermont EMS Rules (effective March 1, 2011)
OR
Renew their national EMS certification (EMT-B or EMT-I) and submit 16 hours of EMT-I-03 continuing education.
NOTE: As of their second recertification after March 1, 2011, all VT EMT-I-03s must hold national Basic certification if they can regain it without taking an examination.
- Continue involvement with the delivery of emergency medical treatment as described for initial EMT-I-03 certification
- Complete and submit recertification paperwork provided by the Department before the previous certification period expires.
Reinstatement of an Expired EMT-I-03 Certification
A person whose EMT-I-03 certification has expired must hold current National Registry of EMTs certification at the Basic level (at a minimum) as the basis for reinstatement of their VT EMT-B and EMT-I-03 certifications. An EMT-I-03 may reinstate their certification at that level within 6 months of the expiration date by meeting the recertification requirements described above. If an EMT-I-03 certification is lapsed more than 6 months, the person must be trained and certified as a new applicant.
Recognition of Licenses and Certifications from Other States
Except as provided for in Section 10 of the Vermont EMS Rules (effective March 1, 2011), all persons applying for VT EMT-I-03 based on a current national EMT-I-99 certification who meet all applicable requirements described in Section 6.2 of the Vermont EMS Rules (effective March 1, 2011) are eligible to apply for EMT-I-03 certification. EMT-I-03 applicants holding current certification/licensing based on training, education, certification and/or licensing from another state, territory or country at levels above EMT-B and below EMT-Paramedic will be considered on a case by case basis and must successfully complete the Vermont EMT-I-03 cognitive and psychomotor examinations.
Certification Extension
The Department may for good cause extend any VT EMS certification for up to six months. Any person requesting an extension of VT EMS certification must apply to the Department in writing prior to the certification’s expiration date. No extensions are granted after a VT EMS certification expires.
EMT-Paramedic Certification Information
Initial Certification
EMT-P certifications are issued for 2 years. To become an EMT-P, an individual must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Successfully complete within the last 2 years a course based on the national standard Paramedic curriculum.
- Be sponsored by a licensed ambulance or first responder service licensed at the Paramedic level, the military, or be affiliated with a medical facility that requires the person to hold this level of VT EMS certification. This sponsorship shall include a credentialing process.
- Meet the provisions for crime conviction background screening, tax liabilities, child support payments or similar requirements described in Vermont EMS Rules (effective March 1, 2011) or relevant VT statutes.
- Successfully complete the National Registry of EMTs cognitive and psychomotor Paramedic testing.
- Apply for certification on forms available from the Department.
Initial Training
All EMT-P training must be received from a program approved or recognized by the Vermont Department of Health. All programs must meet the content and objectives of the US DOT 1994 national standard Paramedic curriculum. To find out where approved Paramedic training is offered, contact the EMS Office.
Skills allowed
- Taking and recording vital signs
- Basic airway management
- Managing soft tissue injuries
- Oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal airways
- Splinting bone and joint injuries
- Interpreting cardiac dysrhythmias
- Pharyngeal suctioning
- Infusing crystalloid solutions
- Collecting blood samples
- Managing medical emergencies
- Administration of oxygen
- Emergency childbirth
- Mask and nasal cannula
- Advanced airway management
- Establishing and monitoring peripheral intravenous lines
- Central intravenous lines
- Endotracheal intubation and suctioning
- Chest decompression
- CPR and obstructed airway maneuvers for infant, child and adult
- Cricothyrotomy
- Administration of medications and other treatments
- Defibrillation and synchronized cardioversion, described in the national EMT-Paramedic curriculum
- Use of bag-valve-mask device
Examinations for Initial EMT-P Certification
The cognitive examination for VT EMT-P certification is the National Registry of EMTs Paramedic certification exam. This is a computer-based examination that can be taken at many Pearson-Vue testing locations. Candidates may register for the exam on the NREMT website upon successful completion of the EMT-P course.
The psychomotor examination consists of 7 stations:
- Patient assessment – Trauma (1 scenario)
- Ventilatory management (2 scenarios)
- Cardiac management skills (2 portions)
- IV and medication skills (2 scenarios)
- Oral station (2 cases)
- Pediatric skills (2 scenarios)
- Random Basic skills (only 1)
- Spinal immobilization – seated patient
- Spinal immobilization – supine patient
- Bleeding control/shock management
Performance criteria for the stations are available from the National Registry of EMTs. Each candidate gets 3 attempts to pass the psychomotor examination.
Recertification
To renew an EMT-P certification, a person must:
- Reregister as an EMT-Paramedic with the National Registry of EMTs
- Continue involvement with the delivery of emergency medical treatment as described for initial Paramedic certification
- Complete and submit recertification paperwork provided by the Department before the previous certification period expires.
Reinstatement of an Expired EMT-P Certification
A person whose VT EMT-P certification has expired must hold current National Registry of EMTs certification at the EMT-Paramedic level as the basis for reinstatement of their EMT-P certification.
Recognition of Licenses and Certifications from Other States
Except as provided for in Section 10 of the Vermont EMS Rules (effective March 1, 2011), all persons applying for VT EMT-P certification based on training, education, certification and/or licensing from another state, territory or country must present a current national EMS certification at the EMT-Paramedic level and make application to the Department.
Certification Extension
The Department may for good cause extend any VT EMS certification for up to six months. Any person requesting an extension of VT EMS certification must apply to the Department in writing prior to the certification’s expiration date. No extensions are granted after a VT EMS certification expires.
Registered Nurse and Physician Assistant Certification and Exam Process
Applicant Instructions
A registered nurse or a physician assistant may apply for VT EMS certification at any level without prior EMS education or national EMS certification upon successfully demonstrating to their sponsoring EMS agency and EMS District Medical Advisor that they have the knowledge, skills, and affective competencies associated with the level they are seeking. An RN or PA may gain certification after successfully completing the psychomotor and cognitive examinations associated with that level.
After receiving the approval of their Head of Service, Training Officer and District Medical Advisor, the applicant selects a test site for the psychomotor examination(s) and submit an application to the EMS Office for approval. The application must be signed by all 3 officials listed above. Additionally, the applicant must:
- Meet the minimum age requirement for the level sought;
- Be sponsored by an ambulance or first responder service licensed at the level sought; and
- Meet the provisions for crime background screening, tax liabilities, child support payments and similar requirements described by current EMS rule and VT statute.
After the Department has confirmed the applicant’s eligibility, the applicant must:
- Successfully complete the psychomotor skill examination(s) approved by the Department for the level sought. For the EMT-I-90 and EMT-I-03 levels, this shall include both the Vermont EMT-B and EMT-I-90 or EMT-I-03 psychomotor examinations; and
- Successfully complete the cognitive examination(s) for the level sought. For all levels other than EMT-I-90 or EMT-I-03, this is the National Registry of EMTs cognitive assessment examination. For the EMT-I-90 and EMT-I-03 levels, this is the NREMT EMT-B cognitive assessment examination and the Department’s EMT-I-90 or EMT-I-03 cognitive examination.
The applicant may register for NREMT cognitive assessment exams at www.nremt.org. The applicant may register for EMT-I-90 or EMT-I-03 cognitive exams through the Vermont EMS Office.
Head of Service Instructions
All RN & PA applicants must be affiliated with a service licensed at or above the level at which they are applying. The Head of Service must sign the application attesting that the applicant is a member of the service.
Training Officer and District Medical Advisor Instructions
Checklists of learning objectives for the First Responder-ECA, EMT-Basic and EMT-Intermediate-03 levels are available on the Vermont EMS website. These checklists are optional and intended to help trainers and medical advisors assess the applicant’s qualifications and determine if further training is required.
If additional training is needed, the training officer and district medical advisor may assist the applicant in obtaining the necessary education and practice.
By signing the RN & PA Certification Exam Application, the training officer and district medical advisor attest that the applicant has the required knowledge, skills and competencies to function at the level for which they are applying.
Certification Frequently Asked Questions
How do I renew my certification?
Effective March 1, 2011, there is no recertification examination at any VT EMS certification level.
To renew a certification (except for EMT-P), a person must complete the continuing education requirements described in Section 6.2.6.1.2 of the Vermont EMS Rules (effective March 1, 2011);
OR
Renew their National Registry of EMTs certification as the basis for renewing their VT EMS certification.
For EMT-Paramedic, a person is required to renew and maintain their NREMT-P certification.
For the EMT-I-90 and EMT-I-03 levels, a person is only required to renew their national EMT-B certification and submit the required number of EMT-I CE credits for that level.
Continue involvement with the delivery of emergency medical treatment as described for initial certification at the appropriate level(s). This shall include a credentialing process.
Meet the provisions for crime conviction background screening, tax liabilities, child support payments or similar requirements described in Vermont EMS Rules (effective March 1, 2011) or relevant VT statutes.
Apply for recertification on forms provided by the Department.
When does my certification expire?
All VT EMS certifications issued after March 1, 2011 are timed to expire 3 months after the national EMS certification for that level. EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate and EMT-Paramedic certifications issued after March 1, 2011 expire on June 30; all First Responder-ECA certifications expire December 31.
What is a refresher course?
A refresher course consists of a certain number of hours of continuing education in specified categories as described on recertification paperwork provided by the Department. This education can be a Department-approved course or it may consist of education conducted throughout the certification period through squad training sessions, attendance at conferences or other similar methods.
How can I register for a Department-approved refresher course?
Contact your district’s training coordinator (or one in a neighboring district) to find out when refresher courses will be held near you. You can find a list of training coordinators here.
How many continuing education hours do I need for recertification?
See Section 6.2.6.1.2 of the Vermont EMS Rules.
What counts toward continuing education hours?
Actually, a broad and interesting variety of education can count toward recertification. The links below will direct you to the appropriate recertification brochure on the National Registry of EMTs’ website (www.nremt.org).
How much CE credit toward EMT-B recertification do I get for taking an EMT-Intermediate class?
Completing an EMT-I course allows an EMT-B to claim the following amounts of CE toward their EMT-B recertification:
Preparatory – 1 hour (all the required hours)
Airway – 4 hours (all 2 required hours plus 2 elective hours)
Patient assessment – 6 hours (all 3 hours plus 3 elective hours)
Medical/Behavioral – 7 hours (all 4 hours plus 3 elective hours)
Trauma – 2 hours
OB/Infants & Children – 0 hours
When will my initial EMT-Intermediate certification expire?
Your EMT-I-90 or EMT-I-03 certification will expire on the same date as your EMT-B certification.
If my EMT-Intermediate certification is for less than 2 years, how much continuing education will I owe for recertification?
Your CE requirement is pro-rated to the length of time you have held your EMT-I certification when you renew it. For EMT-I-90s, the rate is 1.25 hours for every 3 months. At the EMT-I-03 level the rate is 2 hours for every 3 months.
How can I reinstate a lapsed certification?
A person whose VT FR-ECA, EMT- B, or EMT-P certification has expired must have current National Registry of EMTs certification at that level as the basis for reinstatement of their VT EMS certification. An EMT-I-90 or EMT-I-03 may reinstate their certification at that level within 6 months of the expiration date by obtaining a national Basic certification (at a minimum) and submitting the number of EMT-I continuing education credits that were due on their expiration date. If an EMT-I-90 or EMT-I-03 certification lapses more than 6 months, the person must be trained and certified as a new applicant.
If I need to reinstate my VT EMS certification, how do I obtain a National Registry of EMTs certification?
The answer to this question depends on a number of factors. Contact the National Registry of EMTs at 614-888-4484 or consult their website at www.nremt.org to find out the method that applies to your situation.
How do I renew my National Registry of EMTs certification?
The NREMT sends re-registration materials several months before certifications are due to expire. You may also find information on renewing your national certification on the NREMT website at www.nremt.org.
When will VT EMS transition to the certification levels based on the new national education standards?
VT EMS is working with instructor/coordinators and others to develop education and testing materials associated with the Emergency Medical Responder, EMT, Advanced-EMT and Paramedic certification levels. Initial courses will begin to be offered after the National Registry of EMTs starts administering examinations for those levels. In most cases, existing FR-ECAs, EMT-Bs, EMT-Is and EMT-Paramedics will be required to transition to the corresponding new level by their second recertification after March 1, 2011.