Emergency Medical Technicians provide out of hospital  emergency medical care and transportation for critical and emergent  patients who access the emergency medical services (EMS) system. EMTs have the basic knowledge  and skills necessary to stabilize and safely transport patients ranging  from non-emergency and routine medical transports to life threatening  emergencies. Emergency Medical Technicians function as part of a  comprehensive EMS response system, under medical oversight. Emergency  Medical Technicians perform interventions with the basic equipment  typically found on an ambulance. Emergency Medical Technicians  are a critical link between the scene of an emergency and the health  care system.                                         
[From the: National EMS Scope of Practice Model]                  

 People's lives often depend on the quick reaction and competent care of Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). Using pre-determined protocols, EMTs provide emergency care and transport patients to medical facilities. EMTs operate in emergency medical services systems where a physician provides medical direction and oversight.                                                          

 The EMT-Basic: National Standard Curriculum  is a core curriculum of minimum required information, to be presented within a minimum 119-hour training program. It is recognized that there is additional specific education that will be required of EMT-Basics who operate in the field, i.e. ambulance driver training, heavy and light rescue, basic extrication, special needs, and so on. It is also recognized that this information might differ from locality to locality, and that each training program, or system should identify and provide special training requirements. This curriculum is intended to prepare a medically competent EMT-Basic to operate in the field. Enrichment programs and continuing education will help fulfill other specific needs for the EMT-Basic's education.        

 Individuals applying for the Emergency Medical Technician national certification must meet the following requirements:
 

1. 18 years of age or older
2. Successful  completion of a state-approved Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course  that meets or exceeds the National Emergency Medical Services Education  Standards for the  Emergency  Medical Technician.                                                              
   • Candidates must have completed the course within the past two years  and the course Program Director must verify successful course completion on the National Registry website.

1. Have a current CPR-BLS for "Healthcare Provider" or equivalent credential.
2. Successful completion of the National Registry cognitive (knowledge) and a state approved psychomotor (skills) exams.                                                              
   • Passed portions of each exam (cognitive and psychomotor) remain valid for twelve (12) months.