EMT age

[mikey1294]

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Do all states require you to be 18 to be an EMT?

 

[libo1369]

If I am not mistaken the requirement is a national requirement so yes for all states the age is 18. If you are interested you may be able to do a cadet program or some other kind of ride along. Contact one of your local ambulance companies to arrange something.

 

[Jambi]

Generaly it depends on the state. Here in Cali it's 18 y/o. I've heard of states allowing EMT's as young as 16 y/o.

 

[mikey1294]

Well I am 17 and have already graduated high school. You think maybe I could like get a wavier since I already graduated high school.

 

[sanford_w/o_son]

i would be doubtful about any kind of waiver, as the reason for the age requirement is probably more of a legal issue related to being a minor. but i don't know this.

you might be able to go ahead and take the course. is the age requirement for "being" an EMT (getting licensed) or for working as one? if it's just for working as one, then i would suppose that you could go ahead and take the course and the exam to get licensed.

 

[Jambi]

The age limit is a legal thing. And thats a no-go on the waiver.

is the age requirement for "being" an EMT (getting licensed) or for working as one? if it's just for working as one, then i would suppose that you could go ahead and take the course and the exam to get licensed.

The age limit is for "being" an EMT. You could take class but you could not do the clinicals or ride-alongs or you could start the class and turn 18 while enrolled. You could take a first responder class, as that usually is limited to 16 y/o an older.

For an EMS specific site you can try EMS Forums

 

[mikey1294]

What is a first responder? Also on average how long does it take to be certifed as an EMT?

 

[southerndoc]

There are some states that allow you to certify as an EMT (at the state level) at only 16 years of age. I think Pennsylvania is such a state.

 

[Jambi]

What is a first responder? Also on average how long does it take to be certifed as an EMT?

A first responder is the "lite" version of an EMT, It was popular with many fire departments but most have moved to EMT. Its less hours and training. The typical time for becoming an EMT is at about 168 hours or so, you can take EMT training at many Community Colleges and it lasts one semester.

 

[DropkickMurphy]

Mikey, are you also a member at TraumaCentral and another EMS forums website that shall not be named? If so I do believe you know the answer to this question.

If this is the same Mikey, give it 4 years and you'll be good to go 😉 If not, I apologize.

 

[mikey1294]

No this isn't the same guy you are talking about.

 

[a_ditchdoc]

I was 17 when I became interested in EMS. I took the EMT class at 17, quietly did the required clinicals, and they mailed me my credentials on my 18th birthday. From there I was a paramedic by 19. Best of luck...don't let your age discourage you...

 

[mikey1294]

Thanks for the info.

 

[dropdeded]

EMT was just one part of an Emergency Services and Safety Management course I took at 39, almost 42 now. Im an old guy, started late in the game. Did transfers for a year and a half, 911 for I dont know, about 3 months now. Kind of gives me a different perspective of the sport altogether I think.

ed

 

[beanbean]

Connecticut: Age 16

 

[DropkickMurphy]

But how many places will actually let you work as a 16 y/o? I'm betting none, or a very scant few. (BTW, I obtained my EMT certification at age 16 before the minimum age was hiked to 18; even back then it was impossible to find work at that age- I had to draw blood and dispatch until I turned 18)

 

[WestcoastMedicine]

New Jersey you only have to be 16 to get your EMT. However, you cannot ride as a second legally until you are 18. How can you be responsible for someone else when you are still a minor and are technically not legally responsible for yourself??

Although that is the law I know many volunteer organizations have EMTs below 18 working alone since they have no one else. In NJ it is also state law to have two EMTs on board, not just an EMT and a driver and unfortunately I have seen this law broken many times as well.

I joined my squad at 16 just riding as a cadet. We were allowed to go on all calls except maternity, fire, and HAZMATs. I passed my EMT at 17 and by 18 I felt I was more than ready to practice on my own. I don't see the 16 thing necessarily being negative. It can give you alot of experience before you are cut loose and doing it on your own.

 

[WestcoastMedicine]

I know that Pennsylvania is also 16.

This may no longer be the case for NJ because when I took the exam it was just a state exam. I think we have since changed over to the National Registry so it may no longer be 16.