Becoming an Emergency Medical Responder (EMR):

Prerequisites: 16 years of age or older

Skills include assisting EMTs in:

• Patient Examinations

• Take/Record Vital Signs

• Administer Oxygen

• Basic Life Support

• Bleeding Control

• Airway Management

• Spinal Immobilization

Prepare/Administer epinephrine via automatic injector device, aspirin by mouth, and oral liquid glucose.

Course Length: Approximately 50-60 hours

Certification Valid for: 2 years

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Becoming an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT):

Prerequisites: 16 years of age or older

Skills include:

• All EMR skills

• Basic life saving measures such as:

  • Administer Oxygen​

  • Bleeding Control

  • Ventilation with non-invasive positive pressure device

  • Blood Glucose testing

  • Prepare/Administer nebulized bronchodilator agents, along with other medications as approved by the medical director

  • Cardiac Defibrillation

  • Transport stable patients

• Assist Paramedics

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Course Length: 150-200 hours

Certification Valid for: 3 years

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Becoming a Paramedic:

Prerequisites: Current EMT Certification

                       Current CPR Certification

                       18 years of age or older

Skills include:

• All EMT and EMR skills

• Evaluate and Stabilize

• Advanced assessment and procedures such as

  • Initiate multiple airway techniques

  • Start an IV

  • Interpreting cardiac rhythms

  • Administering medications

  • Collaborating with Medical Command​

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Course Length: 1,000-2,000 hours

Certification Valid for: 3 years

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Resources: 

Conemaugh School of Emergency Medical Services (EMR, EMT, Paramedic)

• https://www.conemaugh.org/school-of-emergency-medical-services

Indiana University of PA Institute for Rural Health and Safety (EMR, EMT, Paramedic)

• https://www.iup.edu/rural-health-safety/est/index.html

Penn State University (EMT)

• https://studentaffairs.psu.edu/health-wellness/healthcare-and-medical-services/services/emergency-medical-services

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