The primary focus of the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) is to provide basic emergency medical care and transportation for critical and emergent patients who access the emergency medical system. This individual possesses the basic knowledge and skills necessary to provide patient care and transportation. Emergency Medical Technicians function as part of a comprehensive EMS response, under medical oversight. Emergency Medical Technicians perform interventions with the basic equipment typically found on an ambulance. The Emergency Medical Technician is a link from the scene to the emergency health care system. In New Jersey, an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) is defined by the Department of Health and Senior Services regulations (N.J.A.C. 8:40A). 

This individual possesses the basic knowledge and skills necessary to provide patient care and transportation. Emergency Medical Technicians function as part of a comprehensive EMS response, under medical oversight. This functions include

• basic airway management;

• use of basic adjunctive airway equipment;

• suctioning;

• cardiopulmonary resuscitation, according to current AHA guidelines;

• obstructed airway management;

• bleeding control to include appropriate tourniquet usage;

• spine immobilization

• splinting of long and short bone fractures

• scene assessment, triage, scene safety

• use of statewide EMS communications system

• childbirth (imminent delivery)

• oxygen administration

• epi-pen, narcan and albuterol administration

• other non-invasive procedures as taught in EMT courses adhering to DOT curricula;

• wound management

Emergency Medical Technicians perform interventions with the basic equipment typically found on an ambulance. The Emergency Medical Technician is a link from the scene to the emergency health care system.

Student Requirements for Enrollment into an EMT Program:

1. Attainment of the age of 16 by the first day of the program.

2. Physical capability to perform all required skills and tasks of an EMT as cited in the functional job description for the Emergency Medical Technician

3. Possession of a valid CPR certification to the level of the Professional Rescuer or Health Care Provider. The student shall maintain CPR certification throughout the duration of the EMT training program and until such time as he or she is either certified as an EMT or terminated from the program.

The following is a list of approved CPR vendors/classes that are recognized by the Department of Health and Senior Services which meet the requirements for CPR certification as defined in New Jersey Statutes Annotated (N.J.S.A.) 26:2K 39-47 and 52- 62.

• American Safety & Health Institute (ASHI) – CPR Pro Level

• American Red Cross (ARC) – CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer

• American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons/Emergency Care & Safety Institute (AAOS-ESCI) – Healthcare Provider Level

• American Heart Association (AHA) – BLS for Healthcare Provider

• National Safety Council (NSC) – Professional Rescuer Level

• Department of Defense (DOD) – Professional Rescuer Level

While we do not offer them at the squad, EMT classes are offered throughout the State of New Jersey. For more information on EMT certification classes, please visit the Class Schedule page on the NJOEMS website. Choose “EMT Initial Training” under course type, and set the other parameters as the relate to your situation. 

The course teaches the pre-hospital emergency care of the sick and injured. The course load is equivocal to a college level program. Many prospective EMTs that are college students are able to complete the EMT course during the school year. However, the EMT course, which is approximately 240 hours, is a mixture of at home online-led instruction and in classroom hands on skills practice. Classes use a hybrid approach to teaching, so along with classroom activities and e-learning, students are given the opportunity to use field equipment for various interactive scenarios based on real-life situations. The online classroom lets you complete lectures at your convenience. 

All students MUST:  

1. Have easy access to a computer for home study work. 

2. Expect to complete approximately 10-14 hours a week online independent study, as well as online quizzes and tests. A laptop computer is preferable for class.  

3. Be able to read, write, communicate and interpret instructions in the English Language. (All text materials are written at the 10th grade level).  

4. Be in good physical condition and be able to lift.  Participate in all lecture and practical sessions. 

5. Students must attend all sessions in their entirety. Any absences must be made up prior to the NREMT certification exam. Due to the course layout, makeup sessions will be extremely difficult to schedule.  

6. Bring a stethoscope and a watch with a second hand to ALL classroom sessions.  

7. Have a notebook and pencil/pen at all times.

For these students, we recommend completing the EMT course and state certification exam over a summer or winter break prior to applying for membership. Prospective members can also increase their clinical experience by joining and riding as a new members. 

You be required to obtain a new copy of the current EMT textbook “Emergency Care and Transportation of the Sick and Injured" 12th Edition AAOS (ISBN# 9781284227192), which contains an one-time online registration code.

EMT Programs generally cost between $1500 - $2000 per session and are taught over a 3-4 month period. There are accelerated classes periodically held. Financial assistance is available with commitment to a two year service agreement as an EMT with the squad.

In order to obtain certification as a New Jersey certified EMT the student must:

1. Attend and successfully complete a NJ Department of Health and Senior Services, Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) approved EMT educational program. Once a student has successfully completed all components of the required EMT education program,

   1. Locate a program on the NJ OEMS Certification Site.

   2. Create an Account (Remember you login ID, 6######)

   3. Log into your account, go to Class and Exam Schedules, and click EMT Class Schedule

   4. Locate desired class and click Register.

2. The program coordinator shall verify that the student is eligible to take the state certification examination.

3. Upon verification of successful program completion, the student may register for the NREMT certification exam. A student who does not achieve a passing score (70%) on the state certification examination shall be permitted two (2) additional opportunities to successfully complete the examination.

EMT Training classes are normally held at several EMS training sites in the area. Please click the links below to explore your options.