EMT Training in Rhode Island

Students who receive EMT training in Rhode Island can reach one of three levels of EMT, an EMT-B, EMT-C (Cardiac), and EMT-P (Paramedic).  The Rhode Island Department of Health utilizes the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exams as the basis for Rhode Island EMT-Basic licensure.

How Do I Get Into an EMT Program?

· EMT students need to be 18 years old or older. They also must have the ability to show proof of a high school diploma or a GED.

· Should have a valid driver’s license.

· Need to be able to read at a 10th grade level or higher. Potential students are sometimes asked to supply placement scores (from assessments such as ASSET or COMPASS or ACCUPLACER, which evaluate one’s academic abilities in English, math, and reading).

· Should have CPR certification and retain it throughout the duration of the program.

· EMT students will need to display evidence of the following vaccinations: Measles, Mumps, Rubella Vaccination/Illness, and Hepatitis B Vaccination Series. You will most likely also need the Tdap vaccine to protect against Tetanus, Diphtheria and Petrussis; Chicken Pox (vaccinated 2 shot series or positive titer); a negative Tuberculosis skin PPD test (within the last 12 months); a negative Chest X-ray (within the last 12 months) and a Flu shot (within the last 12 months).

· Must undergo a drug test and submit to a criminal background check.

In addition to these requirements, a licensed EMT in Rhode Island should be able lift, carry, and balance a minimum of 125 pounds equally distributed (250 pounds with assistance).

Preparing for EMT Classes

Throughout an EMT training program in Rhode Island, students will be taught the necessary skills to provide prehospital emergency medical care at a basic life support level. After the training program is effectively finished, students will be able to determine the significance of a patient’s injury and evaluate the requirement needed for emergency medical care.

Students will also learn to conduct proper emergency medical care based on a patient’s condition, as well as lift, position, or shift a patient to reduce discomfort and defend against added injury.

What to Expect from Rhode Island EMT Classes

Any EMT student who has successfully completed an EMT training course in RI will have a thorough understanding of the following:

· The Human Body

· EMT-Basic Pharmacology

· Respiratory and Cardiac Emergencies

· Emergency Childbirth/Pediatric Emergencies

· Medical, Legal, and Ethical Issues in EMS

· Bleeding and Shock Management

· Hemorrhage control

· Environmental and Behavioral Emergencies

· Epinephrine Auto-Injector

· Trauma Patient Assessment

· Airway Management

· Obstetrics and Gynecological Emergencies

· Soft Tissue Injuries

· Musculoskeletal Injuries

· Head, Neck and Spine Injuries

· Vital Signs

· Infants, Children, Adolescents and Old Patients

· Lifting and Moving Patients

· Diabetic Emergencies

How to Become an EMT in Rhode Island

Once you have successfully completed your EMT-Basic course, you will then be able to apply for national certification by taking the NREMT exams.  National EMT certification requires students to successfully complete both a cognitive (computer adaptive test) and psychomotor exam (skills test).

The NREMT-B practical exam is a state approved exam and will be given through state recognized EMT training programs.  One you pass the NREMT exams, you can then apply for Rhode Island licensure.  If you have any questions about EMS courses, testing, or licensure in RI, be sure to contact:

RI Department of Health, EMS
3 Capitol Hill, Room 105
Providence, RI 02908-5097