The first training course for an EMT to complete in New Jersey is the EMT-B class. This is required of all paid and volunteer EMTs before they can administer pre-hospital emergency treatment to a patient. The prerequisite for the course is cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training. The course teaches students anatomy; assessment of patients; operating oxygen; care of infants and children; handling trauma; assisting in childbirth situations; operating an ambulance; protocol when transferring a patient; assessing various types of emergencies (medical, behavioral and environmental); and an overview of dealing with hazardous materials (HAZMAT).
Once an EMT-B has taken the first course, passed his exam and becomes certified, the clock begins ticking toward his recertification. Within five years, he must earn 24 core CEUs in order to maintain New Jersey licensure. The EMT-B core refresher course is one way to accomplish this. The course requires the EMT-B to take a series of classes on weekends, nights, or a combination of nights and weekends. EMT-Bs with a license that has been expired for less than two years also qualify for the refresher series, but are required to take the EMT-B exam at the end to recertify.
In addition to 24 core course credits, a New Jersey EMT-B must also complete 24 credit hours worth of electives to become recertified. Elective courses include classes in communications during hazardous situations; advanced disaster life support; hazardous materials awareness; defensive driving; and working with allergy, geriatric, infant and children cases. Most elective CEU courses earn fewer credits, with the exception of those in a specialized area, such as the paramedic assistant program. A listing of elective courses can be found in the Resources section of this article in the New Jersey OEMS Course Catalog.
For an EMT-B who has an interest in administering more direct care to patients, the EMT-Paramedic, or EMT-P, certification is the next step. The prerequisite for an EMT-P training course in New Jersey is certification as an EMT-B. The EMT must also receive sponsorship from an area hospital to begin the program. To earn EMT-P certification, the EMT-B must acquire more complex skills, including in-depth patient assessments, drug administration and preparing detailed medical reports. EMT-P training may pave the way for individuals who would like to later become doctors and nurses. The program in New Jersey is held in a number of institutions, including Camden County College. Through the college's program, the individual earns an associate's degree in Paramedic Sciences.