New York State Department Of Health Bureau of Emergency Medical Services Certification Programs
Please click on the certification program titles below to view more information about them.
To see a list of upcoming classes please click here.
Certified First Responder (CFR)
The CFR level is the minimum level of certification in NYS. The CFR is trained in Patient Assessment, CPR, controlling bleeding, treatment of shock, environmental emergencies, initial care of Medical and Trauma emergencies and emergency childbirth. The CFR follows the written NYS CFR Protocols. Eligible candidates must be at least 16-years old by the last day of the month in which the NYS certifying written exam is given.
Emergency Medical Technician
The EMT level is the minimum required staffing level for all NYS Certified Ambulances. The EMT is trained in all basic life support (BLS) level skills. The EMT must demonstrate competency in patient assessment, handling emergencies using BLS equipment and techniques. They must be able to perform CPR, control bleeding, treat for shock, stabilize / immobilize suspected fractures and spinal injuries, manage environmental emergencies and emergency childbirth. EMT must be able to use a semi-automatic defibrillator and be able to assist patients with the self-administration of select medications, or to administer emergency medications as described in state and local protocol. The EMT follows the written NYS BLS Protocols. Eligible candidates must be at least 18-years old by the last day of the month in which the NYS certifying written exam is given.
Emergency Medical Technician – Paramedic (EMT-P, or AEMT-P)
This is the highest certified level of EMS provider in NYS. Certification at this level includes additional ALS assessment, skills, and the supporting knowledge base. EMT-P must be capable of utilizing all EMT-B and ALS skills and equipment. The EMT-P must be knowledgeable and competent in the use of a cardiac monitor/defibrillator and intravenous medications and fluids. The EMT-P follows the written ALS protocols of the Region, and must be able to perform in accordance with Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and the Pre-hospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) guidelines. The EMT-P operates with a broad range of standing orders that may be implemented prior to establishing contact with an on-line Medical Control Physician.
EMT Continuing Medical Education (CME) Recertification Program
This program is designed to replace the traditional recertification courses and NYS Written and Practical Skills examinations, with a program that will combine many different types of medical education activities over the length of the participants certification period. Participants who successfully complete all the program elements will attain recertification by the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services (BEMS). For qualified participants, the program will combine twenty-four (24) hours of mandatory content, referred to as Core Curriculum, with and additional forty-eight (48) hours of elective or Non-Core Curriculum as the basis for their recertification. Built into the program are also provisions for verification of the participants EMS skills. When completed and properly documented to the BEMS in the required timeframe, participants will be granted recertification without having to take the traditional NYS BEMS Written and Practical skills examinations. Currently only valid EMT-B, EMT-I, EMT-CC and EMT-P’s whose agencies are registered with the NYS DOH may utilize the CME recertification process.