You must fulfill the following requirements to become an EMT:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Complete a Washington State Department Of Health (DOH) approved EMT course. The EMT course is a minimum of 110 hours classroom time, including 10 hours of hospital observation.
- Complete four hours of DOH-approved Infectious Disease training (this is included in the Basic EMT course).
- Successfully complete a DOH-approved written and practical skills examination.
- Be actively associated with a DOH-approved EMS service. This includes fire departments, police departments, private ambulance companies, and search and rescue organizations.
The majority of EMTs in King County work either for fire departments (as firefighter/EMTs) or private ambulance companies and emergency rooms as “ER techs”. A few work for law enforcement agencies, search and rescue organizations, or medical centers in private companies. Ambulance work is a great way to keep your EMT certification current.
Most EMS agencies in King County have in-house Competency-Based Training (CBT) programs that will provide you with the required continuing education classes. 10 hours of continuing education per year is required to keep your EMT certification current.