emts under 18

[ffemt1617]

im sure other stations out there have emts under 18. what kind of limits do u put on them, besides what ur state law allows. do u trat them any differnt at at scene, and do they get the same things( like jumpsuits, fannie packs and all of that good stuff) we have 2 emts under 18 and there treated the same as any other emt, except they cant trat by themselves, barring a mass causlity scene

[Weruj1]

I dont know what to say here but please edit your post with some better spelling .......... in my state you have to be 18 to be an EMT ......so I dont know how I would treat them at that age .........sheesh

[EMTfarmer]

Certainly would need to be able to spell to serve on our crew!! I suspect this is a fictitious post, so what I think doesn't really matter. In today's world documentation means everything!

[SFDchief]

Here in the State of New York, you can not take an EMT test until you're 18.

[fiNEWBIEre]

In most states, you must be 16 years of age to become an Emergency Medical Technician or First Responder. In others such as New York, you must be 18 b/c of the population of cities. A big factor in the determination of this, is crime rate. I was an EMT at 16, and studied the child labor laws since I was 14. I wanted to be the "perfect" junior firefighter, meaning that, I did not want to do anything that would get my department in trouble. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, an Emergency Medical Technician-Basic, must be 16. They may attend calls as anyone older would, but they must be accompanied by an EMT over the age of 18 while in the patient compartment of the ambulance. They may perform all skills with in the scope of practice, however they may not walk with a patient to a medical helicopter at a landing zone. It is also recommended that they do not attend scenes of suicides, Water-recovery or rescue, multiple casualty, a person giving birth, or mental health problems. They may participate in extrication of a patient, but must comply with Commonwealth of PA, dept of Labor Laws for Junior Volunteer Rescue Squad and ambulance corps. Persons under the age of 18 may take all training classes, as approved by the Dept. of Health or individual departments. However persons under the age of 18 may not progress into higher levels of training such as EMT-Intermediate, EMT-Paramedic, or Prehospital-RN.
They may only train as EMT-Basic, First Responder, Wilderness EMT, or Wilderness First Responder; and the various courses associated with them. Hope that helps.. And I do recommend that you take your time while writing, because documentation is the key to communication in Emergency Medical Services...! No offense intended or implied.

[Kiernan]

EMT's under the age of 18 have a lot of proving to do and that post you just made doesn't help and it is quite disgusting. 16 and 17 year old EMT's arent trusted as much in some stations quite simply because of their age. With that post you are making the matters worse.

But to answer your question, there are no limits for what I can do. I am just like any age EMT. At some stations they make those under 18 leave the station at 11 on the weekends, but not where I'm at. I often spend the night.

-A 16 yr old EMT Student

[fyrmedic60]

I live in Indiana and in our state, you can take an emt class under the age of 18, but you cannot take the state exam unless you are 18.

[king255]

I am 17 yrs. old and I am currently taking my EMT-B classes, I will finish when I am still 17. The only restrictions is that I am not allowed to run night crew, and I have to go through precepting before I am allowed to run as the aider on calls (by that time I will be 18 anyways). This is in Pennsylvania.

[JohnJVFD]

well let me speak my mind, because i am 16 yrs old. and im an EMT-B, anyways i proved my self to everyone at my station because some of them said i couldnt do it, anyways i passed all my tests with 80% or better, and people saying that we (minor EMT's) shouldnt be trusted well i think thats a crock! i think we should be treated just like everyone else if we deserve it but dont diss on everyone minor EMT out there by saying we shouldnt be trusted!.

back to the restrictions: im only not allowed to ride in the back of the rig by my self, i can run QRS by my self, i can host our School Games as an EMT because ive proven myself that i know what im doing!!!

[hageremtp]

I will agree with some of the others, you need to make an attempt to spelling somewhat half *****. I know that not all of us spell well but we try a heckofa lot harder than you did. If you want the respect you think you deserve you need to earn it! I work with many EMTs (North Dakota calles them ECTS when they are under 18, Emergency care tech) every day, and I dont have any problems with them as long as they act in a mature fashion. I will tend to hold them off on "bad" calls. I dont doubt that they could handle it, but why put them in that situation to find out. THese ECTs and ECT students give up alot of "normal" teenage things to persue their desire to be an ECT. I feel they put forth just as much effort as some of my adult conterparts. So if they act in a maner that shows respect, I will give respect. IF not, I think you get the drift!

[IAMedic]

I feel the same way as Hager. If they act mature and can handle the call adequately, then so be it. I know 40 year olds that probably should not be doing this, but we let them continue because they are "older and more experienced".

I say, do what you love and up to the level your squad will let you.

Good Luck!!

[Kiernan]

JohnJVFD,

I am doing better in my EMT class than most of the other students, even better than the ones who are nurses! I was just saying that those under 18 seem to be looked down upon as to what we are capable of doing. Work your *** off and show them that you have what it takes to be an EMT.

[backdraft228]

I am an EMT under 18 and my department has become very controversial with restrictions. Some people with power say that there are no restrictions in the State of CT or with our sponsor hospital that say that EMT's under 18 have restrictions - a reason why everyone (18 or not) is issued the same certification card. Others claim that EMT's do face restrictions especially working around hazardous situations, being first on scene, etc.

One other argument is that the State of Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection hires EMT's starting at age 16 to work its public beaches. :D

Rich
Hebron Volunteer Fire Dept.


The above is not a representation of the thoughts and ideas of my department.

[Kiernan]

I never "dissed" any young EMT's and never would since I am one! I was sticking up for them. I know that regardless of where you go, there will be the few people who for some reason don't think we are as capable as other EMT's. This is based solely on age, but it's often remedied once they see that we are just as good, and sometimes better, than someone who has many years on us.

Montgomery County isn't incompetent. If you needed medical care here, we'd treat you the absolute best way possible. I wish your views weren't so biased.

[emt259735]

I took my EMT certifcation class AND test while I was 17, I live in New York. The wording of the state law is one where as long as you turn 18 before the last day of the month you can take the test in that month. My department wouldn't let me practice until I turned 18, not big deal considering it was two weeks away. However, now, someone I know was in a similar situation... she finished the class, passed the skills, but now they're stopping her from taking the test (despite the fact she is well over 18 now), they're arguing that she was not allowed to be in the class and have removed her from the class roster... now somebody tell me how that is fair? I've seen well over 300 patients now that would have had to wait a long time for care if the ambulance couldn't go pick them because it had no EMT (small rural vollie service). Not to be ****y, but I've been told my skills and abilities are equal to and better than those of some twice to two and a half times my age. I really get hurt by the stigmatism (sp?) that I worseless because I'm 20... yes, the worthlessness doesn't seem to go away no matter how much older I get.... <sigh> rant over, thanks for reading.

[btroutm]

This thread as gone from asking about limitations on EMTs under age 18 to a debate over the compitence of younger EMTs. To answer the original thread, a student in Illinois can only take the EMT-B test if they are 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or GED. There are few exceptions (like myself) where a student younger than 18 can take the test early, but they have to wait until their 18th birthday for the license to be mailed out. So, there are no limitations on EMTs under the age of 18 b/c there are no EMTs that young.

Another important issue to recognize is that many departments and/or companies that place restrictions on EMTs are not doing so because they believe that younger EMTs are incompetent, but because of state laws and regulations AND for insurance purposes. Many insurance companies will not cover younger EMTs because they pose a greater liability risk (based on legal reasons NOT competency levels).

As far as the other issue goes, the way people treat you is based on the way you act, not your age. Every new EMT, regardless of age, will be criticized in the beginning, but it is a learning experience. As time goes on, your fellow EMTs gain confidence in your skills. If you want respect, you have to EARN it.

~BRT

P.S. PLEASE put a little more effort into your posts (not mentioning any names ::cough::ffemt1617:: ;) )...if that means typing one letter at a time, then so be it.

[ffemt1361]

I have to add my 2 cents worth to this topic. Here in Maryland you can be an EMT-B under the age of 18. When you take the class there is a paper that the minor has to fill out have mom or dad sign and have a company officer sign as well. Some stations have restrictions on the age to ride the apparatus. Some stations require you to be 18 yrs old. In the county I ride in, in order to take IV-Technician you have to be at least 18. I do know some 16-18 yr olds that arent bad providers. Alot of it depends on the MATURITY of the student. Just my 2 cents worth take care stay safe and good luck in your training.

[amitzahavi]

Hey all!
I am new here and I am an EMT-B under 18.
I am actually 16 and volenteer in MADA (Magen David Adom for Israel).
The restrictions we have here are mostly on injecting an IV, administering drugs, and not being allowed to do night crew.
After an year of BLS we can also volenteer on ALS and there you can adminster drugs and I -think- also IV's.
Anyway, a little about MADA: it is around 85% volenteers which 6500 people which consist of 4300 people ages 15-18 and 2200 ages 21-65.
Even though we (the volenteers) run almost everything including ambulances, stations, and fund-raisers we keep a very very high level of knowledge and expertice and volenteers are choosen very carefully and so the service we provide is very professional.

[IAMedic]

Welcome to the Boards, amitzahavi!!

[emtdtrs17]

I am a new EMT-B, and I am 16, almost 17. I live in northern Virginia and in my department you have to be 15 and 6 months to join. Our county requires you to be 16 to take the EMT-B course. In fact it is offered in highschools to Jouniors and Seniors. Some departments do not allow Jr. members to ride on ambluances, only fire trucks while others are the opposite. My station does not allow Jr. members to be at a station after 11pm on a school night and you are not allowed in a station during the week of exams. Also to remain active you must maintain at least a C average in school. Another restriction is that you cannot turn over as a lead until you are 18.

I am allowed to ride to all calls, no matter if they are suicide or not. Personally I think that if a teenager sacrifices enough to take the EMT course and passes it they should be commended. Not many people my age can do it or would. As you all know, being an EMT is not the easiest thing to do. Where I live we run at night during the week. I think that if a person is managing to go to school, keep their grades up and volunteer as an EMT their should be little question of their maturity or level of responsibility.

I hope that my information about my situation has helped you. I think I mentioned all the restrictions, I don't find them to limiting but it is hard to leave before 11pm. Even though I am much younger then almost everyone at my station I never am treated inferior. In fact most people go out of their way to help me and teach me. My advice to other Jr. memebers who are trying to prove themselves is to become friends with your crew, trust is easier between freinds. For all you older members out there, don't keep your jr.s away from a scene because you think they might not be able to cope with it. You will never know unless you let us at it! We are here because we want to be and we want to learn, so take us under your wing and show us the path! Well sorry for the long message, I think I got carried away on my first post.

[emtdtrs17]

I am a new EMT-B, and I am 16, almost 17. I live in northern Virginia and in my department you have to be 15 and 6 months to join. Our county requires you to be 16 to take the EMT-B course. In fact it is offered in highschools to Jouniors and Seniors. Some departments do not allow Jr. members to ride on ambluances, only fire trucks while others are the opposite. My station does not allow Jr. members to be at a station after 11pm on a school night and you are not allowed in a station during the week of exams. Also to remain active you must maintain at least a C average in school. Another restriction is that you cannot turn over as a lead until you are 18.

I am allowed to ride to all calls, no matter if they are suicide or not. Personally I think that if a teenager sacrifices enough to take the EMT course and passes it they should be commended. Not many people my age can do it or would. As you all know, being an EMT is not the easiest thing to do. Where I live we run at night during the week. I think that if a person is managing to go to school, keep their grades up and volunteer as an EMT their should be little question of their maturity or level of responsibility.

I hope that my information about my situation has helped you. I think I mentioned all the restrictions, I don't find them to limiting but it is hard to leave before 11pm. Even though I am much younger then almost everyone at my station I never am treated inferior. In fact most people go out of their way to help me and teach me. My advice to other Jr. memebers who are trying to prove themselves is to become friends with your crew, trust is easier between freinds. For all you older members out there, don't keep your jr.s away from a scene because you think they might not be able to cope with it. You will never know unless you let us at it! We are here because we want to be and we want to learn, so take us under your wing and show us the path! Well sorry for the long message, I think I got carried away on my first post.

[tom2003]

In California you must be 18 to be certified as an EMT-B. I feel that if you are under 18 you have no place responding to calls as somone over 18 would. Im sure a 16 year old may do a good hob as an EMT, however they lack the maturity and life experience an adult would have(not that just because your an adult your mature, but thats a different issue). I was a fire explorer at 16 and loved every minute of it. I think for those under 18 the explorers may be a better route, you are supervised and learing things with people your own age.

T. Clements EMT-B
Training Supervisor

[emtdtrs17]

I respectfully disagree. I find that although adults may have more life experience, that can be a hinderance. For example, teenagers are more willing and more at ease with those closer to their age. This gives the Jr. EMT the advantage in patient care. Also the younger EMTs tend to bring a fresh look into the picture. Since times have changed much in the last 20 or so years the experiences teens have now greatly differ from those that Senior EMTs would have had when they were growing up. Experience is a major advantage of the Senior EMT, that is why they are the leads. However I think that having a Jr. member on your crew is invaluable. If you have ever ran a peds call with one it is evident that in those situations they have the upper hand. Also, young adults look at things much differently from adults, in situations that EMS runs into it is good to see things from as many perspectives as possible. Plus we are usually smaller and can easily climb around cars to hold C-spine and such!:)

[SmokeEater661]

Where I'm from you must be atleast 18 to take the class. The way I look at it is, passing the test doesn't make you an EMT. The way you perform proves that you truly deserve to be in the back of the squad.

[btroutm]

IMO, it doesn't matter how old you are as long as you do the job well. If a 16 or 17 year old is mature, responsible, and capable of performing his/her job as an EMT, then that's all that matters. It is wrong and unfair to assume that ALL 16 or 17 year olds are not mature enough to work as an EMT-B.

That being said, simply taking a class and passing a test is not enough to prove to me that you are responsible enough and capable of effectively working as an EMT. I've seen many EMTs, especially younger ones, who skated by their EMT class and learned just enough to pass the test. So, for all those younger EMTs out there, there's only one way your going to convince anybody that you can do the job just as good as anyone else, and that's through your actions.

[hageremtp]

Hey all, I worked with a 45 year old who was no longer mature enough to be a paramedic. For some childish prank he pulled, he lost his supervisor positon and took a pay cut. I hated to work with him.....glad I left that place!

[mtwaites]

I know that up in Canada, you have to be 19 or older to be able to become a medic. You can however, try something like boy scouts where you practice first aid etc., at larger scouting events, or doing something like hockey games for injuries etc.

[JohnJVFD]

If a 16 or 17 year old is mature, responsible, and capable of performing his/her job as an EMT, then that's all that matters. It is wrong and unfair to assume that ALL 16 or 17 year olds are not mature enough to work as an EMT-B.

i agree with btroutm 100%, i think people shouldnt judge every 16, 17 year old just because one 16 or 17 yr old kid they worked with was immature! i just wish people would treat us minor EMT's with respect unless we dont deserve it, but dont assume we dont deserve it just because one minor screwed up! :D

[mtwaites]

The reason canada usually has those ages, is because driving the ambulance is also a requirement of being at that stage!, and in order to drive an ambulance, you need to have a class 4, and in order to get a class 4, you have to be 19 or older.