EMT Refresher

Candidates do not need to hold a current certification card in order to enroll in a refresher course, but they must have proof that they were once certified in the State of New York at or above the level of the refresher course in which they are enrolling. No candidate will be allowed to enroll in a refresher course unless they have been previously or are currently certified. Occasionally, NYS-BEMS will grant a candidate permission to enroll in a refresher course based upon previous training in another state. The student must submit a letter from NYS-BEMS to the CIC for proof of eligibility and any advanced standing that has been granted.

Candidates with a "Lapsed Certification" pursuant to Section 800.8 State EMS Code:
All CFR/EMT certifications will expire at 12 midnight on the expiration date shown on the certification card. After that time the individual is no longer certified. The candidate may NOT practice as a NYS certified provider. Pursuant to Section 800.18 State EMS Code, at any time in the future, an individual may enroll in a refresher program and complete the course requirements. They must take and pass both the State certifying Practical Skills Examination and the State certifying written examination in order to renew their certification. These candidates are eligible to take all portions of the challenge components of the refresher course.

Challenge format Candidates are eligible to challenge the cognitive & psychomotor examinations.

Cognitive exam

The cognitive assessment shall determine the number of courses required for successful course completion. Candidates must achieve a score of 80% in any given content area to successfully challenge the educational material.

Psychomotor exam

The candidate will be offered the opportunity to take the NYS Practical Skills examination (PSE) without penalty. Stations not successfully passed at the challenge PSE will be tested at the class final practical skill exam. Candidates who fail a skill station or waiver the practical examination will be required to attend the appropriate session to review the necessary skill set.

In order to be admitted to the State final practical skills exam all Advanced EMT Refresher students must meet program requirements to include CPR, ACLS & PALS.

Individuals who wish to attend the entire EMT Refresher program may do so after signing a waiver of a challenge form. It is encouraged that all students sit for both the written and skills challenge exams so that they may receive an accurate standing of their academic and clinical needs.

National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians

 

Students are responsible for any and all costs associated with their course.  If a student damages an affiliated agency or Upstate's equipment or property, they may be held responsible for costs or damages.

The EMT program provides students with the knowledge and experience required to appropriately assess and treat a patient in any given situation.

The EMT program provides the student with an understanding of the principles used in treating medical emergencies.

The student completing the EMT program will learn:

• Airway management and ventilation
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• Principles of medication administration
  
• Management of traumatic injuries
• Application of splints, bandages, other devices appropriate to the care of the sick and injured, and spinal motion precautions
• Disentanglement of a patient
• Packaging and removal from the scene
• Methods of radio communication with pertinent parties including medical control, dispatch, etc.
  
• Report writing skills
• Understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the Emergency Medical Technician in performing both emergency and operational aspects of the job

Students will be awarded a certificate of course completion upon successfully meeting all program requirements. In order to be awarded a certificate of course completion and to be admitted to the final practical examinations, students must have successfully completed all course requirements within the given time to the satisfaction of the course sponsor. These include, but are not limited to:

• All EMS program and affiliate property have been returned in good condition
• Successful completion of the AHA Health Care Provider course
• Approval of the lead instructor
• Final grade of at least 77% in good academic standing
• All tuition and fees paid
• Successful completion of course requirements including but not limited to required independent study course

The Upstate Medical University Department of Emergency Medicine EMS Programs will not allow any student to take a certifying examination until he/she has successfully completed all phases of training (including didactic, clinical, and field training) and demonstrated competency in all skills within the scope of practice for an entry-level EMT.

Completion of course does not guarantee successful acquisition of state or national certification. Students must successfully complete the New York State Practical and computer-based certification exam or National Registry Practical and computer-base certification exam to obtain the respective certifications.