ems under 18

[Matthew Rademacher]

I'm from CT and am taking an EMR course with the intent of eventually getting EMT certified. I was wondering if I want to volunteer for EMS work if I would have to become an Explorer. I'd much rather just be a part of the company and actually do stuff instead of just being a ride along. So my question is can I be underage and work as a normal volunteer just with the state restrictions or do I have to be an explorer? Also is there a bridge course from EMR to EMT or do I have to take the full EMT course?

 

[chaz90]

What part of Connecticut are you from? If I remember correctly, CT is actually one of the few states that allows state licensure as an EMT prior to turning 18. I know Darien has an EMS service basically staffed entirely by high school students. Your best bet is going to be to contact your local service and discuss your options with them. I would guess their only positions for 16 year olds would be as an Explorer only, if anything. Don't look at that as a bad thing though. Enjoy your EMR class, focus on high school, and get some experience outside of EMS. Take your EMT class when you can, and we promise there will still be positions available when you turn 18 in a few years.