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griffithsgriffin

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anybody work as a police officer of any type? I hear they like their officers to have EMT certs. Pretty tough job market in the Portland, OR area for EMT's and paramedics. Local police departments are hiring. Seems like it could be a rewarding job
 
I know a few police officers and have asked them about EMT training and they all said the same thing nobody has it. That said any additional applicable training you have that the other guy doesn't have will always put you ahead when it comes to choosing an applicant.
 
I actually got in to EMS by thinking getting my EMT was a good way in to the police academy. And look. 3.5 years later, stuck. :P


My agency just put a local PD through ECA (First Responder) training, so that all their officers atleast know somewhat what we're doing on scene and can help more.
 
The officers around here all have CPR/First aid, but that is it. Basically they know enough first aid to try and control/stop bleeding until we get there.

Aside from tactical teams, the only agencies that I know of that want their officers to be EMTs are some Indian reservations or super rural departments. Some airports also have people trained as police, fire and ems.
 
And Public Safety Departments like in Highland Park, Texas.
 
I had always been under the impression that LEOs had to at the very least be trained to the EMR/First Responder level?
 
Depends upon the state training requirements. Some of them will get FR certification from the academy, but those that do are generally not required to keep it current or recert.
 
EpiEMS said:
I had always been under the impression that LEOs had to at the very least be trained to the EMR/First Responder level?
Click to expand...

False. Some agencies may require it but I'd bet those systems are the minority. CPR/AED and first aid are pretty standard.

I know our rural NHP guys are MFR level and carry a jump bag, o2 bag and an AED but in BFE Nevada you might be waiting a long time for any other help.
 
so you def dont need EMT certs sounds like. but it might look good? just wondering if its a good job to pursue
 
Is it something that you want to do?

Even if you have your EMT cert if you're working as a LEO you can't provide anything beyond first-aid type care. You won't have a medical director.

I see what you're saying and I'm sure it may help you on your application/resume however I'm sure there are other things they like to see that hold more weight than an EMT cert.

Just my .02
 
It can't hurt. If you have the time to put into it and the cash to pay for the school I'd say go for it. If nothing else it would allow you to volunteer which would definetly look good when applying for LE jobs. You might also want to ask your question on a law enforcement forum to get some opinions from the other side.
 
Not sure, never really thought about it before. I just know the area which I live is very difficult to get employment into EMS
 
The first place I volunteered in Minnesota required all of their police to cross train as EMT-Bs.

Since it was a fairly small town, police were almost always first on scene.
 
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