This page provides you with information about education and certification in the EMS field, how to get in, where to get the training, and what you need to know. It also explains the different levels of certification from a first responder to a paramedic and the hours of continuing education needed to keep your certification. For more information, contact the Kansas Board of EMS (www.ksbems.org).

What are the levels of technicians in EMS?

First Responder (FR) Emergency Medical Technician - Basic (EMT-B) Emergency Medical Technician - Intermediate (EMT-I) Emergency Medical Technician - Defibrillator (EMT-D) Emergency Medical Technician - Intermediate - Defibrillator (EMT-I-D) Mobile Intensive Care Technician (MICT) or Paramedic Registered Nurse (RN)

How long does it take to get trained?

First Responder: approximately 80 hour course (3-4 months) Emergency Medical Technician - Basic: approximately 220 hour course (4-5 months) Emergency Medical Technician - Intermediate: EMT-B plus 60 hour course (2-3 months) Emergency Medical Technician - Defibrillator: EMT-B plus 60 hour course (2-3 months) Emergency Medical Technician - Intermediate - Defibrillator: EMT-B plus two additional 60 hour courses (5-6 months) Mobile Intensive Care Technician: EMT-B plus Associate's Degree Program (18 months) Registered Nurse: may act in an Advanced Life Support capacity, Assoc. or BS Degree

Where can I get training at?

Training is available at various community and vo-tech schools across the state. KEMSA does not endorse one program over another, but several of them are KEMSA service members.

Certification Levels
FR	The First Responder may obtain patient assessments, vital signs, control bleeding, deliver oxygen, CPR, splint, extrication and immobilization.
EMT-B	The Emergency Medical Technician - Basic may do all the of above plus place airways, monitor Intravenous fluids, and assist with medications.
EMT-I	The Emergency Medical Technician - Intermediate may do all the above including establishing an intravenous fluid and obtaining a blood sample.
EMT-D	The Emergency Medical Technician - Defibrillator may perform all the activities of an EMT plus attach a monitor and record the heart rhythm and provide defibrillation as indicated.
EMT-I-D	The Emergency Medical Technician - Intermediate - Defibrillator may do all of the above.
MICT	The Mobile Intensive Care Technician may do all the above including electrical therapy, medications, advanced airway control, and fluid therapy.

To renew your certification you need
Certification	Hours Needed every 2 years
First Responder (FR)	16
Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (EMT-B)	28
Emergency Medical Technician-Intermediate (EMT-I)	36
Emergency Medical Technician-Defibrillator (EMT-D)	36
EMT-I-D	44
Mobile Intensive Care Technician (MICT)	60