Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) perform vital life saving services by responding to medical emergencies such as trauma or sudden illness.  They perform medical assessment, provide treatment, and transport to the hospital.  EMTs also perform duties such as transporting patients who require an ambulance. 

In King County, there are two levels of EMTs: EMT-Basic and EMT-Paramedic.  EMT-B certification allows the responder to provide basic life support (BLS) while EMT-P provide advanced life support (ALS).  Paramedics may perform many field procedures that Basics can’t, such as intubating patients or doing a tracheotomy.

To become a certified EMT in your state, one must complete a state approved EMT training course and then become sponsored by either a hospital or ambulance agency.  To learn more about EMTs and other subjects regarding emergency medical care, check out our Links page!

There is only a surprisingly few number of opportunities near the University of Washington to become a certified EMT compared to other parts of the nation.  The most successful and widely used route by current and past students have been through North Seattle Community College.  Although the course may be offered every quarter, it is in extremely high demand and students must score well on an entrance exam.  Husky EMS members have gone through this program and are available to help you prepare for the exam and EMT life.

To learn more about NSCC, check out their website for the EMT training course by clicking here.

After successfully completing a training program, you must become sponsored by an agency in order to receive your EMT certification from Washington state.  An option to do this is through private ambulance companies such as American Medical Response or Trimed.  Another option is to volunteer at a fire station on an aid car.  No matter where you go, you will be part of a respected and vital part of our emergency medical services.