EMT training in Washington State is similar to many other states. Washington State EMT training begins with going through an EMT program, passing the National Registry of EMT (NREMT) exams for certification, and finally getting a Washington EMT state license. Scroll down for more detailed information about each step in the Washington State EMT training process.
How to Become an EMT in Washington State
This page will also discuss Washington EMS protocols for EMT scope of practice skills that emergency medical technicians of all levels are allowed to perform on the job.
Washington State has Emergency Medical Services (EMS) care separated into eight regions, which are pictured on the map below. Every two years the eight EMS and Trauma Care Regional Councils in Washington prepare plans to achieve overall goals within their boundaries.
The EMS plans are subject to State Department of Health review and approval, with the statewide goal being optimal care. Washington state has the simple goal to “Get the right patient to the right resources in the right amount of time.”
EMS Levels Recognized in Washington State
• Emergency Medical Responder
• Emergency Medical Technician
• Advanced Emergency Medical Technician
• Paramedic
EMT Training in Washington State
EMT training in Washington State is offered at many schools and Universities. Most Washington EMT schools only offer the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT), and Paramedic programs for study.
When signing up for a Washington Paramedic program, you want to make sure the course is accredited. For a list of accredited programs in Washington state scroll down to the bottom of this page.
Good EMT training schools will teach students to quickly respond to emergency situations and transport the sick and injured while providing life saving care. Washington State EMT training programs will prepare graduates to complete patient care assessments, identify signs and symptoms, and perform the proper patient care interventions.
After graduating from EMT training students will be able to perform life-saving skills and respond to emergency situations. Some of these life-saving skills include stabilizing fractures, controlling bleeding, and administering oxygen. Common emergency situations an EMT will respond to are cardiac arrest, motor vehicle accidents, falls, and gunshot wounds.
Washington State EMT’s also have additional training which allows them to administer epinephrine to patients in anaphylactic shock, place intermediate airway devices, and use semi-automated external defibrillators.
EMT School Requirements Washington State
Washington State EMT training programs have a set of requirements which must be met in order to be accepted into the different levels of EMT training.
Each Washington EMT training program can add requirements, but in general most schools will want the following standards met.
• EMT training in Washington State applicants can be 17 years of age prior to the first day of EMT course. However, they must be 18 years old by the end of the EMT training program.
• EMT programs in Washington State require a high school diploma or GED certificate.
• EMT training in Washington State requires applicants complete the American Heart Association BLS – CPR for the Healthcare Provider. An acceptable alternative is American Red Cross BLS – CPR for the professional rescuer. (Some EMT programs include this as part of the course instead of as a prerequisite.)
• EMT training in Washington State applicants must have a current first aid card.
• Some EMT training in Washington State will require a 4-hour Infectious Disease Prevention for EMS Provider’s class or 7 hours of HIV/AIDS education. (This is also a requirement for EMT certification in Washington.)
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