Requirements for All Members:
- CPR/AED Certification
- Bloodborne Pathogens (online)
- HIPPA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act/Privacy) (online)
- Sexual Harassment (online)
- Cell phone – AREMS uses the app I Am Responding. This app alerts members that we received a 911 call and allows members to say they are responding to the call.
Drivers:
- Age 19 or older with a clean driving record
- Emergency Vehicle Operation Course (EVOC)
- Online
- Behind the wheel, hands on training
- Map orientation
Assistants:
- Orientation on location and usage of basic equipment
- General procedures for assisting on emergency calls
EMT-Basic (EMT-B) / Basic Life Support (BLS):
Approximately 15-week/120 hour course with lectures and practical skill sessions. Cattaraugus County pays for the course and AREMS provides course materials/books. After successful completion of the course, students sit for the NYS EMT-B Certification Exams (written and practical). EMT-B topics include:
- Patient assessment
- Trauma care, such as hemorrhage control and fracture and spinal stabilization
- Managing medical emergencies
- Using Basic Life Support equipment
- CPR and AED usage
- Environmental injuries
- Emergency childbirth
Advanced EMT (AEMT), AEMT-Paramedic / Advanced Life Support (ALS):
For our experienced EMT-Bs that want to become advanced providers, two options are available – AEMT and AEMT-Paramedic. Books and the majority of the cost of the course are provided by AREMS. Due to the high cost of the Paramedic program, a written agreement stipulating minimum volunteer hours upon completion of the program is required. Advanced classes usually run 6-12 months and require significant clinical hours. Advanced topics include:
- Advanced airway management including intubation
- End tidal CO2 monitoring/capnography
- Cardiac monitoring, EKG interpretation, external pacing, cardioconversion
- IV initiation, administration of fluid and medications
- Venous blood sampling
- Pharmacology
Recertification:
All levels of EMT/AEMTs in NYS are required to recertify every three years. AREMS provides a free, 100% online program to make it easy to meet recertification requirements.
Training:
New Members
- Online classes
- Hands on, one-on-one orientation
- Mentorship during 6 month probationary period
All Members
- Monthly training for all positions to reinforce fundamental skills
- EMTs in good standing are eligible to attend local, regional and national conferences