The field of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is built upon foundational levels that begin with basic CPR/First Aid and end with the advanced care provided by a paramedic. Throughout EMS, you will find various levels of education that all focus toward the "chain of survival". This chain is a theoretical ideal of how patients can best be treated, whether suffering a heart attack or being involved in a motor vehicle accident.
EMT is the basic certification level that comprises the largest population of EMS responders and is often considered the backbone of EMS. EMTs perform basic life-saving skills which include: control of bleeding, stabilizing fractures, assisting patients with medications, providing oxygen and other necessities to avoid the development/progression of shock, as well as transportation to the emergency room.
EMTs in Washington state are also trained to place intermediate airway devices, administer epinephrine to patients in anaphylactic shock, and use of semi-automated external defibrillators.
The EMT 101 course is offered every fall and during the spring quarter every even year. The updated 2013 EMT course application is available at "GETTING STARTED IN THE PROGRAM" link.
AEMT
AEMT (EMT 102) is an advanced level EMS course between EMT and paramedic. It is not required to take AEMT in order to progress to paramedic. The course is offered as needed; determined by the EMS officers and fire chiefs from rural departments. CBC currently does not have any plans to hold an AEMT course. The state of Washington is in the process of updating the curriculum for this EMS level. When the new curriculum is established, CBC will advertise future offerings on this page.