What is a Junior EMT?

<h3 id="section---JuniorEMTProgramOverview">Junior EMT Program Overview</h3> <p>Junior EMTs are adolescents who complete Junior EMT training and volunteer in their local communities. Junior EMT programs are designed to teach youth important lifesaving skills and help increase the number of applicants for EMT positions. Some Junior EMT programs are combined with Junior Firefighter programs and offer training and experience in fire response as well as medical emergencies. </p> <p>These programs are usually developed around local and state laws, regulations and restrictions. The details of a program, such as the age of program participants and the program requirements, are usually guided by state or local law. Some states have specific laws pertaining to the minimum age of riders in an ambulance, work hour restrictions, or exposure to situations that may be encountered during EMS response calls. </p> <p>How old do you have to be to be an EMT? State requirements may vary, but the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (nremt.org), the main national certification organization for EMTs, has a minimum age requirement of 18. Therefore, Junior EMT programs generally target youth just below that age, usually around 14-17 years old. </p> <p>The main goal of a junior EMT program is to show participants <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_are_the_Job_Duties_of_an_Emergency_Medical_Technician_EMT.html">what it's like to work as an EMT</a> and help prepare them for the active career when they reach legal age. </p> <h3 id="section---HowToBecomeAJuniorVolunteerEMT">How to Become a Junior Volunteer EMT</h3> <p>To become a Junior EMT, an adolescent generally must meet requirements (including age, grade, and sometimes a minimum GPA), apply and be accepted to the program (often with parental permission) and must complete training requirements. </p> <p>What is Junior EMT training? Participants must go through a training process to be prepared for the role of Junior EMT. They may learn about common job duties, emergency situations, and job stress. Participants may also be trained in areas including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid, and rescue operations. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> Prerequisites </td><td> Following acceptance into the program, participants must complete basic training with local EMTs before participating in job duties</td></tr> <tr><td> Age Requirement </td><td> usually 14-17 or older; check with local organization for specifics</td></tr> <tr><td> Possible Careers </td><td> Firefighter, Medic, EMT</td></tr> <tr><td> Continuing Education </td><td> Skills and coursework needed for <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_is_Required_for_Earning_an_Emergency_Medical_Technician_Certificate.html">EMT certification</a> at age 18</td></tr> <tr><td> Salary </td><td> None; this is a volunteer position</td></tr> <tr><td> Benefits </td><td> can lead to a career as an EMT <br /> can be valuable on a resume for college admission or job applications</td></tr> </table><h3 id="section---JuniorEMTRequirements">Junior EMT Requirements</h3> <p>Requirements are set by each agency sponsoring a Junior EMT program. Most programs have a minimum age requirement, often around age 14. Usually participants must have written approval to join the program from a parent or guardian. Programs may also require a minimum grade point average. Other requirements that may be imposed on participants include having a clean driving record, passing a background check, passing a drug screening, and completing a physical examination. </p> <h3 id="section---ParticipantsRoles">Participants' Roles</h3> <p>After completing training requirements, participants serve as junior volunteer EMTs. While on duty, a participant may assist emergency personnel with rescues, provide basic first aid, assess patients, and ride in ambulances to observe rescue operations. The program may also involve running through training drills, participating in community outreach programs, and doing community service projects to share what is being learned in the program. </p> <p>The exact activities in a program and the duties of participants are based on regulations and laws. Participants within a program may have different responsibilities based on age and experience. Program managers may assign duties based on the abilities and maturity level of each individual participant. </p> <p>Once Junior EMTs reach age 18, they are eligible (in most states) to <a href="https://learn.org/articles/EMT_Education_Requirements_Answers_to_Your_Questions.html">complete EMT training</a> and become certified as an EMT.</p>