EMT and paramedic training, licensing and certification in Maine are governed by the Maine EMS, a bureau within the Maine Department of Public Safety.
The state of Maine has 5 levels of certification:
- Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) – (previously First Responder)
- Ambulance Attendant - No new licenses at this level were issued after September 1, 2024
Effective December 2014, Maine’s EMS-licensed Ambulance Attendant licenses converted to the EMR level, maintaining the same expiration date as that of the Ambulance Attendant license it replaced. - Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) – (previously EMT-Basic)
- Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) – (EMT-Intermediate)
- Paramedic – (previously EMT Paramedic)
Note: EMT - Critical Care (EMT-CC) - No new licenses issued at this level since Jan. 1998. Effective June 2016, Maine-EMS Critical Care licenses converted to the AEMT level, maintaining the same expiration date as the Critical Care license it replaces.
Once certifications are met, the licensure will perform the following for each level:
Emergency Medical Responder level: may operate without the supervision of another Maine EMS licensee at the scene of a medical emergency until such time that a person licensed above the EMR level arrives at the scene. Once on the scene, personnel licensed above the Emergency Medical Responder level are responsible for supervising Emergency Medical Responder licensed personnel, who may not operate without such supervision. Final patient immobilization for transport, patient loading, and patient care during transport must be directly supervised by personnel licensed above the Emergency Medical Responder level. Any basic emergency medical treatments not contained in the current EMR course curriculum approved by Maine EMS may only be performed while assisting, and in the presence of personnel licensed above the EMR level.
Emergency Medical Technician A person licensed at the EMT level may, in addition to basic emergency medical treatment, provide the following skills or treatments, within the scope of their training as defined by Maine EMS approved curricula:
1. IV maintenance (non-medicated fluids).
2. Under direct supervision of an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) or above, set-up of intravenous administration equipment and attachment of cardiac monitor leads to a patient.
3. Assisting a patient in the administration of the patient’s own medication.
4. Drug & medication administration, and procedures approved by the Board and as allowed by Maine EMS protocol.
C. Additions for Emergency Medical Technicians with Certification as “Wilderness EMT” may apply the principles for cardio-respiratory arrest, spinal injury, dislocations, and wounds.
Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT): All practices, skills and techniques authorized at the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) level; advanced life support airway - Blind Insertion Airway Devices; IV/IO therapy; blood sampling; cardiac monitoring/counter shock (semiautomatic external or manual); drug and medication administration.
EMT-Critical Care: All practices, skills and techniques authorized at the Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) level; advanced life support airway-endotracheal intubation; magill forceps for foreign body airway obstruction; drug and medication administration.
Paramedic: All practices, skills and techniques authorized at the Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) level; advanced life support airway-endotracheal intubation; magill forceps for foreign body airway obstruction; drug and medication, chest decompression; transtracheal insufflation; cricothyrotomy.
To become a certified EMT in the state of Maine an individual:
- must be at least 18
- must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language
- must complete a state approved EMS training course
- must have a valid driver’s license
- be physically capable of performing the practices included in the license level applied for, as approved Maine EMS functional position description
- must pass a criminal background check, and submit fingerprints through the Fingerprint Applicant Services of Maine (FAST)
- must have a high school diploma, GED or equivalent
- must pass the NREMT exam
EMS Certification licenses in the state of Maine are good for 3 years from the month they were issued.
Maine EMS training and degree programs – are available through technical programs, colleges and state approved institutions. It is important to be sure the program you are considering is state approved and accredited. The state of Maine EMS also requires the individual who has completed EMS training and paramedic training in Maine to pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam in order to be certified and licensed in the state. Once training is completed, you may to take the NREMT exam prior to submitting your state application.
Continuing Education hours required for each EMS level:
- Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) - 26 total hours: 4 hours in category 1; 8 hours in category 2; 8 hours in category 3; and 6 hours in category 6.
- Ambulance Attendant - 32 total hours: 6 hours in category 1; 10 hours in category 2; 8 hours in category 3; and 8 hours in category 6.
- EMT - 38 total hours: 8 hours in category 1; 12 hours in category 2; 8 hours in category 3; and 10 hours in category 6.
- Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) - 46 total hours: 8 hours in category 1; 6 hours in category 2; 4 hours in category 3; 16 hours in category 4; 4 hours in category 5; and 8 hours in category 6.
- EMT-CRITICAL CARE - 52 total hours: 8 hours in category 1; 7 hours in category 2; 4 hours in category 3; 18 hours in category 4; 6 hours in category 5; and 9 hours in category 6.
- PARAMEDIC - 58 total hours: 8 hours in category 1; 8 hours in category 2; 4 hours in category 3; 20 hours in category 4; 8 hours in category 5; and 10 hours in category 6.
Update: In May of 2016 these required hours changed, with additional hours required for each level of certification.
In regards to license renewal; a person is allowed to apply for a renewal license for up to 90 days after the date of expiration. The ninety-day period does not postpone the expiration date of the license. Licensees whose licenses have lapsed as of the expiration date cannot provide emergency medical treatment until a renewed license has been issued.
There are additional requirements specific to each region, and details of these are fairly common state to state. However, you should know the differences; read the articles EMT Training and EMT Paramedic Training for details
and a list of these requirements.
Maine reciprocity programs
The state of Maine does provide reciprocity for EMS personnel certified in another state. To apply, an individual must:
- complete the application from Maine EMS (found online)
- have the State EMS office you are currently certified/licensed with must complete the Verification of Certification form. Complete the top portion and send it to your current certifying State along with a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Once they complete the form, it will be returned to you. DO NOT open the envelope…just send it along with your application.
- send in a non-refundable administrative fee which must accompany your application, in the amount of $25.00 if you are applying for an Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) or an EMT license and $50.00 if you are applying for an Advanced EMT (AEMT) or Paramedic license.
- include an original of the criminal background check from the state(s) in which you have lived for the past 3 years. This report must be dated within 6 months of the application date.
NOTE: Online background checks will only be accepted from a state or federal government website. Completed applications should have all required documentation and fees included and mailed to:
Maine EMS ~ 152 State House Station ~ Augusta, ME 04333-0152
The application process takes approximately 3 weeks for the processing.
Contact Information
Maine Emergency Medical Services
Department of Public Safety
45 Commerce Drive Suite 1
Augusta, Maine 04333-0152
Phone (207) 626-3860
FAX (207) 287-6251
Email: maine.ems@maine.gov
General Licensing Questions: ems.licensure@maine.gov