West Virginia offers 5 levels of EMT training and EMT paramedic training; six types of certified emergency medical services (EMS) personnel. They are: Emergency Vehicle Operator; Emergency Medical Technician-Minor; Emergency Medical Responder (EMR); Emergency Medical Technician; Advanced Care Technician; and Paramedic. These EMS certifications are governed by the West Virginia Bureau for Public Health Office of Emergency Services.
For certification in WV an individual:
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Successfully complete an approved emergency vehicle operator’s course.
- Submit an online application and certification fee.
- Create a CIS account.
- Complete and pass a background check.
- Submit a copy of your CPR certification card.
- Successfully complete first aid training meeting OSHA 1910.266.
- Successfully complete a WVOEMS approved MCI Awareness and Operations requirement.
- Successfully complete Hazmat Awareness training meeting on a yearly basis.
- Possess and maintain a valid unrestricted driver’s license. In addition, have a clean driving record: no conviction of driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, and/or reckless driving within two years prior to submitting an application.
Each West Virginia EMS certification level has a specific application form that can be downloaded from the West Virginia Bureau for Public Health Office of Emergency Services website and, when completed, must then be submitted to the WV Office of Emergency Medical Services.
Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) initial requirements include:
- Successfully complete an approved EMR 72 hour course from RESA.
- Successfully complete the written and practical examination of either National Registry or the State Initial Examination.
- Create a CIS account.
- Submit an online application and pay the certification fee.
- Complete and pass a background check.
- Submit a copy of your CPR certification card.
Once certified, a West Virginia Emergency Medical Responder will be able to provide the standard EMS services and treatment on the emergency scene. Emergency Medical Responders may not transport patients (class A vehicles are not considered patient transports) and can function as an attendant-in-charge only on class A (rapid response) emergency vehicles.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) initial requirements include:
The same requirements as those listed above for Emergency Medical Responder. In addition, the certification requires completion of 150 hours of an approved EMT course from RESA.
Once certified, a West Virginia Emergency Medical Technician carries out each of the duties as the First Responder. Additional duties a WV EMT can provide are: performing the full scope of WV Basic Life Support (BLS); transporting patients to a hospital or care center; serving as attendant-in-charge on class A (rapid response) and B (Basic Life Support transport) vehicle.
Advanced Care Technician initial requirements include:
- Create a CIS account.
- Submit an online application and certification fee.
- Successfully complete an ACT Education Program.
- Possess a current EMT certification.
- Complete and pass a background check.
- Submit a copy of your CPR certification card.
- Successfully complete a WVOEMS approved MCI Awareness and Operations or higher.
- Successfully complete Hazmat Awareness training meeting OSHA 1910.120 or higher.
- Successfully complete the written and practical examination with a score of 70% for the level of certification by the National Registry - I-99.
- Complete and pay for the Interactive EMS Certification Application.
- After being issued a fingerprint voucher. Take this voucher to an authorized background check provider and complete the background check process.
- Submit proof of a current approved CPR credential for the professional rescuer.
- Complete four (4) hours of Hazmat Awareness training each certification period.
The Advanced Care Technician is a relatively new EMS certification level for West Virginia and, as does the paramedic certification level, requires much more extensive training.
Once certified, a West Virginia Emergency Medical Technician carries out the same duties as the First Responder and EMT, and in addition will perform some intermediate forms of Advanced Life Support (ALS).
Paramedic initial requirements include:
- Create a CIS account.
- Submit an online application and certification fee.
- Successfully complete Paramedic Education Program.
- Possess a current EMT certification.
- Complete and pass a background check, if not done already done.
- Submit a copy of your CPR certification card.
- Successfully complete a WVOEMS approved MCI Awareness and Operations or higher.
- Successfully complete Hazmat Awareness training meeting OSHA 1910.120 or higher.
- Successfully complete the written and practical examination with a score of 70% for the level of certification by the National Registry.
The WV Paramedic delivers the highest level of care, such as administering potent drugs, high-level techniques, and administer Basic Life Support and Advanced Life Support techniques and protocols. Paramedics work as attendant-in-charge on class A, B, and C (advanced life support transport) vehicles.
Contact Information
Further information can be obtained by contacting the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources EMS Office.
West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources
350 Capitol Street / Room 425
Charleston WV, 25301
Toll Free: (888) 747-8367
OEMS Phone: (304) 558-3956