Minimum Requirements
High School Diploma/transcripts or G.E.D.
Current AHA BLS/CPR certification
Current NREMT EMT or CCEMSA EMT Certification
6 months or more EMS field experience in the CCEMSA region or, one year or more EMS field experience or first responder experience or acute patient care experience. EMS experience verification required.
Required upon acceptance:
Live Scan (if not on file with CCEMSA)
Physical Examination (DOT)
Drug Screen & Background Check
Immunizations to include proof of:
Hep B series (3 doses)
Varicella (2 doses)
MMR (2 doses)
Tdap (current within 5 years)
Influenza (current year)
COVID-19 (2 doses plus one booster. Exemption available)
NOTE: The Fresno County Paramedic Program is not responsible for nor have a voice in the decision of a hospital clinical site and/or field internship site student denial.
Professional Requirements
Working Conditions
EMS personnel work both indoors and outdoors in all types of weather. The shift schedule carries through 7 days per week including weekends and holidays. Full time EMS personnel may work from 40 to 80 hours each week.
Personal Ethics
Self-confident, aware of limitations; emotionally stable; able to function independently, interdependently, as part of a team; flexible and adaptable to situations that may change while maintaining control; trustworthy; dependable; honest; compassionate. Must have the ability to treat all patients with respect and dignity regardless of patient gender, ethnicity, social status, cleanliness or criminal behavior. EMS personnel must be able to keep appropriate information confidential.
Necessary Physical Skills & Abilities
Many EMS personnel are required to do considerable heavy lifting, kneeling, and bending. They are exposed to infectious diseases, hazardous materials, and potentially violent patients, families and bystanders. The work is not only physically strenuous, but also stressful, involving life and death situations and suffering patients.
Necessary Educational Skills & Abilities
EMS personnel are expected to read, write, and communicate in English in order to assess, treat, and communicate with other EMS providers and to fill out EMS forms. It is necessary to read maps, labels, and medical records. Math skills of adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing is mandatory in order to take vital signs, regulate IV fluids, evaluate, monitor, and administer medications.
Employer Expectations
EMS employers have an expectation that their employees will be honest, trustworthy, and dependable. They expect good work standards that include good attendance and neat appearance. They expect you to treat patients and other EMS and agency personnel with respect and dignity.
Past Actions
Past history of multiple or recent DUI's, felony convictions, misdemeanor convictions or other previous actions against your driver's license or other medical license or certification may prevent you from entering in this career.