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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I transfer my EMT-I Certification to California, and if so, what is required?
Answer: Out-of-state EMT-I Certification with National Registry Certification will receive reciprocity upon completion of the application process with Santa Barbara County EMS Agency. The Santa Barbara County EMT-I Certification expiration date will be the same as the National Registry Certification.
Q: What are the recertification requirements for an EMT-I?
Answer: In order to re-certify in Santa Barbara County an EMT-I must have a current EMT-I Certification. S/he must have taken 24 hours of continuing education or a 24-hour refresher course and have passed a state approved skills exam (state verification of skills form) within the past two years. Course completion certifications for continuing education credit must have an EMT-I provider number.
Q: Does Santa Barbara County require a background check for EMT-1 certification?
Answer: Yes. An EMT-I applicant is required to do a one time Live Scan Background Check through the Department of Justice.
EMT-I applicants can download the Live Scan Form from our website, or pick up the Live Scan Form at our office.
S/he will need to fill the form out, and take it to a Law Enforcement Agency for the fingerprinting process. The Department of Justice fee for background checks is $32.00 (personal or cashiers check made out to the DOJ, the law enforcement agency will mail the check and form for the applicant). The fingerprinting process is approximately $10.00 paid to the Law Enforcement Agency. The EMS Agency normally receives the Background Notification with 2-5 days of submission.
Q: Do I have to complete a background check if I've completed one with another agency?
Answer: Yes, agencies are not allowed to share information. If you have not done a background check for EMT-I certification with Santa Barbara County EMS, then you will need to complete the process in order to become certified in the county.
Q:What happens if my EMT-I certification has lapsed?
Answer: The following is required based on length of time lapsed:
0 to 6 months since lapse : 24 hours of training, skills verification, and the application process (this is the grace period).
6 to 12 months since lapse : 36 hours of training (12 additional hours of training), skills verification, and the application process
12 to 24 months since lapse : 48 hours or training (24 additional hours of training), written and skills verification (National Registry Exam), and the application process.
Greater than 24 months since lapse : Must complete the entire EMT-I Basic Course.
Q: What Continuing Education (CE) is acceptable
for re-certification in Santa Barbara County?
Answer: : Any Continuing Education hours that have been approved by the State EMS Authority are acceptable. Course completion certificates must have a continuing education provider number for EMT-I. At least 50% of the total hours must be in a format that is instructor based. Examples of state and locally approved CE are:
- Approved EMS CE provider education in California (i.e., hospitals, ambulance, fire departments).
- Online or media based (internet, magazines, etc.). An Instructor must be available 24 hours/day through phone, fax, or email. Online courses must be CA EMS State approved (check CA EMS Authority website).
- EMT instructor hours, not to exceed 50% of total hours.
- Precepting or field training (FTO) hours, not to exceed 50% of total hours.
- Advanced topics outside the EMT-I scope of practice (i.e., ACLS, PALS) that are directly related to emergency medical care. Advanced hours must have an EMS provider number on the certificate (RN and MD CE hours are not accepted).
Question: What CPR cards are accepted for EMT certification?
Answer: Health Care Provider (American Heart Association) and Professional Rescuer (American Red Cross), are accepted CPR cards. All other CPRCards must be CA state approved (check CA EMS Authority website in the First Responder Chapter 1.5 for the list of CA approved CPR classes).
Q: Where can I go to fill out paperwork for my EMT
certification?
Answer: Applicants should call for an appointment and go to:
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