DB>Let's put it this way, I am off ALS units in this state anyway.
DB>(Florida) I'd like to go back up north to Pennsylvania, or somewhere in
DB>that region. PA. now has life-time certification. I don't have all the
DB>particulars on how it works, yet, but I'm checking on it. Florida is
Pa ACT-82 permanently certifies paramedics.  However, paramedics are
required to maintain medical command at the local and service level.
(Meaning your local EMS council, "counties" for this end of PA, AND your
own squad.)   To do this, Paramedics must first obtain 18 credit-hours
of con-ed each year, mainatain CPR, ACLS and a trauma certification
(PHTLS, BTLS, ATLS, whatever) and finally, be approved by the service's
medcical director which may involve some special requirements (our doc
mandated PHTLS for everyone, regardless of whatever other class you
took, and also the inservices on transtracheal jet ventillators and
AutoVent 2000's.)
Paramedics who do not have command MAY NOT serve as EMT-B's unless they
either downgrade their certification (just a paperwork thing) or regain
command.  They MAY serve as an EMT-B for a BLS service as long as they
have maintained command eligibility as an EMT-P (since they can't
actually funtion as an EMT-P for the BLS service)
...So you're a paremedic for life, but your just can't do anything if
you don't have command authorization.  This does allow for "sebaticals"
or long-term  injury-time without losing your license, but you'll just
need to requalify with your medical director upon your return to duty.
EMT-B's are required to obtain 24 credit-hours of con-ed in their
three-year cert.  If they do so, they are recertified.
Good luck in PA!
Michael "Boz" Garvin, EMT-P/instructor
DB>students to drop ET tubes, yet won't let them do it in the field. Much
DB>the same as they did with EOA's and MAST suits. They won't even
DB>consider EMT-advanced, and fluid therapy either.
DB>My plan though is to get back in the air. I flew long distance fixed
DB>wings flights over half the world, and have also done Medevac chopper
DB>flights. THAT is what I want to do, get my RN and fly on the Medevac
DB>choppers. That is really my chief love, flying. (Now of course, I just
DB>got smacked by my favorite blonde! She says SHE is my first love. OUCH!
DB>Lisa, cut it out!((She may be beautiful, six foot tall, and sexy, but
DB>man she packs a wallop!)) )
DB>I'd like to do that , and work on a ground unit part-time. Get back to
DB>my roots. I MISS ALS alot, but the time away is going to be well worth
DB>it in the long run.
DB>--- Platinum Xpress/Win/Wildcat5! v2.0
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