Police Officer Preparation & Law Enforcement Resource - Archive

Is EMT training something good to have when going into law enforcement? Will it help you at all in the hiring process?

Is EMT training something good to have when going into law enforcement? Will it help you at all in the hiring process?

It's good to have, but it won't help you much, if at all, during the hiring process. You are entering LE, you will be limited in what you are expected to do EMS-wise. They will teach you everything you will need and be expected to do in the academy in terms of EMS.

I'd guess it depends on the agency. With those such as the National Park Service it's often a requirement. I saw the FBI application and it asks if you have such skills. I'm thinking the secret service one does too. Get your EMT-B certification. It's handy. People admire it althought I'm not sure why, and you might be able to supplement your income with some part-time EMS work. I did. I'm an EMT-P.

It will never hurt. All in all it isn't going to be the differance between getting hired or not (except in a couple select positions like the NPS Ranger etc) but it will look good and more over it will be benificial for YOU when you do get a job. I've been an EMT for over 15years and can't count the number of times I've used it at work. If nothing else it's always something you can fall back on for work until you move on to the next thing!

I was a Paramedic before I came into law enforcement, I still keep my certification but have only used it a handful of times in my 7 years on the streets.

I do provide responding EMS units with one hell of a primary/secondary assessment and pt. report though! :D

Thanks for the response, at the time I was thinking of pursuing the sheriff dept. They have quite a few Echo units, and are hiring a lot but I just thought more about it, and I would just rather stick to the police officer role.

Posts from the others have said it correct.

Yes, it does help in the grand scheme of things.

Many police agencies do inquire and/or require basic medical response training. Getting your EMT-B does put you one leg up in an already fiercely competitive hiring field.

I have posted this before; I believe all police agencies should require some sort of basic level medical response training to their officers.

In Minnesota, the law states that all Minnesota peace officers shall receive 1st aid training (1st responder) prior to being license eligible.

However, if the department you work for or the state you are in doesn’t require, beside padding the resume; get EMT-B or 1st responder for piece of mind.

Picture this: What are you going to do, if you partner is shot right in front of you and the nearest ambulance/ hospital is 5 - 30 minutes away? Are you going to stand there and watch him bleed and choke?

My 2 cents…

I just finished the application process. I was told by both my BI and interview board that working as an EMT in the Cities of Compton and Inglewood were a major bonus for me. They also said that there isn't much else you can do to get first hand emergency reponse skills, street smarts, and experience in dealing with the general public then "working on a 20 call a shift ambulance in the heart of the ghetto."

I just finished the application process. I was told by both my BI and interview board that working as an EMT in the Cities of Compton and Inglewood were a major bonus for me. They also said that there isn't much else you can do to get first hand emergency reponse skills, street smarts, and experience in dealing with the general public then "working on a 20 call a shift ambulance in the heart of the ghetto."

Very true.

Never hurts

Hasn't helped me any yet as far as job wise but I plan to keep it for the very fact of helping an officer if needed.

I have used the skills a few times since being a policeman.

I know at least one agency that requires you have it or at least get it after you are hired. Indian River Shores in Florida requires all their guys to have Police Officer, Firefighter, and Paramedic Certification. They are considered a "Public Safety Department" and their guys do everything. I would hope they would pay pretty decent for having to be triple certified.