Answers

1. How do I get a job as an ambulance attendant?
   See Orange County EMT Basic Certification requirements.

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2. How do I get a copy of the state Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) form?

• Click here to download a copy from our Medical Forms page.

• Single copy request -- Contact Emergency Medical Services (714) 834-3500.

• Multiple copy request -- Contact California Medical Association.

• Click here for frequently asked questions about the DNR form.

for more information contact:
California Medical Association Headquarters
221 Main Street
P.O. Box 7690
San Francisco, CA 94120-7690
Phone: (415) 541-0900

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3. What are your office hours and are you closed for lunch?
   OCEMS is open to the public Monday-through Friday from 8am to 4:30pm and do not close for lunch.

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4. What are the requirements for a Provider’s License?
   A current California EMT-I certificate, a photo identification, a current Medical Examiner’s Card, a Department of Justice (DOJ) criminal background history report (on file with OCEMS), and a $25.00 licensing fee.

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5. I did live scan for the DMV, do I need to do a DOJ background check again and why?
   Yes, by California state law, the DOJ will not permit agencies to share the information they obtain on the DOJ report with another agency.  Therefore, you must have the DOJ Live Scan fingerprint process done again.

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6. What is a medical examiner’s card and where do I get one?
   It is a medical examination required by the Department of Transportation (DOT) for all drivers operating an emergency vehicle.  It is attesting that the operator is physically fit to operate the ambulance.  To obtain the medical examination form, you must go to DMV and ask for the form, (the green medical examination card will be attached) then take it to your personal physician for completion.

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7. How long does it take for EMS to get the results of my DOJ criminal background report?
   It takes approximately 3-5 working days, if no criminal record exists.  If there is a criminal history then it can take up to 30 working days or longer, depending on the circumstances.

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8. I have a National Registry certificate, is that a valid certificate for the State of California?
   National Registry is only accepted as a valid EMT-I certificate in 42 states.  Currently, Orange County EMS is using the National Registry exam as an approved state examination.  You will need to apply to a local EMS Agency for a California EMT-I certificate. 

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9. My EMT certificate expires in less than a week, how can I obtain Continuing Education (CE’S) Units?
   You have a couple of options, one is to go online to EMS-CE.com or EMInet.com and follow the directions for obtaining 24 hours of continuing education units.
    

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10. My EMT certificate is expiring at the end of the month, do I need to take a test again?
    Your EMT-I certificate, indicates a test date.  The State of California requires EMT’s to retest every 4 years and recertify every 2 years.

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11. Once I have turned in my completed application packet to OCEMS, how long does it take to get my card?
    You should receive your EMT-I certificate in approximately 10-15 working days. 

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12. I have some CE’s I received that are approved by the Board or Registered Nursing (BRN), are they acceptable?
    No, the BRN cannot approve Continuing Education for prehospital care.

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13. I have an out of state EMT-I certificate, what do I need to do to get certified in California?
    You will need to request an application packet from OCEMS at 714-834-3500.  You will need to complete all of the requirements for certification.

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14. What are some of the job opportunities/employers in Orange County for EMT’s?
    Hospital ER’s, private ambulance providers, lifeguard agencies and fire departments.

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15. Where is the Paramedic Program in Orange County?
    There are only two paramedic programs in Orange County: Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, 949-582-4581 and
    California Paramedic Institute in Lake Forest, 866-274-6334.

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