[29 Pa.B. 903]
[Continued from previous Web Page] (c) Recertification. A first responder shall apply for recertification between 1 year and 60 days prior to expiration of the first responder's certification from the Department. Failure to apply for recertification in a timely manner may result in the individual not being recertified before the prior certification expires. The Department will recertify as a first responder an individual who meets the following qualifications:
* * * * * (3) [Successfully completes] Has successfully completed one of the following:
* * * * * (d) [Reciprocal certification] Certification by endorsement.
(1) [The Department will grant first responder certification to an individual who is currently certified as a first responder in another state who meets the following qualifications:] For an individual who is 16 years of age or older and who is currently certified in another state as a first responder or as a person with similar responsibilities, the Department will endorse the following qualifications as equivalent to those in subsection (b):
(i) [Completes an application on a form prescribed by the Department] Successful completion of training curriculum which meets or exceeds the standards for the training course prescribed by the Department in subsection (b)(1)(iii).
(ii) [Is 16 years of age or older.] Successful completion of a written examination for first responder certification, or an equivalent certification, which is determined by the Department to meet or exceed the standards of the written examination prescribed by the Department under subsection (b)(1)(iv).
(iii) [Can demonstrate successful completion of a first responder training curriculum which is recognized by the Department as meeting or exceeding standards for the curriculum in the first responder training course approved by the Department, within the 2 years preceding submission of the application, or, in the alternative, successfully completes the Pennsylvania first responder training course approved by the Department.] Successful completion of a practical skills examination for first responder certification, or an equivalent certification, which is determined by the Department to meet or exceed the standards of the practical skills examination prescribed by the Department under subsection (b)(1)(v).
[(iv) Has successfully completed written and practical certification examinations recognized by the Department as meeting or exceeding the standards of the examinations prescribed by the Department.]
(2) An individual whose first responder certification or equivalent certification in another state is expired at the time of application may seek to have the satisfaction of paragraph (1)(i) endorsed as equivalent to the satisfaction of subsection (b)(1)(iii), but will [meet the requirements in paragraph (1)(i)--(iii)] not be considered by the Department for endorsement of qualifications under paragraph (1)(ii) or (iii), and shall successfully complete the first responder practical skills and written knowledge [examination] examinations prescribed by the Department after applying for certification through examination.
(3) [Reciprocal certification] Certification under this subsection is valid for 3 years. Upon expiration of [reciprocal] that certification, the individual [to whom the Department granted reciprocal certification] shall meet the requirements for recertification in subsection (c).
(e) Scope of practice. (1) A first [responder shall have authority to provide the following BLS services:] responder's scope of practice includes the BLS services which may be performed by an ambulance attendant as set forth in § 1003.21(c) (relating to ambulance attendant), if the first responder has been trained to perform those services.
[(1) Patient assessment and evaluation.
(2) Pulmonary or cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
(3) Administration of oxygen via an oxygen mask, nasal cannula, a bag valve mask or a manually operated positive valve unit.
(4) Application of oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airways and pocket masks.
(5) Oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal suctioning.
(6) Emergency medical treatment prescribed within the first responder training program for bleeding, shock, burns, heat and cold emergencies, poisoning, fractures and childbirth.
(7) Use of an automatic external defibrillator, when the use is approved by the regional EMS council in accordance with criteria established by the Department.
(8) Use of spinal immobilization devices.
(9) Use of Department approved automatic ventilators and pulse oximetry when approved by the medical director for the ambulance service after appropriate training.
(10) Other BLS services authorized by Department-approved regional EMS council transfer and medical treatment protocols or under medical command.]
(2) A first responder' s scope of practice also includes other BLS services taught in a first responder training course approved by the Department, if the first responder has received training to perform those services in the course, in a course which is determined by the Department to meet or exceed the standards of a first responder training course preapproved by the Department, or in a course for which a first responder may receive continuing education credit towards recertification, and is able to document having received the training.
(3) The Department will publish in the Pennsylvania Bulletin, at least annually, a list of the services taught in first responder training courses most recently approved by the Department.
(4) If the approved course is not offered by the Department, the Department may exclude from the published list, services taught which the Department determines are not appropriate services to be performed by a first responder.
§ 1003.23. EMT.
(a) Roles and responsibilities.
[(1) The scope of practice of an EMT includes the BLS services which may be performed by a first responder under § 1003.22(e) (relating to first responder) and other BLS services involved in the rescue, triage and transfer and transport of emergency and nonemergency patients, under section 11(e) of the act (35 P. S. § 6931(e)) and in accordance with the Department of Transportation EMT National Standard Curriculum, and amendments and revisions thereto.
(2) An EMT's scope of practice shall be limited to the activities listed in paragraph (1), except if the Secretary authorizes an EMT to perform additional activities.]
An EMT may perform, in a prehospital, interhospital or emergency care setting in a hospital, or during the transfer of convalescent or other nonemergency cases, the BLS services set forth in subsection (e), to prevent loss of life or aggravation of physiological or psychological illness or injury. This section does not prohibit an EMT from providing BLS services as a good Samaritan.
(b) Certification.
(1) [To qualify for EMT certification, an individual shall:] The Department will certify as an EMT an individual who meets the following qualifications:
(i) [Successfully complete a basic EMT training course approved by the Department] Completes an application on a form prescribed by the Department.
(ii) [Successfully complete an EMT practical skills examination developed by the Department and administered by the Department] Is 16 years of age or older.
(iii) [Successfully complete a written EMT examination developed by the Department and administered by the Department] Has successfully completed an EMT training course approved by the Department.
(iv) [Possess current CPR certification] Has successfully completed a written EMT examination prescribed by the Department.
(v) [Be at least 16 years of age or older] Has successfully completed an EMT practical skills examination prescribed by the Department.
(2) The Department will also certify as an EMT an individual who completes an application on a form prescribed by the Department and who has one of the following:
* * * * * (c) [Reciprocal certification] Certification by endorsement.
(1) [An individual who possesses EMT certification from another state may qualify for reciprocal certification as an EMT in this Commonwealth. Applications shall be submitted to the regional EMS councils. The Department has the authority to make the final decision on the applications.
(2) Reciprocal certification may be granted to EMTs from states that the Department has formal reciprocity agreements with if:
(i) The applicant is currently certified or licensed in a state with reciprocity agreements with the Commonwealth.
(ii) The applicant successfully completed written and practical exams within 2 1/2 years of application.
(iii) The current certification has an expiration date of more than 6 months from date of application.
(iv) If the current certification remaining is less than 6 months, the applicant shall successfully complete written and practical Pennsylvania EMS certification exams.
(v) The applicant completes the student registration form and a request for reciprocity form provided by the Department. The applicant shall attach a copy of incoming State certification or license to the request for reciprocity form.
(3) Certification may be granted to applicants with certification or National registry from states without formal reciprocity agreements if:
(i) The applicant is currently certified or licensed as an EMT.
(ii) The applicant provides written verification of completion of an EMT-NSC National Standard Curriculum Course.
(iii) The applicant successfully completes Pennsylvania written and practical certification exams.
(iv) The current certification has an expiration date of more than 6 months from date of application.
(4) EMT certification may be granted to applicants currently certified by the military, if:
(i) The applicant provides written verification of successful completion of an EMT-NSC course.
(ii) The applicant successfully completes Pennsylvania written and practical certification exams.
(iii) Current certification has an expiration date of more than 6 months from date of application.
(5) Reciprocal certification may be granted with an expiration date of 3 years from the date the certification was issued by the incoming state.
(6) Pennsylvania residents who have been granted reciprocity in this Commonwealth and currently need recertification shall take the Department's practical and written certification examinations.]
For an individual who is 16 years of age or older and currently certified as an EMT in another state, the Department will endorse the following qualifications as equivalent to those in subsection (b):
(i) Successful completion of EMT training curriculum that meets or exceeds the standards of the training course prescribed by the Department under subsection (b)(1)(iii).
(ii) Successful completion of a written examination for EMT certification which is determined by the Department to meet or exceed the standards of the written examination prescribed by the Department under subsection (b)(1)(iv).
(iii) Successful completion of a practical skills examination for EMT certification which is determined by the Department to meet or exceed the standards of the practical skills examination prescribed by the Department under subsection (b)(1)(v).
(2) An individual whose EMT certification in another state is expired at the time of application may seek to have the satisfaction of paragraph (1)(i) endorsed as equivalent to the satisfaction of subsection (b)(1)(iii), but will not be considered by the Department for endorsement of qualifications under paragraph (1)(ii) or (iii), and shall successfully complete the EMT practical skills and written examinations prescribed by the Department after applying for certification through examination.
(3) Certification under this subsection is valid for 3 years. Upon expiration of that certification the individual shall meet the requirements for recertification in subsection (d).
(d) Recertification. An EMT shall apply for recertification between 1 year and 60 days prior to expiration of the EMT's certification from the Department. Failure to apply for recertification in a timely manner may result in the individual not being recertified before the prior certification expires. The Department will recertify as an EMT an individual who meets the following qualifications:
* * * * * (3) [Files with the Department proof of successful completion of] has successfully completed one of the following:
* * * * * (e) [EMT instructor certification] Scope of practice.
[(1) To qualify for EMT instructor certification an individual shall:
(i) Be 18 years of age or older.
(ii) Successfully complete an EMT instructor course as provided by the Department or possess at least a bachelor's degree or teacher's certification in secondary education.
(iii) Possess current certification as an EMT or EMT-paramedic.
(iv) Possess current certification in CPR.
(v) Possess a minimum of 1 year's experience functioning at the EMT or EMT-paramedic level providing prehospital care.
(vi) Possess demonstrated competence in teaching the didactic and practical skills portions of the curriculum. The Department is responsible for assessing an instructor's competence.
(vii) Possess recommendations from the regional EMS council and an approved training institute that the individual be certified as an instructor.
(2) EMT instructor certification shall expire concurrently with the individual's EMT or EMT-paramedic certification.]
An EMT's scope of practice, under medical command direction or utilization of the Statewide BLS medical treatment protocols, includes the BLS services which may be performed by a first responder as set forth in § 1003.22(e) (relating to first responder) and the following:
(1) Administration to a patient or assisting a patient to administer drugs previously prescribed for that patient, as specified in the Statewide BLS medical treatment protocols.
(2) Transportation of a patient with an indwelling intravenous catheter without medication running.
(3) Other BLS services taught in a basic training program for EMTs approved by the Department, if the EMT has received training to perform those services in such a course, in a course which is determined by the Department to meet or exceed the standards of a training program for EMTs preapproved by the Department, or in a course for which an EMT may receive continuing education credit towards recertification, and is able to document this training. The Department will publish in the Pennsylvania Bulletin, at least annually, a list of the services in the most recent basic training program for EMTs approved by the Department. If the approved course is not offered by the Department, the Department may exclude from the published list, services taught which the Department determines are not appropriate services to be performed by an EMT.
[(f) Instructor recertification
(1) To qualify for recertification as an EMT instructor, an individual shall:
(i) Receive favorable ratings from the Department during annual reviews of the instructor under actual classroom conditions.
(ii) Provide documentation to the Department that the instructor did a minimum of 20 hours of teaching per year.
(iii) Possess current certification as an EMT or an EMT-paramedic.
(iv) Possess current certification in CPR.
(v) Possess recommendations for recertification from the regional EMS council and an approved training institute.
(vi) Complete additional continuing education requirements established and approved by the Department.
(2) EMT instructor recertification shall expire concurrently with the individual's EMT or EMT-paramedic recertification.]
§ 1003.23a. EMS instructor certification.
(a) Qualifications for certification. The Department will issue an EMS instructor certification to an individual who meets the following requirements:
(1) Has completed an application for EMS instructor certification on a form prescribed by the Department.
(2) Is 18 years of age or older.
(3) Has successfully completed an EMS instructor course approved by the Department, or possesses a bachelor's degree in education or a teacher's certification in education.
(4) Has successfully completed an EMT-Basic transition program or update, or has completed an EMT-Basic course.
(5) Possesses current certification as an EMT or EMT-paramedic, or recognition as a health professional.
(6) Possesses current certification in CPR.
(7) Possesses at least 1 year experience functioning at the EMT, EMT-paramedic or health professional level providing prehospital care.
(b) Renewal of instructor certification. An EMS instructor certification is valid for 3 years. The Department will renew an EMS instructor certification for an individual who meets the following requirements:
(1) Has completed an application for renewal of an EMS instructor certification on a form prescribed by the Department.
(2) Has demonstrated competence in teaching the didactic and practical skills portions of the curriculum.
(3) Has provided documentation to the Department to establish that the individual conducted at least 20 hours of teaching per year.
(4) Possesses current certification as an EMT or EMT-paramedic, or recognition as a health professional.
(5) Possesses current certification in CPR.
(6) Has completed an EMS instructor update program within 3 years prior to applying for renewal of certification.
§ 1003.24. EMT-paramedic.
(a) Roles and responsibilities.
(1) An [individual who is certified by the Department as an] EMT-paramedic [and] who has been granted medical command authorization under § 1003.28 (relating to medical command authorization), or an individual who is a student in an approved EMT-paramedic training program under the supervision of an approved preceptor, may provide in a prehospital, interhospital or in an emergency care setting in a facility, or during the transfer of convalescent or other nonemergency cases, BLS services which may be performed by an EMT as set forth in § 1003.23(a) and (e) (relating to EMT), as well as the ALS services [listed] in subsection (d) to prevent loss of life or aggravation of physiological or psychological illness or injury. This section does not prohibit an EMT-paramedic from providing EMS as a Good Samaritan.
(2) An EMT-paramedic who does not have or chooses not to maintain medical command authorization [in accordance with] under § 1003.28 may apply to the Department for certification as an EMT. The rules applicable to certification of an EMT-paramedic as an EMT are in § 1003.23(b)(2) [(relating to EMT)]. An EMT-paramedic without medical command authorization who is certified as an EMT may provide only the BLS services within an EMT's scope of practice as set forth in § 1003.23(a) and (e) until the EMT-paramedic has regained medical command authorization in accordance with § 1003.28. Following loss of medical command authorization, an EMT-paramedic may function as an EMT for the ALS ambulance service under which the EMT-paramedic has lost medical command authorization, for 30 days without securing EMT certification, if approval to do so is granted by the ALS service medical director for that ALS ambulance service.
(b) Certification.
(1) [To be certified as an EMT-paramedic, an individual shall] The Department will certify as an EMT-paramedic an individual who meets the following qualifications:
(i) Completes an application on a form prescribed by the Department.
[(i)] (ii) Possesses current certification as an EMT.
(iii) Is 18 years of age or older.
[(ii) Successfully complete] (iv) Has successfully completed a training course for EMT-paramedics approved by the Department.
[(iii) Successfully complete] (v) Has successfully completed a practical examination of EMT-paramedic skills[, as verified by the medical director of the training program on a form provided by the Department.
(iv) Possess current CPR certification.
(v) Successfully complete] (vi) Has successfully completed a written examination for EMT-paramedics administered by the Department.
[(vi) Be 18 years of age or older.
(2) An individual who possesses EMT-paramedic certification from another state or National registry may qualify for EMT-paramedic certification in this Commonwealth by meeting the Department's requirements for reciprocity in § 1003.23(c).
(3)] (2) [The Department will consider an] An individual certified as an EMT-paramedic [to be] is permanently certified as an EMT-paramedic, subject to disciplinary action under section 11(j.1) of the act (35 P. S. § 6931(j.1)) and § 1003.27 (relating to disciplinary and corrective action).
[(4)] (3) ***
(c) Transition of EMT-paramedic I and EMT-paramedic II certification to EMT-paramedic.
(1) Current certification by the Department as an EMT-paramedic II is equivalent to certification as an EMT-paramedic. After June 30, 1989, EMT-paramedic II certifications will not be issued by the Department. Only certification as an EMT-paramedic will be issued after June 30, 1989.
(2) Certification as an EMT-paramedic I will not be issued after June 30, 1989. Individuals currently certified as an EMT-paramedic I shall successfully complete additional certification requirements as determined by the Department to bring them up to the level of EMT-paramedic by June 30, 1989, or their certification will revert to the status of an EMT for the remainder of their certification period.]
Certification by endorsement.
(1) For an individual who is 18 years of age or older and who is currently certified in another state as an EMT-paramedic, the Department will endorse the following qualifications as equivalent to those in subsection (b):
(i) Certification as an EMT-paramedic in the other state instead of current certification as an EMT in this Commonwealth.
(ii) Successful completion of EMT-paramedic training curriculum that meets or exceeds the standards of the training course prescribed by the Department under subsection (b)(1)(iv).
(iii) Successful completion of a written examination for EMT-paramedic certification which is determined by the Department to meet or exceed the standards of the written examination prescribed by the Department under subsection (b)(1)(vi).
(iv) Successful completion of a practical skills examination for EMT-paramedic certification which is determined by the Department to meet or exceed the standards of the practical skills examination prescribed by the Department under subsection (b)(1)(v).
(2) An individual whose EMT-paramedic certification in another state is expired at the time of application may seek to have the satisfaction of paragraph (1)(ii) endorsed as equivalent to the satisfaction of subsection (b)(1)(iv), but will not be considered by the Department for endorsement of qualifications under paragraph (1)(i), (iii) or (iv), and shall successfully complete the EMT-paramedic practical skills and written examinations prescribed by the Department after making application for certification through examination.
(d) Scope of practice. An EMT-paramedic's scope of practice includes the BLS services which may be performed by an EMT as [set forth] in § 1003.23(a) and (e) and the ALS services set forth in this subsection. An EMT-paramedic, with medical command authorization, following the order of a medical command physician, or use of Department approved transfer and medical treatment protocols as authorized by the ALS service medical director, may:
* * * * * (10) Perform [vagal] Valsalva maneuvers.
* * * * * (19) Perform other ALS services [authorized by the Department-approved regional EMS council transfer and medical treatment protocols] taught in a training course for EMT-paramedics approved by the Department, if the EMT-paramedic has received training to perform those services in such a course, in a course which is determined by the Department to meet or exceed the standards of a training course for EMT-paramedics preapproved by the Department, or in a course for which an EMT-paramedic may receive continuing education credit towards qualifying for medical command authorization, and is able to document this training. The Department will publish, at least annually, a list of the ALS services taught in the most recent training course for EMT-paramedics approved by the Department. If the approved course is not offered by the Department, the Department may exclude from the published list, services taught which the Department determines are not appropriate services to be performed by an EMT-paramedic.
§ 1003.25a. Health professional physician.
[(a) Basic qualifications.] Physicians who have education and continuing education in ALS services and prehospital care may [participate in EMS teams] function as a member of the crew on an ambulance as a health [professionals] professional. This section does not prohibit a health professional physician from providing EMS as permitted under 42 Pa.C.S. § 8331 (relating to medical good Samaritan civil immunity).
[(b) Minimum qualifications At a minimum, a health professional physician shall:
(1) Be a practicing physician.
(2) Possess valid CPR certification.
(3) Possess valid ACLS certification.
(4) Possess current certification as an EMT-paramedic, or successfully complete a prehospital health professional training program approved by the Department and a practical skills evaluation and written examination administered by the Department.
(c) Recognition of current practitioners who are physicians. A 1-year grace period after the approval of a prehospital physician course will permit an individual currently working in the prehospital setting to challenge the practical or written portion, or both, of the physician prehospital exam format under the following conditions:
(1) The physician shall take written and practical prehospital physician exams and possess:
(i) A valid license to practice in this Commonwealth as a Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathy.
(ii) Evidence of participation in an educational program sponsored by a hospital or regional training institute intended to provide the physician with the knowledge and skills needed to provide an advanced level of prehospital care, including physical assessment, immobilization and stabilization, patient extrication, airway management, EKG and rhythm interpretation and pharmacology.
(iii) A letter of support from a director of a medical command facility specific to challenging the exams.
(2) The physician need take only the practical prehospital physician exam and possess:
(i) A valid license to practice in this Commonwealth as a Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathy.
(ii) Evidence of participation in an educational program sponsored by a hospital or regional training institute intended to provide the physician with the knowledge and skills needed to provide an advanced level of prehospital care, including physical assessment, immobilization and stabilization, patient extrication, airway management, EKG and rhythm interpretation and pharmacology.
(iii) Board certification in an appropriate specialty or a residency in an emergency medicine residency program or currently advanced cardiac life support and advanced trauma life support course certified.
(iv) A letter of support from a director of a medical command facility specific to challenging the exams.
(d) Health professionals with specialty transport teams. For the purposes of § 1005.10(d) (relating to licensure standards), a physician may function as a health professional for specialty transport situations when operating under institutional policies and procedures approved by the Department.]
§ 1003.25b. Prehospital registered nurse.
(a) Roles and responsibilities.
(1) A prehospital registered nurse who has medical command authorization under § 1003.28 (relating to medical command authorization) may provide the ALS services in § 1003.24(d) (relating to EMT-paramedic) and those listed in subsection (c) in addition to the BLS services in § 1003.23(a) and (e) (relating to EMT) to respond to the perceived needs of an individual for immediate medical care in an emergency. This section does not prohibit a prehospital registered nurse from providing EMS as permitted under 42 Pa.C.S. § 8331 (relating to medical good Samaritan civil immunity).
(2) A prehospital registered nurse who does not have or chooses not to maintain medical command authorization may apply to the Department for recognition as an EMT. The rules applicable to certification of a prehospital registered nurse as an EMT are set forth in § 1003.23(b)(2). Following loss of medical command authorization, a prehospital registered nurse may function as an EMT for the ALS ambulance service under which the prehospital registered nurse has lost medical command authorization, for 30 days without securing EMT certification, if approval to do so is granted by the ALS service medical director for that ALS ambulance service.
(b) Recognition of a prehospital registered nurse.
(1) The Department will recognize as a prehospital registered nurse a [licensed] registered nurse who meets the following qualifications:
* * * * * (iii) Has successfully completed the American Heart Association or American Red Cross basic cardiac life support training program and the [American Heart Association advanced cardiac life support training program] ACLS course, or other programs determined by the Department to meet or exceed the standards of the specified programs.
* * * * * (2) A [licensed] registered nurse who received recognition as a health professional registered nurse under the voluntary health professional registered nurse recognition program conducted by the Department prior to September 2, 1995, will be deemed to have Department recognition as a prehospital registered nurse.
(3) Department recognition of a prehospital registered nurse under [paragraphs (1) and (2) will be] this section is permanent subject to disciplinary action under section 11(j.1) of the act (35 P. S. § 6931(j.1)) and § 1003.27 (relating to disciplinary and corrective action).
* * * * * (c) Scope of practice. A prehospital registered nurse with medical command authorization may perform, in addition to those services within an EMT-paramedic's scope of practice, [the following services:
(1) Those] other ALS services authorized by The Professional Nursing Law (63 P. S. §§ 221--225.5)[.]
[(2) Other ALS services authorized by the Department-approved regional EMS council transfer and medical treatment protocols.
(3) Other ALS services authorized by medical command in the case of a prehospital registered nurse who functions on an air ambulance service], when authorized by a medical command physician through either on line medical command or standing treatment protocols.
(d) Recognition by endorsement.
(1) The Department will grant recognition as a prehospital registered nurse to an individual who has served in a similar capacity in another state and who meets the following qualifications:
(i) Completes an application on a form prescribed by the Department.
(ii) Is 18 years of age or older.
(iii) Has successfully completed the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross basic life support training program and the ACLS course, or other programs determined by the Department to meet or exceed the standards of the specified programs.
(iv) Is licensed as a registered nurse in both this Commonwealth and another state.
(v) Has successfully completed either of the following:
(A) The written ALS examination for prehospital registered nurses approved by the Department and the EMT practical skills examination.
(B) Written and practical skills examinations determined by the Department to meet or exceed the examinations approved by the Department.
(vi) Has successfully completed one of the following:
(A) The Pennsylvania prehospital registered nurse curriculum adopted by the Department.
(B) A knowledge and skills assessment process adopted by the Department.
(C) Curriculum or a knowledge and skills assessment process, which is determined by the Department to meet or exceed the standards adopted by the Department.
§ 1003.26. Rescue personnel.
(a) Basic rescue practices technician.
(1) Roles and responsibilities. A [certified] basic rescue practices technician is [authorized] an individual certified by the Department as possessing the training and skills to perform rescue skills in accordance with the basic rescue practices course approved by the Department. A [certified] basic rescue practices technician utilizes basic tools and equipment of the rescue service [and is responsible for employing these tools, equipment and techniques] to perform a safe and efficient rescue operation.
* * * * * (b) Basic vehicle rescue technician.
(1) Roles and responsibilities. A [certified] basic vehicle rescue technician is [authorized] an individual certified by the Department as possessing the training and skills to perform rescue skills in accordance with the basic vehicle rescue course approved by the Department [which]. That program provides the student with the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve the rescue of persons involved in automobile accidents [on highways].
* * * * * (c) [Specialized] Special vehicle rescue technician.
(1) Roles and responsibilities. A [person certified in specialized] special vehicle rescue [training is authorized] technician is an individual certified by the Department as possessing the training and skills to perform [rescue skills] rescues in accordance with the specialized rescue training course approved by the Department.
* * * * * (3) Minimum qualifications. An individual shall complete a training program approved by the Department for a specific level of specialized vehicle rescue performance, and also shall successfully complete a written examination developed by the Department and administered by the Department.
(d) Rescue instructor [roles and responsibilities.
(1) Rescue instructors shall:
(i) Follow the prescribed course of instruction in leading the student to mastery of unit's objectives and finally to mastery and accomplishment of successfully reaching the course objective.
(ii) Assure that teaching aids are present and in operating condition.
(iii) Assure that tools, equipment and support materials are present and in operating condition.
(iv) Set-up the classroom facility to permit a comfortable, yet successful, learning environment.
(v) Assure that field training facilities are sufficient to meet the needs of the practice phase of the training program.
(vi) Obtain and prepare classroom materials and exercises which reflect local resources, policies and practices.
(vii) Keep discussion oriented toward basic rescue practices.
(viii) Prepare practice and remedial activities, as required, to permit students to meet stated objectives.
(ix) Assign responsibilities to assistant instructors.
(x) Supervise assistant instructors.
(xi) Monitor and evaluate student and assistant instructor attendance, and performance.
(xii) Maintain records of student and instructor attendance, performance evaluation and knowledge levels.
(xiii) Provide recommendations for course improvement.
(2) At a minimum, rescue instructors shall:
(i) Be certified as an EMT by the Department, and be certified in the fundamentals of firefighting.
(ii) Successfully complete a course of instruction in the techniques and philosophy of teaching. One of the following shall be submitted as proof of completion of this requirement:
(A) A baccalaureate degree with an education major.
(B) State certification as an EMT-instructor.
(C) State certification as a fire service instructor.
(iii) Successfully complete the Basic Rescue Practices Training Program which they intend to teach.
(iv) Be certified as a rescue instructor by the Department.
(v) Be able to demonstrate their ability to operate every tool and piece of equipment identified on the minimum equipment list in a manner above the average person's ability to perform.
(vi) Agree to actively participate in the presentation of at least one certified basic rescue course per year in order to maintain their instructor certification.
(3) The Department will give special consideration to competent instructors who do not meet the requirements in paragraph (2)(ii)(A)--(C). The candidate shall submit a letter to the Department of Health, Division of Emergency Medical Services, Post Office Box 90, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17108.] The Department will develop a program providing for the certification of rescue instructors. Courses that seek Department approval as a rescue training course shall be taught by certified rescue instructors.
(e) Certificates. The rescue technician certifications issued by the Department under this section do not constitute a legal prerequisite to performing rescues. The rescue instructor certifications issued by the Department under this section do not constitute a legal prerequisite to serving as a rescue instructor in programs other than rescue training courses approved by the Department. The Department approves the rescue programs and issues the certifications referenced within this section to promote the Statewide EMS system having an adequate number of personnel with sufficient training and skills to perform rescues.
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