Re: Texas Emergency Care Attendant

January 2, 2008

The one nice thing about youth is that you are full of enthusiasm and all

that goes with it. The other nice thing is that in time it's gone (it's a double

edged sword but you won't get that part of it till later in life). I know

that at 13 those 5 years till 18 seem like a lifetime but well listen to the

song Blink by Kenny Chessney and read the words, they are true.

I was 7 when I chased my first Engine to a working fire and I've ben doing

it ever since and managed to raise a family on the not at all times so great

pay etc. In the 1980's in NJ I was able to be a full EMT at 16 but those days

are gone right, wrong or indifferent.

In the 5 years that you have to wait for clocks to turn and calendar pages

to flip study, learn, watch, read, and if when you are in that time and place

where you can get those cards you will do very well and likely be very good

in this business.

Louis N. Molino, Sr., CET

FF/NREMT-B/FSI/EMSI

Owner and President of LNM Emergency Services Consulting Services (LNMECS)

Freelance Consultant/Trainer/Author/Journalist/Fire Protection Consultant

LNMolino@...

(Cell Phone)

(IFW/TFW/FSS Office)

(IFW/TFW/FSS Fax)

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January 2, 2008

Best of luck; a worthy goal to attempt.

Keeping up with the academics are very important. The Arlington schools have a

very good Health Science Technology program at it's high school campuses. This

would would be a good program to consider, as they include medical terminology,

pharmacology, A & P and clinical classes in the curriculum.

fullarrest wrote:

Hello everyone! Glad to be part of the group []

I'm a 13 year old from Arlington,Texas and I want to become an EMT when

I grow up. I've done a bunch of EMS ride alongs and a few Fire ride

alongs. The only thing I have right now is the 'CPR' certification. I'm

in the process of obtaining the CPR card for the new AHA guidelines, but

enough of this, I want to share what I am trying to do right now.

I know that Texas offers the 'Emergency Care Attendant (ECA)' course and

licensure. The requirements to become an ECA are: Minimum age 18, and a

high school diploma or GED except for volunteers. Obviously, I wont be

'working' on an ambulance or getting paid so I would be a volunteer. The

only other requirement that I need to meet is the minimum age of 18.

There is a problem...I am 13. I would be 14 by the time of a course

completion.

I happen to know a good friend, (last name omitted), that is a CFR

in the State of Indiana. He was given special clearence by the state to

become a CFR at a younger age thant the requirement at that time. He's a

volunteer for his local EMS System and helps on calls with

assesment/treatment within his Scope of Practice. He's shown what a 16

year old with CFR can do and has made such a good impression on the

state that they actually lowered the age of licensure to 14!

It would be a true honor if I was able to get special clearence and

prove to the state what a 14 year old can do with an ECA certification.

I am going to be asking the Texas EMS Director, Mr. Bishop, for special

clearence to become a ECA at the age of 14. The request will be in a

letter mailed to his office in which I have typed and included a few

references from EMTs that I have rode with. I know my chances arn't

high, but I will never know for sure until I ask.

There's a first for everything, and I hope to be the first person in

Texas to be given special clearence by Mr. Bishop for

Certification/Licensure.

January 2, 2008

fullarrest (you didn't include your name):

Best of luck to you. It is admirable that you are pursuing EMS at a young age.

Starting now and learning as much as you can will certainly help you as you

advance to whatever level you choose.

The link below is the only published policy on younger candidates applying for

certification status. You may gain some additional information from Mr. Bishop,

but good luck in your journey whatever the outcome.

http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/emstraumasystems/HighSchoolCandidates.shtm

Lt. Steve Lemming, AAS, LP

EMS Administration Officer

C-Shift

Azle, Texas Fire Department

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Texas Emergency Care Attendant