Texas Emergency Care Attendant

January 1, 2008

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.

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